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Apple, iOS 15, iPhone, Mac, Observation, OS Software, Tech

iOS 15 & iPhone 13 Pro: Problems, Known limitations, Issues & Highlights

Video September 26, 2021 Wiley Simms

Upgrades for hard and software, though groundbreaking and exciting, do have limitations and problems

The new upgrades for iOS 15, iPad OS 15, mac OS 12 Monterey and the rest are in many ways amazing, feature filled wonders, as we’ve discussed at every opportunity. The multi-year transition to a more unified system across all apple devices is underway and we are big supporters of the benefits.

However, nothing is perfect, and particularly in the early days it is to be expected that glitches and strange twists and turns in the journey can disappoint and confuse along the way.

Below we’ve outlined a few.

Various less than perfect ideas and execution in the OS software

Some issues are not really issues at all but things that people just don’t like. One example is the move of the address bar on safari in iOS 15 to the bottom. Many people had trouble getting used to this so a button was added to move it back to the top.

Other glitches include a false warning that you are out of storage space. Others have reported a reduction in perceived (if not real) battery life. Although these are minor annoyances and will be fixed with future updates, such as iOS 15.1 due any minute now, they show that this bug hunting is, unfortunately part of the process of any upgrade, much less a huge and important one like iOS 15.

There are also specific limitations though that should be mentioned about the iPhone 13 Pro camera system.

This issues are less bugs or errors and just limitations that may, or may not, be improved at a later date.

The new high end Pro camera system for the iPhone 13 Pro series is a major upgrade that has so many features and new capabilities that it is hard to even list them all, let alone illuminate the multitude of options and enhancements that they create.

On the obvious down side, however, a few things have jumped out at users now that these phones are in the wild.

Cinematic mode only works (currently) in 1080p. This is a serious limitation, since the whole idea of “Pro” is 4k and above. Many even go so far as to say that 1080p aka HD is no longer the standard for video and even obsolete. While there are rumors that this could get a software upgrade, perhaps even before the next iPhone model next fall, but it is not at all clear if, or when, that might happen.

This limitation is a fairly serious one, since an entire project would have to be shot at 1080p HD rather than 4k to make any use at all of the beautiful and fascinating rack-focus effects available in cinematic mode.

Less and issue but often mentioned is the inability to shoot 4k slow motion footage.

The lack of slo-mo at any resolution above 1080p is also something that has surprised aficionados. There is an option for 1080p at 240 fps, but unless you are shooting ultra high speed action that is not a hugely useful setting.

It seems odd, since a large part of the limitation is likely the large amount of data required to make this happen at 4k but there is a silver-lining here that few have mentioned in recent articles decrying the lack of 4k slow-mo options.

Since the system is already capable of shooting 4k at 60fps, and a final project setting for editing could be 4k at 30 or even 24fps, the 4k 60fps could be seen as a double speed slo-mo setting for a 4k video projects shot at 30fps for standard and 60fps for footage to be slowed to 30fps for the 1/2 speed slo-mo effect.

In the feature film 35mm celluloid days this was a very common and useful way to get slow-mo without eating up tons of expensive film stock.

Also, shooting at 4k 60fps for a 4k 24fps project would yield a 1.5 ratio of frame rate, giving an even more extreme slow-mo effect. For most slow motion effects 1 to 1.5x speed in-camera for later playback at the project rate is more than adequate.

The 120fps rate, since the top frame rate at 4k is 60fps, is, indeed, double which, as stated above, standard.

Therefore, for all practical purposes, there is already a way to produce beautiful 4k slow motion effects in a 30fps or 24fps project and have those be in camera pristine slo-mo and not the less desirable edit-only EFX.

Summing up, even with glitches and minor disappointments, it’s a beautiful world and now we just have to shoot it

If no more serious glitches or known issues pop up during the transition from iOS 14 to iOS 15, and iPhone 12 Pro to iPhone 13 Pro, we can be satisfied that this is a monumental job well done by the gang at Apple.

Though there are a lot of shortcomings that we may perceive in the new world topping combo-pack; iPhone 13 Pro Max running iOS 15.1, these are when compared to far more costly and cumbersome alternatives, or simply, when compared to our wildest dreams. Those will have to wait a few years, in all likelihood.

Human greed is a powerful thing. When given a photographic system that even attempts to approximate a profession system based on prime and zoom lenses and accessories, there’s a tendency to want it all, right now!

Of course, instead, what we get is an amazing extension of the iPhone photo tradition – taken up a bunch of notches at once. The computational enhancements are incredible and will only get better – in many cases without a new phone as they are based on AI and machine learning, which as the name implies, are continually improving while you sleep.

It is also the reason why real lenses and traditional DLSR cameras still have an important use and value.

The new system unveiled with the iPhone 13 pro is revolutionary precisely because of the potential for people to create new visual expressions and ways of communicating.

These photographic traditions and the efforts that were made in the design to emulate them are important and valuable. However, the future will benefit from the spontaneous and new ways that people will decide to use this evolving system and the current extensions of our eyes, ears and minds….

https://www.apple.com/105/media/us/iphone-13-pro/2021/404b23a8-f9c5-466c-b0e6-3d36705b959d/anim/macro-video/large.mp4

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Apple, Breaking News, iOS 15, iPhone, Observation, OS Software, Tech, Videos

Deeper Dive into iPhone 13 Pro Max Cameras after 48 Hours of Testing

Video September 26, 2021 Danny Leeds

The cameras are at the center of what makes an iPhone 13 a Pro investment

Direct hands on experience with something as complex and interesting as the new iPhone 13 Pro Max is invaluable for a useful assessment. After a few days and also taking into account some observations of others I will attempt to shed light on the state of the art of iPhone as of September 2021.

Comparing this iteration of iPhone with the previous versions is meaningful for buying decisions, but it must also be compared based on what it can do for a professional that has a need for a higher grade of gadget.

Judging and comparing the machine as a whole is also necessary, since the cameras are not cameras at all be just one part of an integrated system of visual (and audio!) production tools.

Big changes that begat others and on the circle goes

The first thing I noticed, out of the box was the sheer size of the 13 Pro Max, particularly compared to the 11 Pro Max, which was my previous workhorse. From photos I had gathered that the three cameras stuck out more and, yet they do, so much so that it is almost comical.

If you brave the world sans case and put this monster in your the back pocket of your loose fitting jeans, the bulge from the cameras will feel like you are doing something crazy, as it is as if they are rubbing against anything they touch, continuously.

That’s not all about the physical size, though. Looking at the diameter of the three circles (lenses) they appear significantly larger. Believe me, they are. Since the 11 Pro max and the 12 Pro Max have the same size triple camera layout (spec upgrades notwithstanding) this is an immediate and obvious change.

The increased size and weight of the camera itself is noticeable, more than I expected. The screen appears far larger due to the new specs and it is a bit of a shock at first, but the level of quality is the biggest and most noticeable feature.

The design logic has an implied history that jumps out once you start to use the camera system.

The changes to the three cameras are significant. After two years of using the 2019 11 Pro Max the framing options, based on the three lenses is a complete new experience.

The ultra wide 13mm equivalent is a bit of a bold and crazy choice. If I was ordering a set of lenses for a music video shoot the ultra wide might go as far as 11mm (very wide!) but that is basically an EFX look and causes an almost fish-eye look.

The 13mm is literally as wide as you can get without getting into potential “clown” territory, which is fun but not usable for a non-EFX composition.

What is odd, in a way, is that the “main” lens at 26mm equivalent is still very wide meaning that the standard 40mm equivalent, which was always considered the closest to a neutral look, is absent here.

Similarly, the telephoto lens at a 77mm equivalent is exactly the same type of choice – once again in my kit this would have been a 100mm for a deep bokeh and a noticeable sweet spot that is ultra-flattering for close ups and head shots.

The 77mm, therefore, is a long enough lens to get the magnification and emulate the look of a telephoto style. But wait, no glass no bokeh.

Both the 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max have the same sensors, optics, stabilization and features. The three cameras in the Pro models span a 6x optical focal length range.

This is where the logic of the design and how the system works, as a whole, begins to get deep.

Once you have made the commitment to not only extend the range of the entire optical focal length range to 6x the differences between a glass & steel 77mm prime lens and a “cell phone camera” must be addressed.

The 77mm requires the bokeh and relatively narrow in-focus range of a “real” telephoto lens is the stylized creative uses that a full kit of prime lenses makes possible is to be achieved.

This is addressed with the already present portrait mode – with enhanced functionality made possible by the A15 chip, the machine learning, AI and neural network – in other words software and computational assists.

And for video, cinematic mode is an absolute must – since the same bokeh effect and stylized effects are needed and desired for video.

All of this does not include the macro effects that effectively extend the range into the nearly microscopic. This feature requires a whole article, which you can check out here.

Getting to a full photographic system in your pocket, and beyond.

Once the effects and artifacts of the 77mm style glass prime lens have been added to the mix, emulated things get more interesting.

Since the bokeh and artifacts in the cinematic mode for video are computational and not photographic, they are stored separately and can be altered after the fact, just like has been the case with portrait mode all along.

This is a big deal in one way, since it could never be conceived of with traditional lenses and cameras. It also, however, one more variable to consider when putting together a large batch of footage for a project. This adds a new layer of creative flexibility, and choices to contend with.

Further, since the long lens stylizations are a byproduct of and influenced by focus settings, that has to be in the mix also. That produced the need for the cinematic mode which you can think of as a slightly stoned robot focus puller. who is also a little bit psychic.

The first robot camera assistant is already in the box when your phone arrives

Let me explain…. A real life focus puller (doing rack focus settings) in real life would function roughly as follows:

A shot is planned that requires a focus pull from one subject to another – this could be a close shot of a face panning to another face, or a close up that refocuses from the foreground to the background, for example. The focus must also factor in any movement of the camera / dolly.

The two desired subject distances are measured (using a tape measure) and the focus settings noted. In complex shots this can be multiple focus settings and a particular speed of the “rack pull” from one to the next.

Often such complex focus / dolly set ups must be rehearsed multi times just for the focus puller – so that his error does not ruin a perfect take when, for example, the actors get their best performances.

So, in the robot world practice is also good – and a plan is almost essential, but the virtual focus puller will go with the flow, and try to anticipate and predict what you want him to focus on in real time as you shoot.

This is pretty incredible and also, much like autocorrect typing, sometimes very successful and sometimes comical in the outcome. What is tricky is how to get the robot puller to know what you are trying to have as a subject if it is not a persons head or face.

Also, if the action is fast or if you are shooting something that has no pre-determined outcome or script, like a political protest or a sporting event, you will get somewhat random results.

This makes the name apt, since cinematic also implies a movie with a plot and a script.

https://www.apple.com/105/media/us/iphone-13-pro/2021/404b23a8-f9c5-466c-b0e6-3d36705b959d/anim/macro-video/large.mp4

Conclusions and a few known limitations and caveats

There are specific limitations though that should be mentioned about the iPhone 13 Pro camera system.

Cinematic mode only works (currently) in 1080p. This is a serious limitation, since the whole idea of Pro is 4k and above. There are rumors that this could get a software upgrade during the year but it is not clear if or when that will happen.

Along with the lack of slo-mo at any resolution above 1080p there is a lot of disappointment in this issue. It is the reality of how difficult the computational “assist” really is to achieve that makes this a big step that is still in the future.

It is also the reason why real lenses and traditional DLSR cameras still have an important use and value.

The new system unveiled with the iPhone 13 pro is revolutionary precisely because of the potential for people to create new visual expressions and ways of communicating.

Wide (main) cameras:

Lens Sensor Area

iPhone 13 Pro / Max 26mm equiv. F1.5 44mm2 (1/1.65″)

iPhone 12 Pro 26mm equiv. F1.6 23.9mm2 (1/2.55″)

iPhone 12 Pro Max 26mm equiv. F1.6 35.2mm2 (1/1.9″)

Pro 12MP camera system: Telephoto, Wide, and Ultra Wide cameras

Telephoto: ƒ/2.8 aperture
Wide: ƒ/1.5 aperture
Ultra Wide: ƒ/1.8 aperture and 120° field of view
3x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out; 6x optical zoom range
Digital zoom up to 15x
Night mode portraits enabled by LiDAR Scanner
Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
Portrait Lighting with six effects (Natural, Studio, Contour, Stage, Stage Mono, High‑Key Mono)
Dual optical image stabilization (Telephoto and Wide)
Sensor‑shift optical image stabilization (Wide)
Six‑element lens (Telephoto and Ultra Wide); seven‑element lens (Wide)
True Tone flash with Slow Sync
Panorama (up to 63MP)
Sapphire crystal lens cover
100% Focus Pixels (Wide)
Night mode
Deep Fusion
Smart HDR 4
Photographic Styles
Macro photography
Apple ProRAW
Wide color capture for photos and Live Photos
Lens correction (Ultra Wide)
Advanced red‑eye correction
Photo geotagging
Auto image stabilization
Burst mode
Image formats captured: HEIF and JPEG

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Entertainment, Lifestyle, Movies, Netflix, Videos

Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawerence Try to Save the World in ‘Don’t Look Up’

Video September 25, 2021 Madison Santel

Major cast bodes well for Netflix drama

Looking at the cast alone, is likely to turn out to be a must watch. With the writers and directors behind “Anchorman” and “Step Brothers” the film can’t not turn out to be hilarious!

The premise is a trending theme: doom and hopeless dystopian futures; this time there is a comet that will collide with Earth. Two astronomers (Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo Di Caprio) discover the problem, but the twist is, no one actually believes the news. Sound familiar? Just ask the Climate deniers and antivaxxers out there…

The impressive cast boasts a gaggle of untra-high-profile names including: Meryl Streep, Jonah Hill, Ron Perlman, Timothée Chalamet, Ariana Grande, Kid Cudi, Cate Blanchett, and Tyler Perry.

The comedy will have a theatrical release on December 10th and quickly be available to stream on Netflix starting on December 24th ( as a little Christmas eve gift for the rest of us, apparently).

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Hot-Lynx, Politics

Select Committee Subpoenas Individuals tied to the Former President in the Days Surrounding January 6th

Video September 25, 2021 Eric Cho

Subpoenas have been issued for documents and testimony that held close ties to then-President Trump and were either working or had communications with the White House on in the the days leading to Jan 6th. An official press release revealed four individuals have been served and include: former WH Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, former WH Deputy Chief of Staff Daniel Scavino, Defense Dept Official Kashyap Patel, and lastly former advisor Stephen Bannon.

Chairman Bennie G. Thompson wrote:

“The Committee is investigating the facts, circumstances, and causes of the January 6th attack and issues relating to the peaceful transfer of power, to identify and evaluate lessons learned and to recommend corrective laws, policies, procedures rules, or regulations”

According to committee, Mark Meadows allegedly communicated with officials at the state level and Justice Dept in an effort to overturn 2020 election result ( or prevent its certification).

Above – :Bob Woodward’s new book: Peril – out and available now!

As previously reported by Huff Post:

Kashyap Patel performed several national security jobs for Trump as well as served as Chief of Staff to then Defense Secretary Christopher Miller. Patel allegedly was in involved with discussions among senior Pentagon officials regarding Capitol security before and on Jan 6.

Daniel Scavino prior to Trump’s rally on the 6th took to his social media to encourage MAGA-ers to “be a part of history”. According to records obtain he also have text messages from the White House on Jan. 6.

Steve Bannon communicated with Trump around Dec 30 regarding focused efforts on or leading up to Jan. 6 and even told his War Room podcast listeners that “all hell was going to break loose”

The subpoenas instruct the witnesses to appear at depositions on the following dates and are required to produce all relevant documents by October 7th:

October 15, 2021: Mark Meadows and Daniel Scavino

October 14, 2021: Kashyap Patel and Stephen Bannon

The letters to the four witnesses can be found here:

Spike in Presale Tickets ahead of Next 007 Film ‘ No Time to Die’ World Premiere

Video September 25, 2021 Eric Cho

The 25th James Bond Movie, just may be the best chance to help theaters that are struggling in a post-pandemic recovery. According THR, ahead of the UK World Premiere on Sept 28, there has been a spike in presale tickets and overall excitement is building as people are tearing to see the film, not at home but in a real live movie theater.

For the U.S. market, the film will be released soon, on October 8th, with the option to stream on the Paramount Plus platform 45 days after cinema release. Craig’s final Bond movie can easily be said to be one of the most anticipated movies this year (given the bigger build up that was started and re-started due to the continued postponements due to pandemic).

The trailer for “No Time to Die” first emerged back in 2019. The film’s plot will continue on from events of “Spectre”, and, this time, it looks like betrayal could be at play, especially with Madeline Swann. We hear 007 in the trailer react and say; “We all have our secrets…. we just didn’t get to yours yet”.

James is recruited to rescue a kidnapped scientist, but finds himself hot on the trail of a mysterious villain armed with a dangerous new technology.

Alongside Daniel Craig, cast includes a long list of incredible actors: Rami Malek, Lea Seydoux, Judi Dench, Christopher Waltx, Helena Bonham Carter, Mark Strong Naomie Harris, Ana de Armas, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw and Jeffrey Wright.

Check out the final official trailer below:

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Apple, Apple TV+, HBO, Movies, Videos

Apple TV+ Kicks off ‘Foundation’ series early: tonight at 6PM Pacific

Video September 23, 2021 Madison Santel

Enter the Galactic Empire – Foundation:

Apple’s tweet, presumably, to avoid a collision course with the iPhone 13 arrival day (big!) says it all. A sudden, last minute escalation of the time frame for this highly anticipated new series:

From @Foundation_’s epic debut to @TedLasso’s Emmy-winning antics, watch the latest episodes from Apple TV+ three hours earlier this week. Streaming begins Thursday at 9pm EST/6pm PST.
Apple TV tweet

Perhaps a planned sudden breaking news update to the years long scheduling for this big sci-fi event? Hard to say – maybe the iPhone 13 arriving in stores and for some folks arriving by UPS is more of a distraction than expected, in the eyes of the Apple TV+ big-wigs?

Of course, that’d be a good thing since it would mean that the futuristic phone has just too much juice for the venerated classic book series come-to-life as a streaming series on Apple TV+. Hooray for both, I suppose. If you are starting to become enamored with Apple TV+ shows after having fun with Ted Lasso or other recent hits (really a hit, seems so according to the Emmys ) that are perhaps the early beginnings of a trend…

And last, but definitely not least, is the long-awaited sci-fi adaptation of the timeless classic “Foundation” by Isaac Asimov.

click to see “Foundation”
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Also available on Amazon.

The first 3 episodes of Apple TV’s “Foundation” will be live tonight (!) and will ultimately have a total of 10 episodes in total when all is said and done.

From @Foundation_’s epic debut to @TedLasso’s Emmy-winning antics, watch the latest episodes from Apple TV+ three hours earlier this week. Streaming begins Thursday at 9pm EST/6pm PST. pic.twitter.com/vxkkAEUuOe
— Apple TV (@AppleTV) September 23, 2021

https://video-lynxotic.akamaized.net/Foundation.MOV

We Aren’t Alone – Invasion:

That’s not all. Apple TV+ is also bringing us an extraterrestrial extravaganza. On October 22nd (when the first 3 episodes will be released), sci-fi fans can experience what it would be like to live through an alien invasion. Joy!

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Entertainment, Movies, Videos

HBO’s ’Succession’ Season 3 goes O.T.T. in Ultra-Dysfunctional Roy Family Drama

Video September 23, 2021 Kat Lee

Team Kendal or Logan Roy?

The new season welcomes back the unforgettable cast members, including Sarah Snook as Shiv, Kieran Culkin as Roman, Matthew Macfayden as Tom Wambsgans, and Nicholas Braun as Cousin Greg.

There will also be some new faces which include a lineup of high-amplitude and high-profile guest stars like Adrien Brody, Alexander Skarsgård, Hope Davis, Sanaa Lathan, Linda Emond, and Korean music star Jihae.

A lot has been mentioned in the media-verse about an intensification of Kendall and how it’s all going “full fucking beast.” The trailer does show that and the earlier seasons of incredibly vile dysfunction are looking to be, what else, pumped up a notch is season 3. And those of us that got hooked already into the decadent moral decay of this erzatz Fox-media fiction will cheer at the new depths of disgusting behavior. Yippeee!

Season 3, will strategically enter during the 2022 Emmy Season, and is likely to again be a frontrunner for Best Drama Series. The show won big-time in 2020 for Best Drama Series, Writing, Directing as well as Best Lead Actor to Jeremy Strong grad Guest Actress Cherry Jones.

Make Your Move. October 17. pic.twitter.com/KVIXGWSysz
— Succession (@succession) September 13, 2021

The brand new season of Succession is slated to premier on October 17, 2021, and you can catch seasons 1 and 2 already and, of course, the new episodes when they are released, as before on HBO Max.

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Entertainment, Movies, Videos

Apple TV+ rocks it Dystopian Style w/ Tom Hanks in ‘Finch’, ‘Invasion’ and ‘Foundation’

Video September 23, 2021 Kat Lee

A string of upcoming dystopian sci-fi will be hitting the streaming platform

What does a post-apocalyptic earth, a robot, a dog and Tom Hanks all have in common? That would be the new Apple TV+ film called “Finch”. This project marks Hank’s 2nd Apple TV+ outing, his first appearance on the streaming platform was “Greyhound” which was met with mucho critical acclaim.

This time around, this family friendly film futuristic cashing into the feel of a mash-up between ‘Wall-E’ and ‘The Martian’ and based on the trailer looks to be an oddball thing: bleak futuristic fun for all ages.

A massive solar flare nearly destroys Earth, Hank, who plays a robotics engineer named Finch and has only survived because he has been living in an underground bunker for the past decade. During his time in a post-apocalyptic Earth he befriends a stray dog which he names Goodyear (shades of Wilson?. Hanks decides to utilize his expertise by building a robot to help take care of Goodyear when he is gone.

“Finch” premieres on Apple TV+ this November 5.

Check out the trailer below:

We Aren’t Alone – Invasion:

Enter the Galactic Empire – Foundation:

And last, but definitely not least, is the long-awaited sci-fi adaptation of the timeless classic “Foundation” by Isaac Asimov.

The first 3 episodes of Apple TV’s “Foundation” will be released on September 24 and will ultimately have a total of 10 episodes in total when all is said and done.

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Hot-Lynx

Steve Bannon Admits He Talked with Trump About ‘Killing’ Biden Presidency Ahead of Jan. 6th

Video September 23, 2021 Eric Cho

Former WH Chief Strategist was Knee-Deep in behind-the-scenes action on Jan 6….

Bannon has been very vocal in radical right politics, via his podcast platform the War Room. Alongside the release of the new book exposing what happened behind closed doors with, then-president Trump, “Peril”, Bannon took the opportunity to speak about, and appeared to confirm, details about his meeting with Trump in the now infamous time frame.

Bannon’s activities leading up to the Jan 6 attack on the Capitol has been well-documented, on Jan 5th, he told his listeners that “all hell was going to break loose” and even posted on his Facebook account; “TAKE ACTION, THEY ARE TRYING TO STEAL THE ELECTION”.

Yet the extent to which Bannon was speaking with Trump ahead of the insurrection was not yet well known, until the release of the Woodward and Costa’s new book.

Bannon, the former WH adviser admitted he spoke with Trump ahead of Jan. 6th with the intention to “kill the Biden presidency in the crib.”

As previously reported by The Rolling Stones, during his latest podcast, Bannon responded about his meeting as follows:

“Yeah, because his legitimacy. Forty-two percent of the American people — 4-2 — think that Biden did not win the presidency legitimately. It killed itself. … Just let this go with what this illegitimate regime is doing. It killed itself. We told you from the very beginning. Just expose it. Just expose it. Never back down. Never give up. This thing will implode.”

Rave Reviews for Kristen Stewart as she channels Princess Diana in ‘Spencer’: Watch Trailer

Video September 23, 2021 Madison Santel

Royalty Arrives this Fall….

The official trailer for “Spencer” has been released, starring Kristen Stewart who looks like an absolute ringer for Princess Diana.

There have already been rave reviews since the film had its debut at the Venice Film Festival. Stewart is said to be an Oscar Award top contender for Best Actress.

The movie is set over a single weekend and focusing on how Princess Diana contemplates ending her marriage to Prince charles.

According to Neon, the official synopsis reads:

“December, 1991: The Prince and Princess of Wales’ marriage has long since grown cold. Though rumors of affairs and a divorce abound, peace is ordained for the Christmas festivities at Sandringham Estate. There’s eating and drinking, shooting and hunting. Diana knows the game. This year, things will be a whole lot different.”

The movie will be released in theaters later this fall on November 5, 2021. Check out the official trailer, below, for the upcoming biographical drama:

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Entertainment, Movies, Tech

Apple TV+ Goes Big in Series Adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s “Foundation” Trilogy

Video September 22, 2021 Eric Cho

https://video-lynxotic.akamaized.net/Foundation.MOV

Above: Official Apple TV+ Preview Trailer for “Foundation”

Preview of the Trailer Titillates Sci-fi Fans & Apple Acolytes Alike

Of all the announcement’s at this year’s Apple Worldwide Development Conference, perhaps the most enticing came from Apple TV+, the company’s young streaming service and first go in the entertainment world. Launched last November, Apple TV+ has not yet found the same success as Disney+ or Netflix; however, it has done well enough in its first few months, garnering around 34 million users and some award buzz for its breakout series, “The Morning Show.” The platform also endorses a unique strategy compared to its competition, focusing exclusively on original shows rather acquiring old content.

The “Foundation” books were written by legendary sci-fi writer Isaac Asimov. He started the series in the 1950s with a trilogy centered around a futuristic Galactic Empire and a protagonist named Hari Seldon, who sees into the future to witness the universe’s end. The original three books earned Asimov several Hugo Awards, including a one-time-only “Best All Time Series” award in 1966. He went on to write two sequels and two prequels to the trilogy in the late 80s and early 90s.

Surprisingly, there has never been an on-screen adaptation of the series until now. The film rights were tossed around for decades, both New Line Cinema and Columbia Pictures investing in movie ideas at different points before selling the rights to HBO in 2014. The project conceptually started to materialize as a series under HBO, but it fell into Apple’s hands during 2018 and the company ran with it.

First Look at WWDC is an Early Peek at Entirely New Direction for ATV+

What Apple debuted at the WWDC on June 22nd was the audiences first look at “Foundation” come to life. At under two minutes, the marketing snippet is more of a teaser than a full-fledged trailer, but it offers fans stunning glimpses of the impressive set designs and special effects, as well as a general feel for the show’s tech-noir, space-epic tone. It seems reminiscent of Disney+’s “The Mandalorian,” CBSAllAccess’ “Star Trek: Picard” and HBO’s “Game Of Thrones.” Such comparisons are good, as the series is doubtlessly Apple’s attempt at breaking into the sci-fi/fantasy craze that modern TV audiences strongly embrace.

David S. Goyer serves as head writer and executive producer of the series. He is well versed in the intersections of science-fiction, fantasy and action, having written alongside Christopher Nolan for “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight” as well as other movies like “Man Of Steel,” “Godzilla,” “Terminator: Dark Fate,” and the Star Wars VR experience, “Vader Immortal.” Joining Goyer in the writers room are Leigh Dana Jackson (“24: Legacy”), Victoria Morror (“Weeds”), Josh Friedman (“Snowpiercer”) and others. David Ellison of “Star Trek: Beyond,” “Annihilation,” and “Gemini Man” will also serve as a producer.

Now, Apple TV+ is about to embark on perhaps its boldest undertaking yet, adapting a beloved science fiction book series into a show— “Foundation.”

In front of the camera, “Foundation” stars Jared Harris as Hari Seldon, Leah Harvey as Salvor, Lou Llolbell as Gaal, and Cassian Bilton, Terrence Mann, and Lee Pace as Brother Dawn, Brother Dusk, and Brother Day respectively. The casting seems on point, and it happily embraces diversity as well as a variety of familiar and new-coming talent.

Despite how impressive the teaser was, though, it still feels somewhat strange to see a trailer drop at an Apple conference. For all of Apple’s existence, it has just been a tech company and its conferences have been focused on new devices and Operating Systems. Trailers were better left to pop-culture fandom events like Comic-Con.

In 2020, though, there is no Comic-Con, and Apple—like many other companies—is stretching beyond its comfort zone, trying to incorporate creative media into its conglomerate identity. Recently, Apple TV+ acquired the rights to Tom Hanks’ “Greyhound” and were in rumors conversation with Martin Scorsese for producing his next project, “Killers Of The Flower Moon.” Clearly, they are open to big ideas when it comes to film and television going forward

Adapting “Foundation” is an ambitious task, but the trailer looks impressive, and if Apple pulls it off, it could establish the company as a bona fide entertainment studio in the ongoing streaming wars.

The show will be live on Thursday, September 23rd, 2021 at 6PM PT and 9PM ET.

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Documentaries, Education, Elon Musk, Entertainment, Movies, Netflix, Science, SpaceX, Videos

SpaceX Docu-series on Manned Mission about to Launch on Netflix

Video September 15, 2021 Eric Cho

Above: Inspiration4 Crew Members / Photo / Netflix

What do a billionaire, cancer survivor, geoscientists and a data engineer have in common?

For the first time on the streaming platform, Netflix will offer a 5 part docuseries covering the SpaceX’s Inspiration4 Mission in near real-time.

The series will cover SpaceX’s first all civilian mission (no astronauts!) as they prepare and train for the mission, the live launch coverage from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as well as footage from inside the Crew Dragon spacecraft as the 4 passenger crew orbit the Earth on the 3 day mission.

Unlike recent flights from Virgin (Richard Branson) and Blue Orbit (Jeff Bezos) that led suborbital flights, Inspiration4 will reach higher altitudes than that of the International Space Station and make history as first all-civilian mission to orbit.

Multiple firsts and groundbreaking accomplishments that go beyond, way beyond…

Breakdown for Netflix’s “ Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space”

Monday, September 6: Meet the four civilians heading to space
Monday, September 13: Watch them prepare
Wednesday, September 15: Watch the live launch
Thursday, September 30: Spend time with the crew in space

The Inspiration4 Mission which was brokered as a private deal by 38 year old Jared Isaacman, CEO of Shift4 Payments with SpaceX.

Isaacman will lead the mission along with his 3 other crew members: 29 year old Hayley Arceneaux who will act as chief medical officer , 51 year old Dr. Sian Proctor (mission pilot), who will become the fourth Black female American in space and 41 year old Christopher Sembroski, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force who will be the mission’s specialist.

The mission also serves as a $200 million fundraising campaign for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

A day before the launch day, Netflix will also launch “A StoryBots Space Adventure” on Sept.14 which is a live-action/animation special where Inspration4 crew members will participate by answering some of kids’ most pressing space related questions.

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Apple, iOS 15, iPad, iPhone, Mac, macOS 12 Monterey, OS Software

iPhone 13, iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and macOS 12 Monterey Unveiling now Hours Away

Video September 12, 2021 Danny Leeds

The new Os’s are free and will be adopted fast if recent past is a guide

Apple has had a fairly predictable cycle for new iPhone releases and the yearly, free, software upgrades. If you use your apple devices for business or WFH like many, this ritual can be excruciating since you already know you will have to get your hands on the best new gadgets.

Nevertheless, with sky high prices for the best devices not going away, choosing when exactly to upgrade which devices can be a tricky process requiring skill, cunning and some serious bucks.

A lot of us see the iphone top-of-the-line product as a must upgrade either every cycle or every-other year if budgets are tight (and some years do seem like “off” years).

For iPads, various mac machines, Apple Watch, Apple TV and so on, there is more leeway and potential confusion. And for mac, there are times (like now!) when we all know the next iteration of various models (macbook Pro, mac mini, mac pro, iMac 27” +) are on the way but there is the unknown factor of what to pick and when-the-heck it can be ordered and shipped.

We all know there is a chip shortage, and with the Apple Silicon M1 potentially being upgraded for a slew of machines to the M1X, M2 or M2X as various rumors have discussed, the timeline is very uncertain.

The best things in life are free, software edition

All this leads us to the good, even very good, if obvious, news. iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and macOS Monterey have been in public beta for some time now and, if history is a guide in this case, should be released publicly soon after the Apple Fall Event announcements on September 14th, regardless of what hardware is coming down the pike, or in what particular order.

Generally the hard date for the new OS systems to be public available is the date that any new hardware, always optimized for the new OS, hits the street and becomes deliverable.

Sometimes certain iPhone models, such as the very high end Pro Max, etc., are delayed, but whichever model ships first that device should also be shipped with the Golden Master of the new operating system, iOS 15 in this case.

This is not 100% guaranteed, as nothing in like and Apple releases is 100%, but this looks extremely likely. Therefore we could and should see the new iOS and macOS going live publicly soon, possibly this week.

What to watch our for and expect, besides great new features and work-flows

Often in the past, a “Golden Master” release has been followed within a day or two with an update patching issues that arise once a mass “test” has revealed flaws and weaknesses in the initial public version.

This is nothing to worry about, as per past experiences, but if you are someone that gets easily annoyed by constantly updating, you could wait a week or so to bypass these intermediate “patch fix” versions.

Also, since with Apple, as opposed to Android, the adoption rate for people to upgrade quickly to the newest versions of the OS is extremely high there will be a sea change in the air. That means that within a few weeks up to a billion devices, or more, could be running the newest OS systems across all the various devices in the wild.

This is great news, because some of the best features in all the new software upgrades function best with various devices within an iCloud account or family group and, in some cases, between two devices anywhere interacting, as long as they both have the newest systems.

The best new features are only going to get better after the launch, more so even than usual; here’s why

During our tests of the various systems, first in the developer-only phase and then in the more recent public beta, one thing was a small annoyance that, after the full launch, will instead become a huge plus.

When operating within a company, for example, and in some cases with multiple devices on the same iCloud account, there have been a lot of glitches related to how the Big Sur devices interact with the macOS Monterey devices, or an iPhone with iOS 14 and one with iOS 15 function in tandem.

This is because, more so than in any previous upgrade cycle, this system focuses on virtually every built in app that is bundled with the OS, like photos, mail, messages, notes, FaceTime, reminders, calendar, contacts, voice memos, etc, etc, etc.

There are so many, with so many upgrades it is hard to make a list, as above, of what they are all called and what they do. In the best Apple fashion, they “just work” and we tend to take them for granted.

In case you ever wanted to know the complete list (for iOS 15) we have added it at the bottom of this post.

These apps are pretty much all getting big upgrades in iOS 15, along with a similar situation happening for iPadOS 15 and macOS Monterey, TVOS, WatchOS etc. The difference this time is that they are being actively designed to become more and more interoperable and interactive between devices and system software types.

The big picture is extreme big, much wild, and will be quite a ride…

This is a huge push that will go on for years. We call it the Apple System Singularity. And it is a big deal!

It will, ultimately, create a kind of seamless clarity of function between your devices, particularly the mobile or semi-mobil variety, such as iPhones and iPads, and the slightly less mobile (laptops, desktops) of the macOS variety.

Meaning that the ultimate transition that is being made possible through the switch to Apple Silicon and that a whole new concept philosophy and structure of the device hardware and software. And it’s all being created via the interaction and potential synergies coming available and these are being maximized during the process.

All of this is not to mention machine learning, neural networks, A.I. and all the interactive hardware and software upgrades that are now nearly continuous and happening without a user to intervene.

An example of this is in the photos app where various library functions, a.i. object and facial recognition, search cataloguing, etc. are continuous while you sleep. Another example is how iCloud manages data and storage across your devices regardless of geography or proximity 24/7/365.

Welcome to the first phase of this with the first devices incorporating Apple Silicon across all product lines being harmonized more and more via, guess what, the free system upgrades.

These upgrades will yield maximum fruit in the short term after the world wide population of devices adopts the new systems, and longer term, as more and more devices out of the total are already using and maximizing performance and features by having Apple Silicon and other associated hardware & software upgrades under the hood.

Rest assured, while this sounds complicated, and there will be glitches, the transition starting this fall, and over the life of iOS15, iPadOS15 and macOS Monterey (around a year as usual!) will be one of continuous change, improvement and discovery, unlike any you have seen in the history of Apple.

App Name | Bundle ID

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Entertainment, Politics, Videos

Burning down the House: New Scandals Exposed in Ex-Trump Aide’s upcoming Book

Video September 10, 2021 Kat Lee

Get ready for some bloody receipts, former aide knows things others do not

Just when you thought there could not be any more books revealing the insane, corrupt world of Trump…BANG, another one is ready to drop. It’s called “I’ll Take Your Questions Now: What I Saw in the Trump White House”.

The length of the list of titles written about DJT is almost ridiculous, yet many have proven to be popular and quite a lucrative business: (Rage, Hoax, Fear, Fire and Fury, Disloyal, Too Much and Never Enough, A Warning, The Room Where it Happened, Melania and Me and on and on and on.

This time, however, could be especially telling, as the top-secret memoir is coming from ex-Trump and Melania aide, Stephanie Grisham. According to Axios, who was first to report of the upcoming text, cited from a publishing source that the book would reveal “surprising new scandals”.

From candid comments it appears that is a gross understatement. One close associate of Grisham’s told Axios:

“When I heard this, all I could think about was Stephanie surrounded by a lake of gasoline, striking a match with a grin on her face.”
former West Wing colleague, quoted in Axios

Grisham has served as aide to former First Lady Melania Trump, as Chief of Staff, and as an aide to Trump as his White House Press Secretary and Communications Director.

Her job in the White House as a press person was to make sure she was in the know of what was happening and therefore got to see the personal side of the Trumps’ that rarely any staffers get to see.

Again, a former West Wing colleague, quoted in Axios: “There isn’t enough water on earth to contain the fire she could set to all of Trump world, including parts like the first lady’s orbit, which not many people are in a position to illuminate.”

Based on sources given to CNN, Grisham’s book will most likely include some of the bigger Trump headlines like the allegations of sexual misconduct and effects of the Stormy Daniels case.

“I’ll Take Your Questions Now: What I Saw in the Trump White House” will be released on Oct 5 and is available to pre-order now on Bookshop.

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Entertainment, Movies

See the Origins of Mob Boss Tony Soprano in ‘The Many Saints of Newark’ Prequel

Video September 9, 2021 Kat Lee

Latest trailer shows the rise and bloody road of greatest crime family

The revival of the “The Sopranos”, the hit HBO series, that most recently seen on our screens 14 years ago, in 2014, is about the reemerge. The prequel “ The Many Saints of Newark” is scheduled for dual release in theaters and simultaneously streaming on HBO Max (for 31 days) starting on October 1st.

The movie will focus on young Anthony (Tony) Soprano coming to age in Newark during a tumultuous era in history, as rival gangsters begin to rise up and challenge the notorious and all powerful DiMeo crime family.

Fans will see how Tony’s relationship with his uncle Dicki Moltisanti, and his influence, ultimately helps to create the bad-ass mob boss he will later become.

In the new new trailer, fans get to see young Soprano played by James Gandolfini’s real-life (!) son Michael who will step into the shoes of his father’s very iconic role.

It is unclear is this will hit big with Soprano’s lovers, of which there are still many, and become a satisfying extension of the series. The origins of such an iconic and fleshed out character is a challenge, yet the amazing possibility to cast the (deceased) Gandolfini’s son lends an air of authentic to the production that could hardly be accomplished in any other way.

Imagine, one day a weeks long binge of the entire prequel, followed by the full six seasons of the original series. Can’t wait…

Other cast include: Leslie Odom Jr., Jon Bernthal, Corey Stoll, Billy Magnussen, Michela De Rossi, Vera Farmiga, Ray Liotta and John Magaro.

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Entertainment, Movies, Videos

Matrix 4 Resurrections Official Trailer: Watch Now

Video September 9, 2021 Wiley Simms

Big trailer for the Big Reveal: Check it out now

The return of the Matrix, and in particular Neo and Trinity, Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss, respectively, is looking like more than a resurrection, and that’s already a lot. The teaser for the upcoming full trailer (tomorrow at 6am PDT if you want to set your alarm) is clearly in the full spirit and classic vision of the original hit. Lana Wachowski at the helm, solo this time, appears to have brought the 4th edition of the franchise into total sync with the debut, by far the best of the series.

And both Neo, looking, just like Keanu a lifetime removed and yet the same, and Trinity appear to be aiding the cause by bringing a kind of effortless perfection to the cast – No need to mention John Wick or any intervening saga, this is a continuation, or more aptly, a resurrection of what was so amazing in the time, place spirit of that original film.

And, if you are old enough to have seen ‘The Matrix” in a theater in 1999, perhaps in Hollywood, CA, you would be involuntarily reflecting on how much more like the Matrix the world has become in the intervening 22 years. Today we have Elon Musk musing openly about the likelihood that the universe is a simulation of AI (sound like the Matrix to you?)

And the Metaverse is being hailed as just around the corner, and if that’s the case can our own Matrix be far behind? Perhaps we are already there?

“The strongest argument for us being in a simulation, probably being in a simulation, is the following: 40 years ago, we had Pong, two rectangles and a dot…That is what games were. Now, 40 years later, we have photorealistic 3D simulations with millions of people playing simultaneously, and it’s getting better every year. And soon we’ll have virtual reality, augmented reality. If you assume any rate of improvement at all, the games will become indistinguishable from reality.” –Elon Musk

And then there’s “Dead Internet Theory” which posits that the internet “died” in around 2017 and what’s left are the skeletal remains of what was and nothing of what could have been. Sounds like a cause to fight against and escape from a la Neo and Trinity? And what is more romantic than the idea of a reunion, thanks to resurrections, of that duo back in the mix, fighting what appears to be a similar and yet further evolved battle of fake real vs real dystopia and lost innocence? Familiar?

If the teaser campaign to promote the trailer which is itself to promote the film says anything it says, with effortless simplicity that there is a fidelity to the original and a progression in time, clear from the protagonists physical instruments, that is fully absorbed into the update.

A thread like an unbroken through line, connecting the 1999 moment anew, yet absorbing the intervening changes to the fictional worlds of artifice within the films and to a third, that we, the audience, have grown with bringing us to December 22, 2021.

The BLUE PILL:

The blue pill leads to a very different series of flashed images, depicting, presumable, the journey of Neo in the Matrix simulation world it self, as in the original. While the story is known and some of this, like the Dojo scenes below, are very beautiful, classic recreations of the original training sequences with Lawrence Fishburne, the similarity only serves to pique our curiosity all the more regarding the resurrection story and how it differs this time around.

Once more the set, while perhaps not 100% identical, and, of course, likely to befit from advances in digital filmmaking, evokes so perfectly the spirit of the original that the experience, best case in a live movie theater (!) of vicariously “being there” is already a tantalizing proposition.

And Neo / Keanu, appears to have everything he displayed as a man 22 years younger in his physical presence and that alone tells a story within the story.

Naturally, some images produce more curiosity and questions than they answer, even when a still frame is isolated and studied. There is a particularly interesting interaction with the rooftop crowd in this case (above) and the image begs the question: will Neo lead uprisings both within the Matrix and the revolutions in the “real” world?

What kinds of mental challenges and trickery will a more mature Neo encounter while in the Matrix? This shot also produces mystery and begs for speculation regarding the script and how the various logical and illogical pathways will be traversed.

Multiple flash frames do confirm that a romantic adventure and escape will extend the story of Neo & Trinity, and that, while perfectly fitting, also appears to be something that could add more interest on a level above the intervening sequels (2 & 3). For all these reasons and many more, it does look like the buzz and building anticipation will start here and just keep growing until we all have a chance to experience the film in its entirety. On December 22, 2021 either in the Theater (best!) or on HBO Max for subscribers.

Another example of the fantastic potential of re-uniting the Director / Writer with much of the cast and perhaps even crew and locations. This still (above) looks interestingly like the rooftop where the famous bullet-time sequence was made. Perhaps the same location or just digitally re-created, still the spirit of the original already can be seen shining through even in the set design and location management.

If anything, it feels like there is a depth and poignancy to the characters, the images and the implied story that extends and deepens the original, as a great sequel should do. For once it’s as if the maturity of the main stars in the cast is not an obstacle to manage or navigate but a built in feature.

The images will be extended no doubt, with tomorrow’s full trailer and, perhaps take the already building anticipation to the next level.

Thank you to Warner Bros. for the still frames and for not minding that we penned this love letter to the series, it’s cast, crew, director and producers.

‘Wheel of Time’: the best-selling Fantasy series come to life: Watch teaser trailer

Video September 6, 2021 Madison Santel

What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow

The new episodes will be based on the best-seller fantasy series of the same name (15 books in total) by author Robert Jordan. His first book came out back in 1990 and longtime fans of series have been excited to finally see the screen-adaptation come to life.

Within the trailer you can hear the opening words that are found in Book # 1 of the series “ The Eye of the World”, which emphasizes the cyclical nature of the world (events circle again and again on the wheel of time with important characters reincarnated/reborn through out different times).

“The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again…”

Amazon Prime Video released its official teaser trailer and now there is finally action related to this beloved theme!

In the short video clip, fans are swept into the dangers that await the characters, and we see magic, particularly lots of women (a group named the Aes Sedai) using magic, which is called the ‘One Power’ that helps to keep the world in place.

The Aes Sedai, let by the powerful sorcerer played by Rosamund Pike arrive in a town called Two Rivers where they embark with small group to find the Dragon Reborn, whom is prophesied to be the one who will either save or destroy humanity.

Showrunner Rafe Judkin describes the upcoming series as a the “connective tissue between Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones”. I think even “Shadow and Bone” kind of vibes as well as I watched.

Also there are rumors circling that Amazon Prime will not likely be the only place where fans will get a taste of “The Wheel of Time” , there are also reports that a movie, or rather set of movies (trilogy) is also in the works called “Age of Legends” and will complement the series as a sort of prequel to the novel saga.

Amazon Prime Video plan is currently for a scheduled release of “The Wheel of Time” on November 19.

Apple is paving the way in Wearable Health Tech: Blood-Pressure Monitor and Thermometer in the Works

Video September 6, 2021 Eric Cho

New features in the pipeline along with the new iteration of the hit timepiece

The next version of the Apple Watch (Series 7) is expected to be released in the coming weeks, and the WSJ reported that the company is currently working on additional health-related features and improvements for the smartwatch. While it is not certain that these to be included in Series 7, there is no doubt that they are coming, either as a software or hardware update.

Apple is already known for many of its current health conscious features, including the well known Exercise rings and Fitness App, as well as the ability to check your heart rate for irregularity with its electrocardiogram and check your Blood Oxygen levels with a Series 6.

One of the new capabilities that may be coming to your Apple Watch will include measuring blood-pressure which would prompt a user when their BP levels are too high (or increasing in rate). This can influence behavior, diet or give you a warning to seek medical attention is the reading is extreme, for example.

When Apple does roll out this feature, it could be a game changer (or rather a life-saver), as hundreds of millions of Americans suffer from high blood pressure and / or hypertension. The condition leads to almost half a million deaths a year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Another feature said to be in the works is targeted towards females, a thermometer to help with fertility planning. Bloomberg also reported earlier of Apple’s additional health goals to add blood-sugar sensors to help those with diabetes monitor glucose levels.

A useful, even sometimes addictive health aid, which is a good thing

Those who have an Apple Watch can likely attest to its effectiveness in promoting health and well being, particularly around exercise and weight control. The recent addition of of medical features, that in some cases have directly contributed to lives being saved, appear to be a high priority at the giant tech company.

Although it is tantalizing to speculate on the incredible features yet to be added to the device, it will take time for the technological innovations and solutions to be developed in order to make these possible.

Apple has some very ambitious improvements they want to add to its Watch, however there is no official timeline that has been announced and most likely will not be expected before 2022.

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Books, Entertainment

Read ‘The Power of the Dog’ coming soon as a Netflix FIlm starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst

Video September 3, 2021 Madison Santel

The Western novel The Power of the Dog is set in the 1920’s in Montana. The story follows the domestic drama of two brothers, one of which has a wife and young son and is arriving back to his brothers ranch.

The novel is intense, brutal, and author Thomas Savage does an amazing job at holding the readers captive and on the edge of their seat (couch, beach?, Bed?), desperately wanting to know what will happen next.

Ultimately the triangle makes for intense romantic drama, likely why it was such a successful choice for the adaptation into a full length feature motion picture and attracted such marquee star power in Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst, not to mention a fabled director, Jane Campion.

Even before the debut screening in Venice the film had buzz and respect, in large part due to the stature of the original novel and the choice of director and cast tapped to bring the story and characters to life. The project has been hailed as an example of how successful streaming platforms, such as Netflix, HBO Max, etc, can contribute to the future history of bonafide feature length cinema in the Hollywood tradition.

The 2001 classic that includes an afterword from Annie Proulx due to be released this fall both in theaters and to stream on Netflix. One in which recently was shown on September 1, 2021 at the 78th edition of the Venice Film Festival and met with a 4 minute-plus cheering and applause-filled standing ovation.

We recommend you take the opportunity to enjoy the book and celebrate the theatrical release on November 17, or in anticipation to the release by streaming platform Netflix which is slated to go line on December 1st, 2021.

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Entertainment, Movies

‘Power of the Dog’ gets Standing O at Venice Fest for Benedict Cumberbatch

Video September 3, 2021 Kat Lee

High quality streaming fare is rising in focus with theatrical releases uncertain…

A 4 minute standing ovation was the result of the first screening of “Power of the Dog” at the 78th edition of the Venice Film Festival on September 1st, 2021. Thunderous applause and cheers erupted at the end of the debut screening for the romantic drama that features Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst.

Based on the novel by Thomas Savage set in Montana in the 1920s, the performance, partly perhaps the ability of Cumberbatch to overcome his “Sherlock / Dr. Strange” image via the power of acting along with top flight writing and directing, appears to be the impetus for the Oscar buzz that’s already building.

It’s not uncommon for that to happen with a strong showing at the Venice Film Festival and, though this is a streaming / Netflix production, awards for quality films financed by streamers is also no longer unusual.

Previously, Cumberbatch got the nod from the Academy in 2014 for his work in The Imitation Game, and, although the award ultimately went to Edward Redmayne for ‘The Theory of Everything’, the nomination itself put a big spotlight on his career.

‘Culturally, it’s really important for streaming services to help nourish the cinema experience,’
Benedict Cumberbatch commenting on “Power of the Dog”

Naturally, it’s always great when an actual actor becomes a movie star. Benedict Cumberbatch has been in a myriad of productions recently such as “Doctor Strange“, “The Mauritanian”, “The Courier”, “Avengers” and on and on, with nearly 100 actor credits and that doesn’t even touch on his work as an executive producer.

Running the gamut from the Multiverse to spy thrillers and serious suspense his ability to portray depth and intelligence has stood him in good steed.

Going all the way back to “Tinker Tailor Solider Spy” and “The Imitation Game” (not to mention his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes) a solid body of work is has been established which hopefully will not turn into a house of cards as a result of inevitable over-exposure.

Cumberbatch’s newest role is as a rancher from Montana named Phil Burbank. “The Power of the Dog” is based on a novel by the same name. Set in 1925, Phil “inspires fear and awe in those around him”. When his brother (Jesse Plemons) brings home a new wife (Kirsten Dunst), Phil torments them until he finds himself exposed to… the possibility of love.

Netflix gave viewers a little taste with the official teaser trailer for the film. The movie will be released initially in theaters on November 17 and will debut on the streaming platform the 1st of December.

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Climate Solutions, News, Politics

Breaking: Firefighters battle the Caldor Fire as it races into Lake Tahoe

Video September 1, 2021 Eric Cho

Above: Photo Credit / Fabian Jones / Unsplash

The Caldor Fire had burned 204,390 acres and 20%-contained

The raging Caldor Fire that has already forced thousands of people to evacuate, is now becoming a critical threat to the popular tourist location, South Lake Tahoe. Reports of more than 34,000 structures are at risk.

There are approximately 4,000 firefighters and 1,000 California National Guard members that are helping to fight off the growing fires.

A spokesperson for California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services told CNN that over 53,000 people have been placed under evacuation orders.

The fire has already burned more than 300 square miles and destroyed hundred of residential structures. The city is facing wind gusts blowing at 35 miles per hour and stronger which continues to help the fire spread further down into the Tahoe basin.

Devastating Wildfires – continued reminders of the Climate Crisis

Greta Thunberg, the vocal climate crisis activist retweeted the below the video of the fires in California. There is so much confusion over the question of exactly which of the many, many “extreme weather events”
as they are now called, are directly attributable to climate change, global warming and Co2 in the atmosphere.

This is, for Greta Thunberg and anyone reading this with an ounce of sense, a moot point. The larger overarching point is that the threat of total world destruction as a result of buying fossil fuel and other human impacts on the environment has been long settled as a very dangerous and rapidly worsening reality.

Splitting hairs by constantly questioning alternative origins for extreme events, that clearly are increasing in their number and severity, is a kind of “climate denial-lite” that is as ridiculous as it is dangerous. Ultimately it is the perspective of those like Greta, that must be adopted and understood by the millions (billions), before it is too late. Only then, when the threat is faced head on, is there a chance we might prevent a rapid slide into oblivion.

Lake Tahoe right now 😯 pic.twitter.com/UhQm10b0qB
— Jordan L Simmons (@jordanalsimmons) August 31, 2021

Thunberg tweeted this week “Wildfires, floods, droughts, heatwaves and other (un)natural disasters rage all over the world. Many now ask “What will it take for people in power to act?”. Well, it will many things, but above all it will take: massive pressure from media and massive pressure from the public.”

Created on an iPhone: Watch Selena Gomez ‘Lose You to Love Me’ video

Video September 1, 2021 Kat Lee

iPhone users capable of entering the world of cinematography

It is no secret, and most Apple users already know, that their devices are capable, being equipped with the latest technology, to take great photos. Beautiful works of art and photography have been created not from a professional DSLR camera, but rather, on an iPhone.

More surprisingly, is the ability to create top level fully professional videos using only on Apple devices, and now, various megastar and upcoming singers are starting to use this method for their music videos. Including Selena Gomez. In her “Lose You to Love Me” video, the monochromatic shots are interwoven with transition effects, produced in shooting and editing by iPhone.

The newest iPhones (including the upcoming iPhone possible to be called the “iPhone 13”) and iPads that use Apple silicon are making huge strides forward in video production and editing capabilities.

There’s AI, machine learning, neural networking and all kinds of software under the hood that is being extended and improved constantly (in some cases via AI), and all that tech mumbo jumbo adds up to more creative potential and less costs to get in the game at a very high level. No limits.

Lady Gaga’s music video for “Stupid Love“was also shot on an iPhone and Olivia Rodrigo’s latest single “brutal” was made on an iPad.

https://youtu.be/zgJMrgDABAY

Upgrades for hard and software, though groundbreaking and exciting, do have limitations and problems

Various less than perfect ideas and execution in the OS software

There are also specific limitations though that should be mentioned about the iPhone 13 Pro camera system.

Less and issue but often mentioned is the inability to shoot 4k slow motion footage.

Summing up, even with glitches and minor disappointments, it’s a beautiful world and now we just have to shoot it

The cameras are at the center of what makes an iPhone 13 a Pro investment

Big changes that begat others and on the circle goes

The design logic has an implied history that jumps out once you start to use the camera system.

This is where the logic of the design and how the system works, as a whole, begins to get deep.

Getting to a full photographic system in your pocket, and beyond.

The first robot camera assistant is already in the box when your phone arrives

Conclusions and a few known limitations and caveats

Pro 12MP camera system: Telephoto, Wide, and Ultra Wide cameras

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