Billy Magnussen and Sarah Goldberg star in tech billionaire satire “The Audacity,” from “Succession” writer Jonathan Glatzer.
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Indie App Spotlight: ‘Kiosk 27’ Alters iPhone Camera Experience to Reflect Film Photography
### Kiosk 27: An Cinematic Photography Experience on iPhone
In the continuously advancing realm of smartphone photography, iPhone cameras have achieved notable advancements, providing sophisticated computational photography capabilities. Nevertheless, for individuals desiring a more traditional, cinematic look, Kiosk 27 offers an enticing alternative. This independent app, highlighted in the Indie App Spotlight series on 9to5Mac, seeks to emulate the allure of analog photography while utilizing contemporary technology.
#### Features of Kiosk 27
A prominent feature of Kiosk 27 is its application of sensor-RAW processing. Unlike conventional camera apps that apply filters to typical images, Kiosk 27 captures photos in a manner that closely resembles the essence of film photography. The developer, possessing over 20 years of expertise in analog photography, has integrated a sense of authenticity into this app that resonates with both novice and veteran photographers.
The app includes vital camera features such as a timer, flash, and focus lock, ensuring a thorough shooting experience. Furthermore, it enriches the film experience with options like a date stamp, mist effect, and customizable film traits, enabling users to modify grain and bloom according to their preferences.
Kiosk 27 also encompasses the spirit of film by initially taking a negative image, which is subsequently converted into a positive on the device. This method not only adds genuineness but also imposes a deliberate constraint: users can capture only 27 images per roll. Although it’s feasible to surpass this limit since the app functions digitally, this restriction promotes a more deliberate approach to photography, akin to traditional film capturing.
Another significant feature is the home screen widget, which aids users in monitoring their current roll, enhancing the overall user experience. Feedback from initial users emphasizes the app’s capability to generate breathtaking photographs, making it a valuable consideration for photography aficionados.
#### Acquiring Kiosk 27
Kiosk 27 can be downloaded from the App Store for $12.99. The app is devoid of ads, in-app purchases, or subscription costs, facilitating a simple one-time acquisition. To utilize Kiosk 27, an iPhone operating on iOS 18.6 or later is necessary.
For those who value the craft of photography and desire a more tactile experience, Kiosk 27 provides a unique fusion of modern technology and classic film styles, rendering it an appealing option for indie app enthusiasts.
Meta Reportedly Plans to Lay Off Up to 20% of Staff
According to Reuters, Meta is looking to offset spending on AI and data centers with a massive round of layoffs. Sources familiar with the matter say the company could lay off as much as 20 percent of its staff, eliminating roughly 15,800 positions. That would be the largest series of layoffs at the company since […]
The Explanation of the Purpose of Cameras on Coca-Cola Machines
The Small Cameras On Coca-Cola Machines Aren’t Intended For Dispensing Beverages
It’s undeniable that the Coke machines with a touchscreen, referred to as Coca-Cola Freestyle, are impressive since they enable you to blend and choose from over 100 beverages. Coke even offers the capability to dispense your creation touch-free through an application. However, if you take a closer look, right above that touchscreen is a small opening, and inside is a miniature camera lens.
As mentioned by Fortune, these cameras are equipped with “future capabilities for motion sensing and facial recognition,” yet they don’t seem to be utilized at present. Cameras have become ubiquitous these days, including at Costco gas stations to deter card skimmers. But what purpose would a soda dispenser serve with a camera? Based on patent filings by former staff of the beverage giant, it’s reasonable to infer that it’s primarily focused on customer sentiment analysis.
This corresponds with a project Coke previously engaged in with the MIT Senseable City Lab, aimed at analyzing the vast quantities of data gathered by the over 15,000 Coca-Cola Freestyle machines across the United States. Although the cameras were not employed for this purpose, data such as time, location, and user preferences were collected to supply thorough insights into consumer behavior.
Utilizing Coke Freestyle machines for data collection
As of this moment, there are no indications that these Coca-Cola Freestyle machine cameras are operational. The majority of the data gathered by these machines seems to pertain to user interactions, such as what beverages consumers are selecting, when they are making their purchases, and what combinations are being created. Thus, while there is no evidence that Coke is applying these cameras for facial recognition, it remains unsettling to think about machines quietly observing and tracking us.
Similar to the new AI capable of monitoring you in surveillance footage without ever seeing your face and the “WhoFi” system that can follow your body using Wi-Fi. Although the Freestyle cameras are inactive, it is still uncertain what precisely Coca-Cola plans to do with all that data — apart from identifying new popular flavor combinations, such as Orange Vanilla Coke. The company reportedly invested over $1 billion in the development of its Freestyle machines, but it is likely that this expense will eventually be offset through the collection, management, and sale of data.
The MacBook Neo: An Possible Substitute for Chromebooks
For many years, Chromebooks have been the leading choice in the budget laptop category. Nevertheless, with the introduction of the MacBook Neo, Apple establishes a new standard for computers priced below $599, offering exceptional built quality, a high-performance processor, and several additional features such as a quality webcam and a complete operating system, unlike Chromebooks which operate solely with Google Chrome. While budget shoppers looking for a $150 option may not be swayed by the MacBook Neo, those inclined to invest around $500 may find it challenging to resist upgrading to a Mac, since even pricier Chromebooks don’t compare to Apple’s design.
For instance, a Samsung Galaxy Chromebook may provide an aluminum finish, or you might opt for a 2-in-1 model from Lenovo or Acer, enabling you to use your Chromebook as a tablet as well. However, these options could exceed the $600 threshold, risk delivering subpar performance, lackluster finishes, or potentially come with a poor webcam. Additionally, a more significant distinction between a MacBook and a Chromebook is the operating systems: macOS versus ChromeOS.
Even if the MacBook Neo didn’t boast aesthetic appeal, it would still run macOS. Chromebooks are designed primarily for online use, relying heavily on cloud services like Google Docs. Thus, if you need to work offline, they won’t perform as effectively as a comprehensive operating system like macOS. Moreover, the range of apps on ChromeOS is more restricted. For instance, Adobe Photoshop or advanced editing tools aren’t as readily accessible compared to their availability on macOS. Initial reviews suggest that the MacBook Neo performs admirably in photo and video editing tasks, surpassing what most Chromebooks can handle.
Apple also claims that for local AI tasks and web browsing, the MacBook Neo’s A18 Pro vastly outperforms the latest Intel Core Ultra 5, which is a much better processor than what most Chromebooks possess. Given that Apple manages both the hardware and software for its MacBook Neo, it’s evident why this laptop delivers superior performance relative to Chromebooks and other Windows laptops in a similar price bracket.
Naturally, although shoppers can find certain Chromebook models offering up to 16GB of RAM, superior OLED displays, and additional features, the price can reach a point where purchasing a refurbished MacBook Air or an M2 or M3 model may be a more sensible option than acquiring these ChromeOS devices.
What makes the MacBook Neo particularly appealing is Apple’s focus on the educational sector, a realm that Chromebooks have previously dominated. With a $499 educational price point, students receive a device featuring an aluminum finish, quality keyboards and trackpads (though it lacks the Force Touch found in other Apple MacBooks), a powerful processor that is even more capable than the M1, a decent webcam, and complete macOS compatibility. For an additional $100, users can also upgrade to 512GB of storage instead of the standard 256GB, along with Touch ID support.
Early reviews indicate that the speakers are surprisingly impressive, even though they are side-firing. The 13-inch LCD display from Apple has also received positive feedback, despite not supporting P3 Gamut, which would enhance color vibrancy. Nevertheless, the general consensus appears to be that if you are searching for a laptop to accompany you in the coming years—whether you are starting college or seeking a reliable daily device—the MacBook Neo is the top choice for non-technical users who prefer a laptop that won’t underperform after just a couple of years.
Guerrilla Art Vending Machine Criticizing Elon Musk Debuts at SXSW in Austin
An unidentified group installed an anti-Elon Musk vending machine that dispenses the Epstein Files, part of a guerilla art installation.
Razzies 2026: The Absolute Worst
Want to know what the worst 2025 performances were before we crown the best? Check out who took home the Razzie gold.
“Galaxy S26’s Impressive Capability Might Eliminate the Requirement for a Laptop”
Samsung has enhanced DeX on the Galaxy S26, delivering a more robust desktop experience.
Samsung DeX has been a feature on Galaxy devices for many years and is a primary reason I often favor Samsung’s top phones over other Android options. Although Google has simplified access to Android’s desktop mode with the recent Android 16 QPR3 update, Samsung DeX still feels ahead of the pack.
With the Galaxy Z Trifold, Samsung has streamlined access to DeX mode directly on the device. Users can effortlessly switch from the regular One UI 8 to Samsung DeX with a single tap on the foldable itself.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra, while not providing a large enough screen for the same on-device experience, has seen a quiet upgrade to DeX. It is now powerful enough in certain scenarios that it could feasibly replace my laptop.
Samsung DeX reaches new levels of capability on the Galaxy S26 series.
The primary DeX functionality on the Galaxy S26 Ultra remains fairly consistent. You connect your phone to an external monitor using a USB-C cable, and a desktop-like interface appears. This resembles a conventional desktop setting, featuring a taskbar at the bottom, a notification and control area on the right, navigation controls on the left, and a spacious workspace for opening multiple applications in distinct windows.
What has notably advanced on the Galaxy S26 series, particularly with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 powering the Galaxy S26 Ultra, is the ability to run many more apps concurrently. The additional performance allows the system to handle multiple applications simultaneously without any lag.
On my Mac, I often manage several desktops, each hosting a different array of applications. For instance, one desktop features Firefox, while another contains Photoshop. Samsung has introduced a similar feature to DeX on the Galaxy S26 Ultra by supporting multiple desktops.
Now, users can open up to four desktops at once, with as many as five applications running on each. This means a total of 20 applications can function alongside each other if necessary. This capability was not possible before, but the Galaxy S26 Ultra manages it seamlessly. I tested this setup with a Galaxy S26 Ultra connected to my 27-inch 4K LG monitor, and the experience felt surprisingly akin to using my Mac.
Applications launch swiftly, animations remain fluid, and for software that already accommodates larger screens, particularly Chrome and other Google applications, the experience is very reminiscent of a standard desktop operating system.
I can foresee how this could be advantageous for many users over time. Picture carrying just a portable display and a USB-C cable linked to your phone, yet still being able to accomplish most of your work from your pocket device.
This is something productivity-driven users are likely to value. The system is potent enough to enable photo or video editing on the go, alongside normal tasks like writing or emailing.
What’s even more impressive is that you can continue utilizing your phone concurrently. DeX keeps functioning on the external monitor while One UI 8.5 continues on the phone itself. Thus, you can still respond to messages, answer calls, or check notifications on your phone, which doesn’t cease when you connect to an external monitor.
Within the Settings app on your Galaxy S26, you can personalize various DeX elements, including modifying the output resolution for your monitor, adjusting mouse or trackpad tracking speed, and even using your Galaxy S26 as a touchpad for the external display.
Multitasking in DeX has never been better.
One feature I particularly appreciate, which Samsung introduced with the Galaxy S26, is the option to cycle between windows using the Command + Arrow shortcut. You must manually enable this in DeX settings, but once activated, you can hold the Command key and use the Arrow keys to navigate between desktops, similar to managing spaces on macOS.
However, I still wish Samsung had implemented a few additional features to enhance the DeX experience. For instance, it would be fantastic to allow more than two applications in split-screen mode side by side. This could potentially be included in a software update, given that the hardware appears sufficiently powerful.
Even in its existing form, it provides a surprisingly effective desktop experience. I can envision it being particularly useful in scenarios where you leave your laptop behind but still need to edit a document quickly at college or work. Simply connect your phone to an external monitor with a cable, and it is certainly capable of managing that task efficiently.
“MacBook Neo Sparks Debate on the Worth of Apple’s Additional Offerings”
### The Influence of the $599 MacBook Neo on Apple’s Laptop Collection
The recent debut of the $599 MacBook Neo has ignited conversations regarding its ability to alter the value dynamic of other non-Pro laptops within Apple’s assortment. With its high-quality feel and reasonable price, the MacBook Neo invokes inquiries about its role in the current selection of Apple merchandise.
#### MacBook Neo: A Luxurious Experience at a Reasonable Price
At a cost of $599 (or $499 for students), the MacBook Neo delivers an impressive mixture of characteristics usually linked to more premium Apple offerings. Its aluminum casing, glass screen, and superior keyboard enhance a luxurious appearance that contradicts its budget-friendly price. Significantly, the MacBook Neo features a 500 nit display, exceeding the 400 nits provided by the M1 MacBook Air, which had been the gold standard for entry-level Apple laptops until now.
Nevertheless, the MacBook Neo does have certain limitations. It forgoes the force touch trackpad available in other models in favor of a traditional click mechanism. Furthermore, the entry-level version comes equipped with 256GB of storage and does not feature Touch ID, which can be incorporated for an additional $100, along with expanded storage options.
#### Comparison with Other Apple Offerings
The launch of the MacBook Neo brings to light issues regarding its rivalry with the MacBook Air and the iPad Air paired with Magic Keyboard. The MacBook Air, now beginning at $1099 after its M5 update, includes features such as 16GB of RAM, a P3 display for color fidelity, and a Center Stage camera for improved video conferencing. While these characteristics may justify the increased price for certain users, the MacBook Neo’s allure rests in its affordability and reliable performance.
Numerous shoppers who once chose the MacBook Air for being the most economical Mac laptop might now view the MacBook Neo as a valid substitute. Both devices share comparable weights and dimensions, making them alike in terms of ease of transport.
#### The iPad Air vs. MacBook Neo Discussion
The iPad Air, often perceived as an economical laptop substitute when equipped with the Magic Keyboard, creates a more intricate comparison. The iPad Air starts at $599, yet when matched with the Magic Keyboard, the total price generally surpasses $800. This configuration provides less storage and a smaller display than the MacBook Neo, potentially causing consumers to reassess their decisions.
The pricing and specifications of the MacBook Neo effectively challenge the perception of iPads as economical laptop options. While the iPad offers distinct features, such as Apple Pencil compatibility, the MacBook Neo delivers a more traditional laptop experience at an attractive price point.
#### Conclusion: A Disruptive Element in Apple’s Collection
The rollout of the MacBook Neo seems to significantly disrupt Apple’s current laptop range. In the near term, Apple may need to reconsider its pricing approach and boost the features of its other offerings to sustain their desirability. For example, the cost of the Magic Keyboard for the base iPad appears steep in relation to the MacBook Neo.
As Apple progresses in innovation, the MacBook Neo might set the stage for forthcoming models with enhanced specifications, possibly closing the gap left by the MacBook Air. The introduction of a higher storage and RAM variant of the MacBook Neo could further strengthen its standing in the market.
The unveiling of the MacBook Neo encourages consumers to reevaluate their purchasing choices, leading to a prospective shift in the way Apple products are viewed and valued.
Apps Promising to Help You Make New Friends
We’ve compiled a list of friendship apps, from friend discovery platforms like BFF to event-focused ones like Timeleft.
