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Mickey Rourke has made a number of horrific career decisions – Celebrity Big Brother is the worst yet

The long-running reality show has always welcomed fallen US names like the Oscar nominee, but there is a gentle sensitivity to the star of ‘The Wrestler’ and ‘9½ Weeks’ – and a frustrating propensity for self-sabotage – that makes his rumoured appearance on the new series acutely depressing, writes Adam White

© Shutterstock/ITV

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Apple and SpaceX Reportedly 'Clashing' Over Satellite Texting Features

Apple and SpaceX subsidiary Starlink have been rolling out competing satellite features that allow smartphone users to send text messages while they are outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. The Wall Street Journal on Sunday detailed the relationship between the two companies, and the report also revealed some other notable details.


First, the report said that SpaceX has attempted to delay Apple's satellite expansion efforts.

Last year, Apple committed $1.5 billion to its satellite partner Globalstar, to fund the expansion of infrastructure for the iPhone's built-in satellite features. Earlier this month, SpaceX urged the FCC to dismiss Globalstar's application for this expansion, calling it "premature." SpaceX said Globalstar's satellites would make exclusive use of the 1.6GHz and 2.4GHz bands, before the FCC decides on rules that could permit other satellite operators to use those bands. SpaceX wants shared access to the bands, but Globalstar believes this could result in interference, and potentially degrade the iPhone's built-in satellite features.

Despite this conflict, Globalstar is paying SpaceX to launch its additional satellites.

Second, the report said that Apple and SpaceX had "tense" discussions about seamlessly integrating Starlink's satellite texting feature on newer iPhone models, although the two companies eventually reached an agreement.

In a support document, Apple says iPhones display "SAT" in the status bar when using a carrier-provided satellite feature, such as Starlink via T-Mobile.

Starlink via T-Mobile is currently available in beta for free, and it is set to launch as a paid service in July for both iPhone and Android users.

Finally, the report said that Apple held talks over the years with additional satellite companies, including Boeing, EchoStar, and even SpaceX. However, as of today, the iPhone's built-in satellite features remain exclusively powered by Globalstar.

In a statement responding to the report, Apple said its satellite features are "designed to complement carrier offerings, giving users even more ways to stay connected." Most importantly, Apple said the features have "already helped save lives."

Apple's built-in satellite feature was initially limited to communication with emergency services, but iOS 18 added the ability to send and receive iMessages and SMS messages to anyone via satellite. iPhone users can also update their location in the Find My app via satellite, and arrange roadside assistance via satellite. All of these features are available in the U.S., but availability varies in other countries. The features are free to use for now. Both the Apple-provided and carrier-provided satellite features are supported on all iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 models, with an up-to-date iOS version.
This article, "Apple and SpaceX Reportedly 'Clashing' Over Satellite Texting Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Microsoft shares roadmap for upcoming Windows 11 features

Microsoft has unveiled a public Windows roadmap, providing greater transparency into upcoming features and updates. Windows users, particularly IT professionals, have been asking Microsoft for more information about upcoming features. This initiative responds to that request, offering insights into the development process and detailing the current status and projected release timelines for various features.

As noted by ComputerBase, the roadmap differentiates between device categories, specifically delineating features for Copilot+ PCs and standard Windows PCs, reflecting the distinct user experiences within the Windows ecosystem. It encompasses planned features/updates undergoing evaluation within the Windows Insider Program and those being rolled out for public release. The roadmap clearly outlines how to access each feature and provides estimated release windows. Notably, any features that are ultimately dropped from development will be removed from the overview.

The Windows roadmap showcases 26 features at launch. These include Copilot+-exclusive functionalities like Recall and Click to Do, which are currently in preview and undergoing testing within the Windows Insider Program. However, Microsoft has not yet specified a definitive public release date for these Copilot+ features. In contrast, features like the improved Windows search and live translation capabilities are actively being rolled out to Copilot+ users.

The roadmap also incorporates features designed for standard Windows PCs, such as enhancements to the taskbar and File Explorer extensions. These features are in various stages of development, ranging from evaluation in the Windows Insider Program to broad public availability.

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KitGuru says: A roadmap like this for Windows is long overdue, but at least it has finally arrived. 

The post Microsoft shares roadmap for upcoming Windows 11 features first appeared on KitGuru.
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David Hockney on his continued passion for work ahead of his biggest show in 25 years: ‘I will never stop painting’

The biggest living art star meets with his friend and legendary curator Sir Norman Rosenthal for a conversation about their upcoming show in Paris. At the latter’s London home, Geordie Greig learns why both of them will carry on making waves in the art world despite being in their eighties

© David Hockney/Jonathan Wilkinson

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Nvidia App update introduces G-Assist, DLSS Super Resolution custom scaling and more

Nvidia App's latest update (11.0.3.218) introduces some interesting new features, including an AI assistant named Project G-Assist. This update also introduces DLSS Super Resolution scaling controls and incorporates key settings from the legacy Nvidia Control Panel, aiming to consolidate functionality within the new application.

Nvidia's Project G-Assist provides practical in-game assistance, coaching, and support. Nvidia describes it as an AI driven by a specialised Small Language Model (SLM), trained to perform specific tasks. These include optimising in-game settings, providing hardware information, and controlling lighting and fan speeds on compatible peripherals. Some games will also feature custom support for an enhanced experience. G-Assist's functionality is restricted to users with Nvidia RTX 30, 40, or 50 series GPUs equipped with 12 GB or more of VRAM. The System Assistant and Voice Command modules require approximately 6.5 GB and 3 GB of free disk space, respectively.

In addition to the AI companion, the Nvidia App recently received a DLSS Override feature, allowing users to fine-tune DLSS Super Resolution scaling. Instead of relying on fixed presets, the new update enables users to adjust the input resolution between 33% (DLSS Ultra Performance) and 100% (DLAA), providing granular control for optimal image quality and performance. This is particularly useful for users seeking a middle ground between two presets.

Furthermore, the Nvidia App now integrates two essential features previously exclusive to the Nvidia Control Panel: display scaling and colour settings. The former enables hardware-accelerated integer scaling, overriding in-game and application scaling, while the latter allows users to adjust display colour profiles. The latest version of the Nvidia App is available for download from the official Nvidia website or via an in-app update.

KitGuru says: Have you already updated your Nvidia App?

The post Nvidia App update introduces G-Assist, DLSS Super Resolution custom scaling and more first appeared on KitGuru.
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