Latest News

Apple TV has unveiled a trailer for Star City, the eagerly awaited spinoff of its award-winning alternate-history series For All Mankind. The series debuts on May 29 with two episodes, followed by one new episode every Friday through July 10.

The release date for Star City is intentional, as May 29 also marks the conclusion of For All Mankind’s fifth season, allowing fans to dive straight into the new narrative.

What is Star City about and how does it connect to For All Mankind?

For All Mankind envisions an alternate timeline where the Soviet Union reaches the moon before the United States. The original series has chronicled the ripple effects of this event over several decades, with its fifth season currently set in 2012.

Apple TV

The new spinoff Star City travels back to the 1970s, offering a view from behind the Iron Curtain. Viewers will follow the cosmonauts, engineers, and intelligence operatives who enabled the Soviet moon landing.

The trailer is filled with Cold War tension, clandestine photography, wiretapping, and mysterious disappearances. Showrunners Matt Wolpert and Ben Nedivi have emphasized that this is not merely a companion to For All Mankind, but a distinct spy thriller set during the space race, without any time jumps.

Who is in the Star City cast and who is behind the show?

Rhys Ifans starring in Star City Apple TV

The series was created by Matt Wolpert, Ben Nedivi, and Ronald D. Moore, the same team behind the hit series For All Mankind.

The cast includes Rhys Ifans from House of the Dragon, Anna Maxwell Martin, Agnes O’Casey, Alice Englert, Solly McLeod, Adam Nagaitis from Chernobyl, Ruby Ashbourne Serkis, Josef Davies from Andor, and Priya Kansara from Bridgerton.

Star City is produced by Sony Pictures Television for Apple TV. With Dark Matter Season 2 and Silo Season 3 also arriving this summer, Apple TV is shaping up to be the best destination for sci-fi right now.

As a devoted Mac user, navigating the butterfly keyboard controversy was far from pleasant, and I must confess that I’ve appreciated the stability of the M-series MacBook Pros.

While each incremental update hasn’t completely won me over, the performance and dependability have been invaluable. After five years with the same M1 Pro MacBook Pro bought on launch day, I’m eager to switch to a newer model.

And if recent leaks and rumors are accurate, the end of this year could be the perfect moment to upgrade to a new MacBook Pro. Apple is rumored to launch a completely redesigned MacBook Pro later in 2026, and the list of changes is long enough to make any Mac fan sit up and pay attention.

A fresh design after five years

The last time Apple redesigned the MacBook Pro was in 2021, and that redesign was a big deal. It brought back ports that Apple had stubbornly removed, finally fixed the keyboard, and gave us a thicker, more capable machine.

While I enjoy the new design language, I won’t deny that I miss the thinner, more portable form factor, which is now possible thanks to the power-efficient M series chipsets.

Caleb Denison / Techgeeks

Leaks suggest that the next update will be a “total redesign” with a thinner and lighter chassis. I am hoping that Apple will keep all the ports, as it wouldn’t want another controversy on its hands, but personally, I wouldn’t mind if the HDMI port is axed.

Most new monitors ship with a USB-C port, and if killing the HDMI port can result in a thinner body, I would take that trade any day.

The display is getting multiple upgrades

This is where things get really interesting. The M6 MacBook Pro is expected to bring two major display upgrades at once: an OLED panel and a touchscreen.

OLED means deeper blacks, better contrast, and improved viewing angles. Combined with a thinner chassis, it should make for a stunning screen. And if Apple uses the same tandem OLED technology found in the iPad Pro, the brightness will be exceptional too.

The touchscreen is the more surprising addition, and I am not sure if this will make it. macOS 27 will reportedly upgrade the UI to support common touch gestures, so we will have confirmation in a month at the WWDC 2026 event.

What I am more excited about is that the notch is finally going away. According to Mark Gurman, you get a hole-punch camera cutout and the Dynamic Island, which should bring Live Activities and other interactive elements.

If you read my best Mac utilities article, you know that I already use an app to enhance the notch, but it will be great to see official support.

A performance boost worth talking about

The M6 MacBook Pro will be powered by a new generation of Apple Silicon built on a 2nm process. That is a notable leap from the current generation and should translate to meaningful gains in CPU speed, GPU performance, and AI processing.

Techgeeks

What I am more excited about, even more than the increased performance gains, is the slim chance that the M6 MacBook Pro could include Apple’s C2 modem for built-in cellular connectivity. My work involves a lot of travel, and I would love to have onboard cellular connectivity.

I would not count on it, but it would be a game-changer if it happens.

The one thing that might curb my enthusiasm

Now, we come to the part that I am not looking forward to. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the M6 MacBook Pros may see a minimum 20% price increase. Other sources suggests the new models could rise by $200 to $400.

Seeing all the upgrades and the state of RAM prices thanks to AI, I can see the price hike taking effect, and I will not be happy about it.

I might still pull the trigger and buy one, but against all odds, I am hoping Apple won’t increase the base price, or even if it does, the base model starts with higher storage and RAM than the current generation models.

YouTube features a Multiview function that enables watching up to four live broadcasts at the same time on one display. Previously, users were restricted to preset channel pairings, primarily focused on live sports, but this limitation is about to be lifted.

The service recently utilized Multiview to broadcast Coachella, allowing audiences to view multiple stages concurrently. Now, Reddit members are discovering this same Multiview capability receiving a significant enhancement within YouTube TV, appearing to be a transformative update.

What does the new YouTube TV Multiview upgrade offer?

Reddit

Reddit users were the initial observers of this update, posting images of a revised Multiview selection menu that grants access to the full YouTube TV channel catalog. You are no longer confined to the specific layouts YouTube previously chose for you.

The refreshed interface allows browsing channels by genre, such as Recommended, Sports, News, TV Shows, and Movies, and placing any live channel into your grid. Up to four broadcasts can operate concurrently on one display.

Reddit

The capability functions within the YouTube TV application on streaming hardware such as Roku, Google TV, and Apple TV, performing optimally on larger displays where four streams have sufficient space.

How to access the new Multiview on YouTube TV

Reddit

According to 9to5Google, you can open a live stream inside the YouTube TV app by pressing the down arrow on your remote. On mobile, the same can be done by tapping the video player. A menu will appear with an “Add to multiview” option, which opens the new selection interface.

YouTube confirmed this upgrade was coming back in January 2026, however, this is a staged rollout, so not every subscriber will see it right away. Meanwhile, platform is also rolling out AI likeness detection tech to crack down on celebrity deepfakes and has quietly raised the price of YouTube Premium.

Gaming phones have long struggled with overheating, but Infinix believes it has found the answer. Meet the Infinix GT 50 Pro, a gaming phone with an industry-first micro-pump liquid cooling system that works more like a gaming PC than a smartphone. And yes, you can literally watch the coolant flow through a transparent Pipeline Window Display on the back.

How does the Infinix GT 50 Pro’s liquid cooling system actually work?

The HydroFlow Liquid Cooling Architecture uses a piezoelectric-driven ceramic heat pump. It circulates specially formulated coolant at 6.5ml per minute through precision channels etched with micron-level laser accuracy.

Infinix

The system covers 100% of the phone’s core heat sources across a 6,437mm² diaphragm area. Translation: your phone stays cool even during extended, high-intensity sessions.

If you want to push even further, the GT Magcharge Cooler 2.0 accessory adds 12W of active thermoelectric cooling. Its standout trick is wireless bypass charging, which routes power directly to the processor rather than the battery, cutting heat at the source and preserving battery health long-term.

Infinix

What else does the Infinix GT 50 Pro bring to the table?

The phone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultimate chip, clocked at up to 3.25GHz. That’s paired with 12GB of RAM and your choice of 256GB or 512GB storage. The 6,500mAh battery charges at 45W wired and 30W wireless.

The 6.78-inch 1.5K display runs at up to 144Hz with a 4,500-nit peak brightness, and audio is handled by Dolby Atmos. For control, the Pressure-Sense GT Triggers are dual-pressure mechanical shoulder buttons with 10 pressure levels and under 20ms latency for console-grade control.

Infinix

On the camera side, you get a 50MP main sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultrawide. XOS 16 also adds AI Smart Trigger for automating combos and AI Magic Voice Changer for team chat. The GT 50 Pro comes in Black Abyss, Red Blaze, and Silver Glacier.

Pricing hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, but the Infinix GT 50 Pro goes on sale in Indonesia first, with the 12GB/256GB model priced at roughly $376 and the 12GB/512GB variant around $434.

Overall, this month has been a big one for gaming phones, with OnePlus showing off a gaming-centric device Ace 6 Ultra and physical fans inside phones getting their biggest push yet.

Volvo’s parent company has introduced a new electric sedan in China, highlighting a persistent gap for American car buyers.

The Geely Galaxy A7 EV combines a conventional design with a reported 550km of CLTC range, launching at a price point that remains remarkably low by Western electric vehicle standards. However, it seems destined to remain absent from US showrooms.

That initial low headline figure requires some context. Car News China notes a lower entry price, but the actual EV trims start at 112,800 yuan (approximately $16,530) and go up to 119,800 yuan. This is still competitive pricing for a sedan of this class, though not as unbelievably cheap as the earliest reports suggested.

Geely

Affordable pricing, complicated availability

Beyond the pricing details, the vehicle’s core offering appears robust. The A7 EV is equipped with a 58.05 kWh LFP battery and a 160 kW front motor, with Geely citing a 550km range on the CLTC cycle. There are indications of a smaller-battery variant, suggesting the lineup may expand further.

Geely

The rest of the car feels more refined than typical budget options. The EV features understated exterior design, a 14.6-inch central touchscreen, a digital driver display, and an interior configuration that prioritizes practical family use over extreme cost-cutting. This distinction is key, as the car’s main draw is its everyday usability at a low cost, not just its novelty.

Why US buyers will miss out

For American audiences, the situation feels all too familiar.

China continues to produce affordable, well-equipped EVs, while the US market rarely sees comparable pricing on new electric sedans.

There are no current signs of a US launch for the A7 EV, meaning American consumers will likely only observe this vehicle from a distance.

Geely

What comes next for the Galaxy A7

The key question now is whether the EV variant can help boost sales for the broader Galaxy A7 series.

Geely

Geely sold 15,230 A7 units in China during the first quarter of 2026, but this represents a 59.4% drop from the previous quarter.

If the EV version succeeds with buyers, it will be significant not just as a new trim, but as an indicator of how rapidly China’s budget EV sector is evolving.

Volvo’s parent company has introduced a new electric sedan in China, reigniting a familiar frustration for American buyers.

The Geely Galaxy A7 EV combines a conventional design with an advertised 550km CLTC range, launching at a price point that remains remarkably low by Western electric vehicle benchmarks. However, it is unlikely to ever reach American showrooms.

That initial headline price requires some clarification. Car News China notes a lower starting figure, but the actual EV trims begin at 112,800 yuan (approximately $16,530) and climb to 119,800 yuan. While still competitively priced for a sedan of this class, it is not as drastically cheap as the earliest reports suggested.

Geely

Low Cost, Complicated Launch

Beyond the initial pricing ambiguity, the vehicle’s fundamentals appear strong. The A7 EV is equipped with a 58.05 kWh LFP battery and a 160 kW front motor, with Techgeeks citing a 550km CLTC range. While a smaller battery variant may be in development, further details on the full lineup remain pending.

Geely

The rest of the package feels more refined than its budget positioning suggests. The EV features understated exterior design, a 14.6-inch central display, a digital driver’s screen, and an interior that prioritizes everyday usability over stripped-down minimalism. This approach highlights the car’s core value: practicality at an accessible price.

Why US Customers Will Miss Out

For American audiences, the situation echoes a well-worn narrative.

China continues to develop affordable, well-equipped EVs, while the US market rarely sees comparable pricing on new electric sedans.

With no indications of a US release for the A7 EV, it will likely remain an overseas model, leaving American consumers to observe from a distance.

Geely

Looking Ahead to Sales

The key question now is whether the EV variant can help reinvigorate interest in the broader Galaxy A7 series.

Geely

Geely sold 15,230 A7 units in China during Q1 2026, marking a 59.4% decline from the previous quarter.

If the EV version gains traction, it will serve as more than just a new trim option; it will demonstrate how rapidly China’s budget EV sector is evolving.

If you have ever registered for an application only to waste five minutes searching for a six-digit code hidden in your email, you understand how tedious this process can be. I particularly dislike the magic sign-up links that websites send, as they often stop functioning if my default browser is not Google Chrome.

Fortunately, Google is addressing this issue with a new verified email credential for Android, offering a truly clever solution.

What is wrong with OTPs?

The standard OTP has long been the foundation of email verification, yet it presents significant challenges. You must exit the app, open your inbox, locate the email, copy the code, and return to the app.

This lengthy procedure frustrates both users and app developers. The excessive number of steps can cause users to abandon the sign-up process, resulting in lost potential users before they even experience the app.

iOS resolved this problem by enabling users to sign in via Apple account. Recently, it also introduced a feature to autofill OTPs from emails, similar to how Android supports OTP autofill from messages.

Techgeeks

Now, Google is developing a seamless signup process that eliminates the need for users to switch between apps.

How does the new system work?

Google now issues a cryptographically verified email credential directly to Android devices through the Credential Manager API. When an app needs to confirm your email, it can retrieve that credential directly using the Credential Manager API.

A small prompt appears on screen showing what information is being requested. You tap to confirm, and the app gets your verified email. No switching apps, no codes, no delay.

Android Developers Blog

Google recommends pairing this with passkey creation, so the first sign-up becomes the last time a user has to do anything manual.

The same can also be used for account recovery and re-authentication of sensitive actions, including setting changes, updating profile details, and more.

Android Developers Blog

The best part is that the new feature supports Android 9 and later devices, so you don’t need the best new Android smartphones to enjoy this quality-of-life improvement.

Are there any restrictions?

There are a few restrictions. The feature currently works only with regular consumer Google Accounts, not Workspace accounts. It also only works with Gmail accounts, and not with third-party email accounts that you might have used to create your Google account.

Anyone who has ever registered for an application only to waste five minutes searching for a six-digit code hidden in their email inbox understands the frustration involved. I particularly dislike those magical sign-up links sent by websites, especially when they malfunction because my default browser isn’t Google Chrome.

Fortunately, Google is addressing this issue with a new verified email credential for Android, offering a truly clever solution.

What exactly is wrong with OTPs?

While one-time passwords (OTPs) have long served as the foundation of email verification, they present significant challenges. Users must exit the app, access their inbox, locate the email, copy the code, and return to the app.

This lengthy procedure negatively impacts both consumers and application developers. The numerous steps involved often lead users to abandon the sign-up process midway, causing apps to lose potential customers before they can even test the service.

iOS resolved this problem by enabling users to sign in via their Apple account. Recently, it introduced a feature to autofill OTPs from emails, mirroring Android’s support for OTP autofill from messages.

Techgeeks

Now, Google is also creating a seamless signup process that doesn’t require users to jump between apps.

How does the new system work?

Google now issues a cryptographically verified email credential directly to Android devices through the Credential Manager API. When an app needs to confirm your email, it can pull that credential directly using the Credential Manager API.

A small prompt appears on screen showing what information is being requested. You tap to confirm, and the app gets your verified email. No switching apps, no codes, no delay.

Android Developers Blog

Google recommends pairing this with passkey creation, so the first sign-up becomes the last time a user has to do anything manual.

The same can also be used for account recovery and re-authentication of sensitive actions, including setting changes, updating profile details, and more.

Android Developers Blog

The best part is that the new feature supports Android 9 and later devices, so you don’t need the best new Android smartphones to enjoy this quality-of-life improvement.

Are there any restrictions?

There are a few restrictions. The feature currently works only with regular consumer Google Accounts, not Workspace accounts. It also only works with Gmail accounts, and not with third-party email accounts that you might have used to create your Google account.

Xpeng, a rapidly rising name among Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, is setting its sights on the heavens. The automaker is working toward a future where its flying cars could soon be delivered to early adopters. Although this concept may seem like something out of a sci-fi novel, Xpeng is already discussing order volumes, regulatory clearances, and large-scale manufacturing.

What is the timeline for these aerial vehicles?

Xpeng

According to Reuters , Xpeng anticipates launching mass production of its aerial vehicles in 2027. Company President Brian Gu revealed that the firm has secured over 7,000 orders, predominantly from within China. Currently, the automaker is navigating the approval process with national aviation regulators. Gu expressed optimism that full-scale deliveries could commence as early as next year, provided that all necessary certifications are finalized.

The specific vehicle in focus is Xpeng’s AeroHT, known as the “Land Aircraft Carrier”. This system consists of a six-wheeled van equipped with a detachable two-seater electric aircraft mounted in its cargo area.

Nick Mokey / Techgeeks

Aerial mobility is just one facet of Xpeng’s strategy

The executive is also backing other ambitious projects for imminent launch, including the mass production of humanoid robots scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026. Furthermore, 2027 is slated to be a pivotal year for robotaxi trials conducted with global partners. Xpeng intends to initiate robotaxi testing in Guangzhou later this year, potentially resulting in the deployment of hundreds to thousands of autonomous vehicles within the next 12 to 18 months.

Self-driving cars promised a future where you sit back, relax, and glide past the gridlock while the car handles everything. A new study from the University of Texas at Arlington has some bad news for that fantasy. According to research, widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles could actually make traffic significantly worse.

Professors Stephen Mattingly and Farah Naz conducted a meta-analysis on how self-driving cars could affect vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Their findings showed an average 5.95% increase in vehicle miles traveled. Non-shared autonomous vehicles pushed that figure even higher, to nearly 7%.

“The rise of AVs could make commuting more convenient, but it may also lead to more pick-up and drop-off activity, more empty vehicle trips, and new costs.”

The logic is simple. When your car can drop you off and drive itself home, or cruise around looking for rides, roads get busier. As Dr. Mattingly put it, “Where will commuters send their car when they don’t need it?” Will it be sent to a parking lot, sent to try to find other riders, or sent home?”

Are robot taxis already causing chaos on the streets?

To put it succinctly, the research shows that robotaxis are already causing an increase in vehicle miles traveled, and once their adoption becomes universal, it will put extreme pressure on existing infrastructure. But that’s in the future; if current news reports are anything to go by, the robotaxis are already causing havoc on roads.

Waymo

For example, Waymo launched in Nashville on April 7, 2026, and within five days, people were posting viral videos of its robotaxis freezing at intersections and driving into restricted zones. In December 2025, a San Francisco power outage left dozens of Waymo vehicles frozen at intersections city-wide.

It’s not only a US-specific issue. Just a few weeks back, dozens of Baidu robotaxis simultaneously stopped on elevated highways in Wuhan, China, stranding passengers mid-traffic for over an hour.

These are just a few examples. Dozens of similar incidents have occurred over the past few months, where robotaxis have gotten stuck for various reasons and caused traffic jams.

This is happening while robotaxis are still largely in trial mode. Multiply this by a factor of a hundred or even a thousand, and it’s easy to imagine how much worse traffic could become in the future.

So what happens next?

Dr. Naz summed it up well: “AVs are not inherently good or bad. Their impacts will depend heavily on how they are deployed and governed.” Without smart policy ahead of mass adoption, the self-driving dream risks handing us a shinier, more expensive traffic jam.

If we are to pay that price, autonomous vehicles must clearly demonstrate that they are safer and more reliable than human drivers, which they have failed to do till now.