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9to5Mac Daily: July 14, 2025 – Apple and F1, more

Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by 1Password: For a limited time, get $20 off the easiest way to stay secure online with 1Password—featuring a new passkey feature that lets you go passwordless on compatible apps and sites. New episodes of 9to5Mac Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe

This security-minded Linux distribution makes it easy to browse anonymously

Ger Bosma/Getty There are some Linux distributions that were created for specific purposes. There are those for creating multimedia, developing software, network routing, ethical hacking, general use, and everything in between. And then there are some distributions that can easily serve multiple purposes. When I think of ParrotOS, I generally think of security: forensics, penetration testing, etc. I've used ParrotOS for similar purposes before, but always neglected to test the Home edition.

Cidco MailStation as a Z80 Development Platform (2019)

The Cidco MailStation is a series of dedicated e-mail terminals sold in the 2000s as simple, standalone devices for people to use to send and receive e-mail over dialup modem. While their POP3 e-mail functionality is of little use today, the hardware is a neat Z80 development platform that integrates a 320x128 LCD, full QWERTY keyboard, and an internal modem. After purchasing one (ok, four) on eBay some months ago, I've learned enough about the platform to write my own software that allows it t

Donkey Kong Might Be Nintendo’s Next Cinematic Leading… Ape

Donkey Kong is having a moment. This summer, not only did Mario’s original foe get his first theme park ride in the United States, but he’s also got Donkey Kong Bananza, his own mega game coming to Switch 2 later this week, and he might even be getting a movie sometime in the future. As of right now, we know there are two Nintendo movies in the works. A sequel to the mega-hit Super Mario Bros. movie scheduled for release April 3, 2026, as well as a live-action film based on The Legend of Zelda,

Dozens of ‘Ghost Galaxies’ Are Orbiting the Milky Way, Astronomers Suspect

The Lambda Cold Dark Matter (LCDM) theory suggests that most galaxies are low-mass dwarf galaxies, many of which orbit larger galaxies like the Milky Way. More broadly, the LCDM represents our best understanding of how the universe works. But there’s a problem. According to the theory, the Milky Way should have significantly more satellite galaxies than scientists have observed with telescopes and predicted with computer simulations. By combining the highest-resolution supercomputer simulations

Episource is notifying millions of people that their health data was stolen

Medical billing giant Episource is notifying millions of people across the United States that their personal and health information was stolen in a cyberattack earlier this year. The breach affects more than 5.4 million people, according to a listing with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, making it one of the largest healthcare breaches of the year so far. Episource, owned by health insurance giant UnitedHealth Group’s subsidiary Optum, provides billing adjustment to the doctor

Scientists Detect Sign of Something Impossible Out in Deep Space

The very concept of black holes seems improbable. Albert Einstein infamously refused to believe they could exist, even though his theory of general relativity was instrumental in predicting them. Now, scientists have witnessed evidence of something about these baffling cosmic monstrosities that further stretches the boundaries of both physics and credulity: a titanic collision of two already enormous black holes so utterly extreme that it has scientists wondering if the event they seem to have

MagSafe Monday: Heading off to college in the fall? Here’s your best MagSafe gear

I went off to college with a giant desktop computer, so I’m a little envious of the gear students have today. I still remember the flex of buying a 64MB USB flash drive just so I could move papers between computers (this was all pre-Google Docs). If you’re heading to campus this fall, here’s the best MagSafe gear to make your dorm setup cleaner, smarter, and less tangled. Some of my favorite gear Abode Home Security System Abode is the best home security system and includes compatibility with H

This entry-level robot vacuum left some of my expensive ones in the dust

ZDNET's key takeaways At $199, the Tapo RV20 Max is an affordable option that works surprisingly well. The RV20 Max robot vacuum features strong 5,300Pa suction, great navigation skills that don't use the bump-and-run system, and plenty of customization options for the price. On the downside, the Tapo RV20 Max doesn't have great obstacle avoidance, often getting its brush tangled with cables and small items. View now at Amazon While I love a hands-free robot vacuum and mop that can do it all

This security-focused Linux distribution is surprisingly good for everyday use

Ger Bosma/Getty There are some Linux distributions that were created for specific purposes. There are those for creating multimedia, developing software, network routing, ethical hacking, general use, and everything in between. And then there are some distributions that can easily serve multiple purposes. When I think of ParrotOS, I generally think of security: forensics, penetration testing, etc. I've used ParrotOS for similar purposes before, but always neglected to test the Home edition.

Data brokers are selling flight information to CBP and ICE

For many years, data brokers have existed in the shadows, exploiting gaps in privacy laws to harvest our information—all for their own profit. They sell our precise movements without our knowledge or meaningful consent to a variety of private and state actors, including law enforcement agencies. And they show no sign of stopping. This incentivizes other bad actors. If companies collect any kind of personal data and want to make a quick buck, there’s a data broker willing to buy it and sell it t

Nicholas Hoult and Rachel Brosnahan Discuss Their Big ‘Superman’ Action Moments

There’s a moment early on in Superman when Lex Luthor is shouting commands for different fight moves to a team of people remote controlling a supervillain where you think two things. “It looks like Lex is playing a big, elaborate video game,” and “I’ve never seen anything like this in a superhero movie before.” Both things are true, and when io9 spoke with actor Nicholas Hoult about his villainous turn in the DC film, we asked him about it. Speaking in Los Angeles recently, we asked Hoult what

James Gunn's 'Superman': Does It Have Post-Credits Scenes?

James Gunn's Superman movie swooped into theaters Friday, offering thrilling battles, big-hearted heroes and an amusingly untrained canine sidekick. You might want to see the superhero epic if you're into other films written and directed by Gunn (such as Suicide Squad and Guardians of the Galaxy) or want to catch the cinematic start to the new DC Universe. Superman stars Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor and David Corenswet as the Man of Steel. The movie isn't an origi

As the browser wars heat up, here are the hottest alternatives to Chrome and Safari in 2025

Google Chrome and Apple’s Safari currently dominate the web browser market, with Chrome holding a significant share due to the tech giant’s ongoing innovations, particularly in integrating generative AI into its search functionalities. However, users seeking alternatives will find a variety of browsers aiming to challenge these industry giants. To help navigate the competitive landscape of the browser wars, we’ve compiled an overview of some of the top alternative browsers available today. Thi

Governor of Texas Says He Can't Release His Emails With Elon Musk Because They Are "Intimate and Embarrassing"

Texas governor Greg Abbott is seemingly terrified of having his communications with billionaire Elon Musk come to light. As the Texas Tribune and public radio station the Texas Newsroom, report in an eye-opening, co-published investigation, the elected official's public information coordinator, Matthew Taylor, said that the communications are confidential — and should stay that way — because they include "information that is intimate and embarrassing and not of legitimate concern to the public,

If you're into DIY tech, I found a tiny thermal camera that belongs in your toolkit

ZDNET's key takeaways The InfiRay P2 Pro currently sells for around $250, but it's well worth it if you require a thermal vision camera. Use a thermal camera on functioning items to learn how they should look, which will make it easier to spot faults later. The InfiRay P2 Pro thermal camera is the best option, offering flexibility, speed, and accuracy without needing separate charging. View now at Amazon I'm a big fan of Android smartphones with built-in thermal cameras, such as the awesome U

Google quietly confirms ChromeOS-Android merger - here's what it means for you

NurPhoto/Getty Images The long-standing rumor of ChromeOS and Android's merger was finally confirmed in the most understated way. TechRadar's Lance Ulanoff recounted his conversation with Sameer Samat, Google's president of the Android ecosystem. Samat noticed that the reporter was wearing an Apple Watch and using a MacBook. He asked Ulanoff why he was using a Mac. Samat confessed that he asked because "we're going to be combining ChromeOS and Android into a single platform, and I am very inte

I've tested dozens of cheap portable power stations and this EcoFlow is my favorite

The EcoFlow River 2. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET Power banks have given way to power stations. And while I really like the colossal capacity offered by those behemoths, sometimes I want something I can grab quickly to take with me on a job or in an emergency. The EcoFlow River 2 fits the bill. EcoFlow River 2 specs Capacity : 256Wh : 256Wh Net Weight : Approximately 7.7lbs : Approximately 7.7lbs Dimensions : 9.6 x 8.5 x 5.7inches : 9.6 x 8.5 x 5.7inches AC Input : 100-120V 50Hz/60Hz, 36

I've tested dozens of smart locks, but I keep this one for its handy keycard feature

ZDNET's key takeaways The Aqara U100 smart lock was originally priced at $230, but it is currently discounted to $135. This smart lock is the most versatile I've tested; it offers a variety of unlocking options, a user-friendly app, and easy integration with Apple Home. The Aqara U100 drains the battery quickly, and the app doesn't always alert users, resulting in reduced performance within four months of use. $189.99 at Amazon $179.99 at Best Buy more buying choices The Aqara U100 Smart Lock

Topics: app aqara lock smart u100

I found the perfect portable power station for off-grid adventures

EcoFlow River 2 Max. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET I love power stations. They're the off-grid adventurer's answer to the power bank. They're a huge box of batteries that can charge USB devices and run gadgets that need AC power. But power stations can be big, weighty things. That's fine if you have a vehicle to haul your gear to your destination, but if you're going on foot, most power stations are just too heavy to lug about. Also: The best portable power stations you can buy: Expert tested

I found an E Ink tablet worthy of replacing my Remarkable

ZDNET's key takeaways The Boox Note Max comes bundled with the pen and case for $649. It's thin and light, has a high-contrast display, and has a long list of features that make it a very versatile device. Theres no backlight, it's monochromatic, and there's a bit of a learning curve to use it to its fullest. View now at Amazon View now at B&H Photo and Video more buying choices I went hands-on with the Remarkable Paper Pro last year and thought that was a big tablet. The latest Boox Note Max

This countertop ice maker makes the 'good ice' you only get in restaurants

ZDNET's key takeaways The GE Profile Opal 2.0 nugget ice maker is a smart kitchen appliance that sells for $599. This machine will do the trick if you want those satisfyingly munchable ice pellets often served at fast food restaurants It's also operable via a mobile app. It's pricey, especially given what it is, but I've found the machine well worth the investment. View now at Amazon Whether you call it the good ice, Sonic ice, nugget ice, or pellet ice, there's no denying that the small, mu

Two guys hated using Comcast, so they built their own fiber ISP

Samuel Herman and Alexander Baciu never liked using Comcast's cable broadband. Now, the residents of Saline, Michigan, operate a fiber Internet service provider that competes against Comcast in their neighborhoods and has ambitions to expand. "All throughout my life pretty much, I've had to deal with Xfinity's bullcrap, them not being able to handle the speeds that we need," Herman told Ars. "I lived in a house of 10. I have seven other brothers and sisters, and there's 10 of us in total with m

Superheroes Are Spending 2025 in Their Reboot Eras

There have been a lot of superhero stories told over the decades from DC and Marvel, but it’s been a while since things lined up quite like this. Of 2025’s wave of cape movies and shows, several of them—from Thunderbolts* and Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man to the just-released Superman and incoming Fantastic Four: First Steps—are reboots in some form or another. In the comics these characters originated from, reboots happen on a regular basis, and their movie counterparts are no strangers

Rainmaker partners with Atmo to squeeze more rain from clouds

Cloud seeding startup Rainmaker is partnering with Atmo, an AI-powered meteorology startup, the companies exclusively told TechCrunch. The two operate on complementary ends of the weather system: Atmo studies atmospheric patterns to forecast weather events, while Rainmaker digests such data in an attempt to squeeze more precipitation out of weather systems. Under the partnership, Atmo will use its deep learning models to help Rainmaker identify clouds that have potential for seeding. The forec

Apple Maps is hiding iOS 26’s most useful new feature

Apple Maps is full of updates as part of iOS 26, including a new Liquid Glass design and Preferred Routes proactive feature. Another notable new feature is Visited Places. Here’s how it works… Apple Maps Visited Places in iOS 26 Apple describes Visited Places as a way to “help users remember the places they’ve been.” The feature is completely opt-in. When you open Apple Maps for the first time after installing iOS 26, you can choose to enable Visited Places. All data collected as part of the

I'm a Windows user, but the MacBook Air M4 could be my new primary laptop at this price

MacBook Air M4 in Sky Blue Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET When Apple announced the MacBook Air M4 earlier this year, it was clear that the laptop would be an incremental upgrade from last year's model, with the latest in Apple silicon and a host of software and AI-powered features. The fact that the 13-inch version was $100 less was a pleasant surprise, however, positioning it as a competitive choice in the current market. I had a chance to test out the new MacBook Air M4, and my initial findings reflec

This portable battery station powered my home for two weeks

ZDNET's key takeaways The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus expands up to 24,000 Wh, powering a home for two weeks. Built-in wheels and handle make the Explorer 2000 Plus easy to move. The Explorer 2000 Plus delivers 3,000W power, fast charging, and rugged durability. View now at Amazon If you see the sun regularly, solar generators are the way forward. They allow you to capture and store the free energy that's beaming down from the sun, convert it into electricity, and store it in batteries. Solar

I tested a subscription-free smart ring for a month - here's how it compares to Oura

ZDNET's key takeaways The Ultrahuman Ring Air is the brand's first foray into the smart ring space, and it's available for $349, no subscription required. The ring is great for hardcore fitness enthusiasts and recreational exercisers looking to use their health data to optimize their wellness routines. The app's user interface could be improved for easier access to daily logging functions. $349 at Amazon As one of the hottest smart rings on the market, the Ultrahuman Ring Air offers features