Polaris Dawn is finally headed to space for its groundbreaking civilian mission

A SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying the four private astronauts of the Polaris Dawn mission has launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida in the early hours of September 10 after a few weeks of delays. The mission was scheduled to lift off at the end of August but was postponed first due to technical issues, then because of poor weather conditions forecasted for the crew’s return. On board are Jared Isaacman — the billionaire who funded the mission — retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Scott “Kidd” Poteet, and SpaceX engineers Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon. They’ll attempt several firsts during the five-day flight, including the first-ever commercial spacewalk.

That attempt will also mark the first spacewalk from a Dragon capsule. Among Polaris Dawn’s other goals is to send its crew farther than anyone has traveled since the Apollo program, targeting an altitude of about 870 miles from Earth. The journey will take the capsule and its crew briefly into the Van Allen radiation belt.

Polaris Dawn is meant to be the first of three human spaceflight missions under Isaacman’s Polaris Program. Its crew will put SpaceX’s new Extravehicular Activity space suit to its most important test yet, as they’ll all wear it for protection against the vacuum of space when the Dragon’s doors open for the spacewalk. The spacewalk will take place at an elliptical orbit roughly 435 miles above Earth’s surface, and two crew members will leave the capsule.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/polaris-dawn-is-finally-headed-to-space-for-its-groundbreaking-civilian-mission-093346616.html?src=rss

Polaris Dawn is finally headed to space for its groundbreaking civilian mission

A SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying the four private astronauts of the Polaris Dawn mission has launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida in the early hours of September 10 after a few weeks of delays. The mission was scheduled to lift off at the end of August but was postponed first due to technical issues, then because of poor weather conditions forecasted for the crew’s return. On board are Jared Isaacman — the billionaire who funded the mission — retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Scott “Kidd” Poteet, and SpaceX engineers Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon. They’ll attempt several firsts during the five-day flight, including the first-ever commercial spacewalk.

That attempt will also mark the first spacewalk from a Dragon capsule. Among Polaris Dawn’s other goals is to send its crew farther than anyone has traveled since the Apollo program, targeting an altitude of about 870 miles from Earth. The journey will take the capsule and its crew briefly into the Van Allen radiation belt.

Polaris Dawn is meant to be the first of three human spaceflight missions under Isaacman’s Polaris Program. Its crew will put SpaceX’s new Extravehicular Activity space suit to its most important test yet, as they’ll all wear it for protection against the vacuum of space when the Dragon’s doors open for the spacewalk. The spacewalk will take place at an elliptical orbit roughly 435 miles above Earth’s surface, and two crew members will leave the capsule.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/science/space/polaris-dawn-is-finally-headed-to-space-for-its-groundbreaking-civilian-mission-093346616.html?src=rss

Apple AirPods 4 don't come with a cable to charge them

The new AirPods that Apple just announced at its iPhone 16 event come with cases that have USB-C ports, but they will not ship with USB-C charging cables in the box. As 9to5Mac has noticed, the new devices’ official page states that USB-C charge cables are sold separately for both the basic AirPods 4 and the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. Apple didn’t reveal the lack of cable in the earbuds’ package in the event, but perhaps the company’s assumption was that most people already have a bunch of USB-C cables in their possession. Still, it has just switched out the AirPods’ cases lightning port, so current users got lighting cables with their previous models.

Apple started selling its devices without charging bricks years ago, and it also stopped shipping the Apple TV with a USB cable for its Siri charger in 2022. So, no, this isn’t unprecedented, but those who don’t have an extra cable to use with an AirPods 4 will have to buy one. The latest version of the AirPods Max does come with a cable, though, so those looking to get a pair don’t have to put an extra one in their shopping cart.

For those now undecided whether to get the AirPods 4: We did find the ANC version’s performance impressive. Engadget Senior Reporter Billy Steele got to try it at Apple Park’s chaotic hands-on area, and the active noise cancellation nearly silenced the room full of event attendees. Apple also called the new models the “best fitting AirPods ever.”

Catch up on all the news from Apple’s iPhone 16 event!

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/apple-airpods-4-dont-come-with-a-cable-to-charge-them-035629606.html?src=rss

Apple AirPods 4 don't come with a cable to charge them

The new AirPods that Apple just announced at its iPhone 16 event come with cases that have USB-C ports, but they will not ship with USB-C charging cables in the box. As 9to5Mac has noticed, the new devices’ official page states that USB-C charge cables are sold separately for both the basic AirPods 4 and the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. Apple didn’t reveal the lack of cable in the earbuds’ package in the event, but perhaps the company’s assumption was that most people already have a bunch of USB-C cables in their possession. Still, it has just switched out the AirPods’ cases lightning port, so current users got lighting cables with their previous models.

Apple started selling its devices without charging bricks years ago, and it also stopped shipping the Apple TV with a USB cable for its Siri charger in 2022. So, no, this isn’t unprecedented, but those who don’t have an extra cable to use with an AirPods 4 will have to buy one. The latest version of the AirPods Max does come with a cable, though, so those looking to get a pair don’t have to put an extra one in their shopping cart.

For those now undecided whether to get the AirPods 4: We did find the ANC version’s performance impressive. Engadget Senior Reporter Billy Steele got to try it at Apple Park’s chaotic hands-on area, and the active noise cancellation nearly silenced the room full of event attendees. Apple also called the new models the “best fitting AirPods ever.”

Catch up on all the news from Apple’s iPhone 16 event!

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/apple-airpods-4-dont-come-with-a-cable-to-charge-them-035629606.html?src=rss

Apple Unveils iPhone 16 series, Watch Series 10, And AirPods 4 At ‘It’s Glowtime’ Event

Apple unveiled its latest product lineup at the “It’s Glowtime” event on September 9th, introducing new iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods, all set to hit stores soon.

iPhone 16 Series

The iPhone 16 series is designed to incorporate Apple Intelligence, an advanced AI suite integrated into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15 Sequoia. The lineup includes iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Key features include larger displays with thinner bezels on the Pro models, new A18 and A18 Pro processors, enhanced camera systems, and a physical Camera Control button for easier adjustments.

Apple introduced the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, designed for Apple Intelligence with a powerful A18 chipset, offering 30% faster performance than the previous generation while being more power-efficient. The phones retain 6.1” and 6.7” screens, featuring Ceramic Shield protection and up to 2,000 nits brightness.

Notable upgrades include Camera Control for seamless photo and video adjustments and improved ultra-wide cameras with macro mode. The A18 GPU supports high-end games like Resident Evil 7, while Visual Intelligence allows users to recognize objects and add event details from posters.

Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max come with the new A18 Pro chip, improved Camera Control, and significant battery life upgrades. The Pro models feature a redesigned main camera, a new ultrawide lens, and a 5x telephoto lens on the iPhone 16 Pro. The titanium design remains, boasting the thinnest bezels Apple has ever made. These models will be available in black, natural, white, and desert titanium.

The A18 Pro chip, built on a 3nm process, enhances performance by 20% and includes a 16-core Neural Engine. The 6-core CPU, with two performance and four efficiency cores, is claimed to be the fastest in any smartphone, offering 15% faster processing with 20% less power usage than the previous generation.

The new 48 MP main camera supports 4K120fps Dolby Vision video recording, zero shutter lag for 48 MP images, and can capture spatial photos and videos. Later this year, the Camera Control feature will “unlock visual intelligence,” allowing users to gather information about objects, add calendar events, or identify animal breeds.

Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence was one of the main features of these new phones, it is an advanced AI suite integrated into Apple’s latest operating systems, designed to enhance user experiences across Apple devices—This suite leverages machine learning and on-device intelligence to deliver more personalized, efficient, and intuitive functionalities.

It powers a range of new features, such as smart automation, improved contextual suggestions, and enhanced photo and video processing. By integrating AI deeply into its ecosystem, Apple aims to offer users smarter, more responsive devices while maintaining a strong focus on privacy and security.

iPhone 16 Series Specifications

ModelDisplayProcessorStorage OptionsCameraBattery LifeOther Features
iPhone 166.1-inch OLEDA18128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GBDual 12 MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide) / 12MP SelfiesUp to 22 hours5G, Face ID, Camera Control Button
iPhone 16 Plus6.7-inch OLEDA18128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GBDual 12 MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide) / 12MP SelfiesUp to 27 hours5G, Face ID, Camera Control Button
iPhone 16 Pro6.3-inch OLED with ProMotion 120 HzA18 Pro128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TBTriple (48 MP Wide, 48 MP Ultra-Wide, 12 MP Telephoto) / 12MP SelfiesUp to 27 hours5G, Face ID, Camera Control Button, ProRAW
iPhone 16 Pro Max6.9-inch OLED with ProMotion 120 HZA18 Pro256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TBTriple (48 MP Wide, 48 MP Ultra-Wide, 12 MP Telephoto) / 12MP SelfiesUp to 33 hours5G, Face ID, Camera Control Button, ProRAW

Price and Availability

Pre-orders begin on September 13, with availability starting September 20.

  • iPhone 16 (128 GB): Starting from $799
  • iPhone 16 Plus (128 GB): Starting from $899
  • iPhone 16 Pro (128 GB): Starting from $1,099
  • iPhone 16 Pro Max (256 GB): Starting from $1,199

Apple Watch Series 10


Marking the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch, Series 10 introduces larger display sizes (42mm and 46mm) with improved brightness, especially at tilted angles. The watch features the new Apple S10 chip with a neural co-processor.

Additionally, a black titanium version of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 was announced, along with matching bands. Delivers start September 20.

  • Apple Watch Series 10 (42 mm, GPS): $399
  • Apple Watch Series 10 (46 mm, GPS): $429
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Black Titanium): $799

AirPods 4 and AirPods Max

 

The 4th-generation AirPods feature Apple’s H2 chip, offering superior audio quality and noise reduction, with added head gestures for Siri commands.

AirPods Max now supports USB-C, personalized spatial audio and comes in new color options.

  • AirPods 4: $179
  • AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation: $249
  • AirPods Max: $549

Apple Unveils iPhone 16 series, Watch Series 10, And AirPods 4 At ‘It’s Glowtime’ Event

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

Apple AirPods 4 don't come with a cable to charge them

The new AirPods that Apple just announced at its iPhone 16 event come with cases that have USB-C ports, but they will not ship with USB-C charging cables in the box. As 9to5Mac has noticed, the new devices’ official page states that USB-C charge cables are sold separately for both the basic AirPods 4 and the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. Apple didn’t reveal the lack of cable in the earbuds’ package in the event, but perhaps the company’s assumption was that most people already have a bunch of USB-C cables in their possession. Still, it has just switched out the AirPods’ cases lightning port, so current users got lighting cables with their previous models.

Apple started selling its devices without charging bricks years ago, and it also stopped shipping the Apple TV with a USB cable for its Siri charger in 2022. So, no, this isn’t unprecedented, but those who don’t have an extra cable to use with an AirPods 4 will have to buy one. The latest version of the AirPods Max does come with a cable, though, so those looking to get a pair don’t have to put an extra one in their shopping cart.

For those now undecided whether to get the AirPods 4: We did find the ANC version’s performance impressive. Engadget Senior Reporter Billy Steele got to try it at Apple Park’s chaotic hands-on area, and the active noise cancellation nearly silenced the room full of event attendees. Apple also called the new models the “best fitting AirPods ever.”

Catch up on all the news from Apple’s iPhone 16 event!

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/apple-airpods-4-dont-come-with-a-cable-to-charge-them-035629606.html?src=rss

Apple Unveils iPhone 16 series, Watch Series 10, And AirPods 4 At ‘It’s Glowtime’ Event

Apple unveiled its latest product lineup at the “It’s Glowtime” event on September 9th, introducing new iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods, all set to hit stores soon.

iPhone 16 Series

The iPhone 16 series is designed to incorporate Apple Intelligence, an advanced AI suite integrated into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15 Sequoia. The lineup includes iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Key features include larger displays with thinner bezels on the Pro models, new A18 and A18 Pro processors, enhanced camera systems, and a physical Camera Control button for easier adjustments.

Apple introduced the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, designed for Apple Intelligence with a powerful A18 chipset, offering 30% faster performance than the previous generation while being more power-efficient. The phones retain 6.1” and 6.7” screens, featuring Ceramic Shield protection and up to 2,000 nits brightness.

Notable upgrades include Camera Control for seamless photo and video adjustments and improved ultra-wide cameras with macro mode. The A18 GPU supports high-end games like Resident Evil 7, while Visual Intelligence allows users to recognize objects and add event details from posters.

Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max come with the new A18 Pro chip, improved Camera Control, and significant battery life upgrades. The Pro models feature a redesigned main camera, a new ultrawide lens, and a 5x telephoto lens on the iPhone 16 Pro. The titanium design remains, boasting the thinnest bezels Apple has ever made. These models will be available in black, natural, white, and desert titanium.

The A18 Pro chip, built on a 3nm process, enhances performance by 20% and includes a 16-core Neural Engine. The 6-core CPU, with two performance and four efficiency cores, is claimed to be the fastest in any smartphone, offering 15% faster processing with 20% less power usage than the previous generation.

The new 48 MP main camera supports 4K120fps Dolby Vision video recording, zero shutter lag for 48 MP images, and can capture spatial photos and videos. Later this year, the Camera Control feature will “unlock visual intelligence,” allowing users to gather information about objects, add calendar events, or identify animal breeds.

Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence was one of the main features of these new phones, it is an advanced AI suite integrated into Apple’s latest operating systems, designed to enhance user experiences across Apple devices—This suite leverages machine learning and on-device intelligence to deliver more personalized, efficient, and intuitive functionalities.

It powers a range of new features, such as smart automation, improved contextual suggestions, and enhanced photo and video processing. By integrating AI deeply into its ecosystem, Apple aims to offer users smarter, more responsive devices while maintaining a strong focus on privacy and security.

iPhone 16 Series Specifications

ModelDisplayProcessorStorage OptionsCameraBattery LifeOther Features
iPhone 166.1-inch OLEDA18128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GBDual 12 MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide) / 12MP SelfiesUp to 22 hours5G, Face ID, Camera Control Button
iPhone 16 Plus6.7-inch OLEDA18128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GBDual 12 MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide) / 12MP SelfiesUp to 27 hours5G, Face ID, Camera Control Button
iPhone 16 Pro6.3-inch OLED with ProMotion 120 HzA18 Pro128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TBTriple (48 MP Wide, 48 MP Ultra-Wide, 12 MP Telephoto) / 12MP SelfiesUp to 27 hours5G, Face ID, Camera Control Button, ProRAW
iPhone 16 Pro Max6.9-inch OLED with ProMotion 120 HZA18 Pro256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TBTriple (48 MP Wide, 48 MP Ultra-Wide, 12 MP Telephoto) / 12MP SelfiesUp to 33 hours5G, Face ID, Camera Control Button, ProRAW

Price and Availability

Pre-orders begin on September 13, with availability starting September 20.

  • iPhone 16 (128 GB): Starting from $799
  • iPhone 16 Plus (128 GB): Starting from $899
  • iPhone 16 Pro (128 GB): Starting from $1,099
  • iPhone 16 Pro Max (256 GB): Starting from $1,199

Apple Watch Series 10


Marking the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch, Series 10 introduces larger display sizes (42mm and 46mm) with improved brightness, especially at tilted angles. The watch features the new Apple S10 chip with a neural co-processor.

Additionally, a black titanium version of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 was announced, along with matching bands. Delivers start September 20.

  • Apple Watch Series 10 (42 mm, GPS): $399
  • Apple Watch Series 10 (46 mm, GPS): $429
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Black Titanium): $799

AirPods 4 and AirPods Max

 

The 4th-generation AirPods feature Apple’s H2 chip, offering superior audio quality and noise reduction, with added head gestures for Siri commands.

AirPods Max now supports USB-C, personalized spatial audio and comes in new color options.

  • AirPods 4: $179
  • AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation: $249
  • AirPods Max: $549

Apple Unveils iPhone 16 series, Watch Series 10, And AirPods 4 At ‘It’s Glowtime’ Event

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

Apple AirPods 4 don't come with a cable to charge them

The new AirPods that Apple just announced at its iPhone 16 event come with cases that have USB-C ports, but they will not ship with USB-C charging cables in the box. As 9to5Mac has noticed, the new devices’ official page states that USB-C charge cables are sold separately for both the basic AirPods 4 and the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. Apple didn’t reveal the lack of cable in the earbuds’ package in the event, but perhaps the company’s assumption was that most people already have a bunch of USB-C cables in their possession. Still, it has just switched out the AirPods’ cases lightning port, so current users got lighting cables with their previous models.

Apple started selling its devices without charging bricks years ago, and it also stopped shipping the Apple TV with a USB cable for its Siri charger in 2022. So, no, this isn’t unprecedented, but those who don’t have an extra cable to use with an AirPods 4 will have to buy one. The latest version of the AirPods Max does come with a cable, though, so those looking to get a pair don’t have to put an extra one in their shopping cart.

For those now undecided whether to get the AirPods 4: We did find the ANC version’s performance impressive. Engadget Senior Reporter Billy Steele got to try it at Apple Park’s chaotic hands-on area, and the active noise cancellation nearly silenced the room full of event attendees. Apple also called the new models the “best fitting AirPods ever.”

Catch up on all the news from Apple’s iPhone 16 event!

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/apple-airpods-4-dont-come-with-a-cable-to-charge-them-035629606.html?src=rss

Apple AirPods 4 don't come with a cable to charge them

The new AirPods that Apple just announced at its iPhone 16 event come with cases that have USB-C ports, but they will not ship with USB-C charging cables in the box. As 9to5Mac has noticed, the new devices’ official page states that USB-C charge cables are sold separately for both the basic AirPods 4 and the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. Apple didn’t reveal the lack of cable in the earbuds’ package in the event, but perhaps the company’s assumption was that most people already have a bunch of USB-C cables in their possession. Still, it has just switched out the AirPods’ cases lightning port, so current users got lighting cables with their previous models.

Apple started selling its devices without charging bricks years ago, and it also stopped shipping the Apple TV with a USB cable for its Siri charger in 2022. So, no, this isn’t unprecedented, but those who don’t have an extra cable to use with an AirPods 4 will have to buy one. The latest version of the AirPods Max does come with a cable, though, so those looking to get a pair don’t have to put an extra one in their shopping cart.

For those now undecided whether to get the AirPods 4: We did find the ANC version’s performance impressive. Engadget Senior Reporter Billy Steele got to try it at Apple Park’s chaotic hands-on area, and the active noise cancellation nearly silenced the room full of event attendees. Apple also called the new models the “best fitting AirPods ever.”

Catch up on all the news from Apple’s iPhone 16 event!

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/apple-airpods-4-dont-come-with-a-cable-to-charge-them-035629606.html?src=rss

Engadget Podcast: Apple Watch Series 10 was the star of the iPhone 16 launch

In this bonus episode, Devindra and Engadget Contributing Reporter Kris Holt break down everything new (and not so new) in the iPhone 16 lineup. Is Apple Intelligence alone enough to entice iPhone owners to upgrade? Does anyone actually need the camera button? And why are we so intrigued by the Apple Watch Series 10 (which is undoubtedly the most interesting product Apple launched today)?


Listen below or subscribe on your podcast app of choice. If you’ve got suggestions or topics you’d like covered on the show, be sure to email us or drop a note in the comments! And be sure to check out our other podcast, Engadget News!

Hosts: Devindra Hardawar and Kris Holt
Producer: Ben Ellman
Music: Dale North and Terrence O’Brien

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/engadget-podcast-the-apple-watch-series-10-was-the-star-of-the-iphone-16-launch-222416888.html?src=rss