Category: 4. Technology

We’ve rounded up the best deals for Saturday, July 5, below, so don’t miss out on these limited-time offers.

Save Big on Samsung Gaming Monitors

LED display that projects moving images behind device

 

The Picdance iPhone case has an LED screen at the back so users can project pixelated animations and moving images on it. A collaboration between Kiwidesign and Picdance, the case is only 3.6 millimeters thick, including the screen that can show pictures, lights, and even music. iPhone users can change the image on the back, make their own pixelated pictures, and even see the lights get animated to the beat of the song their phone is playing.

 

They can also set up their custom button for apps like camera, flashlight, or wallet. When they get call and message alerts, the Picdance iPhone case with screen flashes the icon of the app being used during that call or message, still in their pixel forms. Adding a moving and customizable display at the back is a way for the design team to let the users change the case’s style without needing to replace their entire cover.

all images courtesy of Kiwidesign

 

 

Picdance iphone case with screen has hotkey

 

There’s a dedicated app for the Picdance iPhone case with a rear screen where the users can design their own pixel images, share them, and download others. It doubles as a creative community, like a social platform, where people can talk, share, and generate new ideas. Users can upload their own photos or choose one from their iPhone’s album, and the app will turn and flash it behind into a pixel-style icon.

 

The Picdance iPhone case with a rear screen comes with an orange button on the side, and the users can program this for a specific function, including opening the camera and turning on the flashlight. The cover also features a microphone, and this is where the music light mode comes in: the case listens to the external playing, and the LED screen lights move with the rhythm. The Picdance iPhone case with a rear screen is made of tempered glass, diffusion film, LED lights, and a heat-resistant glue, and so far, the cover is only available for iPhone 15 users. 

Picdance iPhone case has an LED screen at the back for pixelated animations

it is suitable for iPhone 15 at the moment

the case is only 3.6 millimeters thick, including the screen

the cover flashes the icon of the app being used during the call or message

the lights get animated to the beat of the song the phone is playing

This week, we heard some news from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo about Apple entering a new segment of the laptop market. The company is reportedly working on a new MacBook at a lower starting price point than the MacBook Air, and it’ll apparently pack the A18 Pro chip found in iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

While a cheaper MacBook is certainly a welcome add, the question truly stands: will Apple do it properly, or will it serve as another decoy model?

Rumor refresh

To quickly recap, the cheaper MacBook is rumored to use a 13-inch display, pack an A18 Pro chip, and come in the same four colors as Apple’s entry-level iPad: blue, yellow, pink, and silver. It’ll enter mass production in the fourth quarter of this year, or first quarter of 2026.

Ultimately, theres precedent for both sides. When Apple introduced the redesigned entry-level iPad in 2022, it started at $449, making it not incredibly affordable – at least compared to its predecessor at $329.

Sure, Apple made a cheaper iPad that looked incredibly visually similar to the higher end iPad Air, but it wasn’t a particularly fantastic deal either. Especially once you consider the fact that iPad Airs regularly went on sale for $499 at the time, leaving just $50 in price difference to gain an M1 chip, a laminated display, and more. Two years later, that iPad now starts at just $349, and often goes on sale for $299 – which is far more competitive.

What would Apple cut?

People are generally speculating that this new entry-level MacBook will start between $699 and $799, which seems fair – depending on how Apple positions it.

Last fall, Apple updated all of its MacBook Air models to start with 16GB of RAM, providing a potential hint at something it could cut from an A18 Pro powered MacBook: unified memory.

I could see this entry-level MacBook retaining 8GB of RAM, which wouldn’t necessarily be too big of a loss on its own.

However, Apple could also cut some niceties from the entry-level MacBook: an extra USB-C port, Touch ID, a Center Stage webcam, and battery capacity could all be cut.

New MacBook: good value?

Out of all of those cuts, I think Touch ID might be one of the harder ones to stomach for most people. That said, there is precedent for it. Apple’s base model M4 iMac does not come with a Touch ID keyboard.

If the MacBook comes in at $699 with 8GB of RAM and all of these feature cuts, it likely wouldn’t be too bad of a bargain. $799 makes that a much tougher sell. Given all of the fluctuating tariffs, Apple might not want to price it too low from the start, so a $799 MacBook seems much more probable.

At $799, if it comes with 8GB of RAM and cuts a plethora of key Mac features, it might not be the best value. After all, MacBook Airs tend to go on sale for around that price level. M4 MacBook Air (which starts with 16GB of unified memory) is currently on sale for $849, and just a couple days ago we saw clearance M3 MacBook Airs (also with 16GB of unified memory) for just $699.

Another thing worth mentioning is that there’d definitely be a $50-$100 education discount on this MacBook, bringing that $699-799 starting price point down to $599, $649, $699, or $749 for students in the US.

Wrap up

Obviously, those deals aren’t 24/7 – but it provides a picture of what can already exist in the market. Ultimately, Apple’s biggest competitor to this cheaper MacBook will be online retailers providing discounts on older MacBook Air models.

If Apple were to release a cheaper MacBook without cutting too many key features, I’d be pleasantly surprised. Ultimately, this MacBook is still 3-9 months away from release, so a lot is still up in air. Kuo predicts that Apple will sell 5-7 million units of this MacBook model in 2026, suggesting that Apple is confident in what’ll put out.

What do you think of the cheaper MacBook rumor? Do you think Apple will strike a nice balance? Let us know in the comments.

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My favorite Apple accessory recommendations:

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Over the last couple of years, home labs have become a lot more accessible to consumers. On the hardware front, you’ve got everything from budget-friendly mini-PCs capable of running most DIY projects to dual CPU workstations that can crush any multi-core workloads without breaking a sweat. Likewise, virtualization platforms and container-hosting tools have mushroomed in recent times, and there’s so much documentation online that even the most technically-challenged folks can build their own home servers.

However, I’ve noticed a trend where beginners are often discouraged from using GUI-based operating systems, and there are plenty of good reasons for sticking to a CLI setup even as a greenhorn. But if you feel discouraged by the extra difficulty curve of a terminal-heavy interface, building a server on an OS with a desktop environment (or heck, even inside your Windows 11 machine) is perfectly valid and shouldn’t be treated as heresy.

What’s wrong with using a desktop environment on your home server?

Before I discuss the perks of choosing a GUI distro for your experimentation and self-hosting workstation, I wanted to go over the main issues of such a setup. When you’re working with multiple virtual guests, you’d want to keep the performance overhead of the underlying OS to a minimum.

Unfortunately, all desktop environments – including the lightweight ones – hog up your CPU and memory, which are precious resources that could otherwise be allocated to your VMs and containers. Then there’s the whole security conundrum about desktop environments increasing the attack surface of your home server, even when you’re not exposing your workstation to the Internet.

The GUI loses its utility since you’ll use web interfaces anyway

After deploying a couple of services on your home server, you’ll almost always access their web UI from another system over your local network. Whether it’s managing your container collection using Cockpit/Portainer, rummaging through your media collection on Jellyfin, or sharing files via Nextcloud, you’ll spend most of your time inside web UIs. This makes the graphical interface of the underlying OS rather redundant, since you’ll end up performing most operations over a handful of web UIs.

Nevertheless, a GUI distro is pretty useful when you’re just starting out

Especially if you aren’t familiar with virtualization platforms

Story-time: My first contact with self-hosting (and even Linux distros, for that matter) was in 2016 when I bought my first Raspberry Pi Zero. As someone who had used Windows up until that point, I was absolutely terrified of Linux commands. The GUI version of Raspbian Buster slowly helped me get accustomed to the intricacies of Linux, and before long, I became used to tinkering with packages, commands, and bash scripts. Over time, I began looking into Docker, before eventually hosting Linux virtual machines using VirtualBox on my daily driver.

Had I jumped straight into the CLI version of Rasbian Buster, I probably would’ve gotten overwhelmed with the usual terminal commands and would never have made it to Docker, let alone Proxmox or even VirtualBox. Although I know better now, my less-experienced self would have become intimidated at the prospect of using a full-fledged virtualization platform.

Container projects don’t require too many resources, anyway

While we’re on the subject of containers, you’ll be surprised at how low system resources most of the popular containerization utilities require. When I built a Docker hub on my Raspberry Pi 5 last year, I had no issues running dozens of services on the desktop version of the RPi OS.

Of course, your virtual machines will be a lot more responsive on a Type-1 hypervisor running on a CLI distro. But if you’re a casual user looking to replace privacy-intrusive premium applications with their self-hosted counterparts, you don’t really need to dabble in a home server OS yet. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that you can take your time getting used to things even on an “unoptimized setup” involving Docker containers inside a VM running on your Windows 11 system.

Troubleshooting is a cakewalk with a GUI

When you’re building a home lab, you should expect things to break time and again as you get used to the ins and outs of your virtualization tools. I’ve installed several virtualization platforms on SBCs, mini-PCs, NAS units, server rigs, and my daily driver over the last couple of months, and I still run the risk of rendering my cluster offline while tinkering with configuration files.

As such, having a graphical interface can make troubleshooting a lot easier. Sure, you’ll probably end up using terminal commands anyway, but being able to browse the web and access folders without running cd and ls commands is extremely helpful as a beginner.

What really matters is whether you’re comfortable with your home server

In the end, home servers are built with the sole purpose of learning about computing topics. So, it’s okay to take things slow and steady with a GUI operating system that lets you run containers and VMs using simple tools instead of jumping straight into the Type-1 hypervisor rabbit hole. Once you’ve gotten your bearings, you can always switch to a proper home server distro and enjoy the superior performance and security benefits offered by these platforms.

Providing the superior ballistic performance made possible by the Steelium Pro barrels traditionally mounted on the legendary Beretta DT11, the 694 Black DLC features a triple forcing cone that reaches 45 cm (in a 76-cm barrel). This geometry combines proven recoil reduction with increased terminal energy and longer uniform shot string for greater chance of hitting targets with unaltered performance with all types of ammunition. The upper steel rib has been modified and features a tapered design with channel for easier and faster alignment with the target and a racing look.

The DLC finish (already successfully applied to the DT11 and many Beretta gun components) provides the receiver, trigger group, top lever and safety with superior corrosion and wear resistance, as well as maximum friction reduction. The contemporary black look of the DLC is elegantly paired with acid green accents on the receiver and the striking glossy finish of the 2.5+ grade walnut wood.

The Beretta 694 Black DLC offers the shooter a range of improved adjustment and maintenance options compared to the original 694: the adjustable forend catch, redesigned for easier opening and increased strength, is paired with interchangeable components and the B-Fast balance system to adjust the gun weight by adding a series of counterweights in the slots provided in the stock and under the forend.

Daniele Piva, Vice President Business Commercial Market of Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta, said: “We are happy to continue the successful 694 legacy. All the beloved features of the 694 are now enhanced by the innovative DLC finish but more importantly by the Steelium Pro barrel technology, which remains a paramount of Beretta product development. Thanks to Beretta’s important investments into the exclusive cold-hammer-forging manufacturing process (that allows to modulate forcing cones geometry for optimized ballistics) and cutting-edge testing and prototyping methods, that are constantly evolving to analyze ballistics phenomena and to provide feedbacks to our Research & Development, Steelium Pro keeps providing the best ballistic performance on the market working on better terminal energy, less recoil and improved shot pattern.”

The Beretta 694 Black DLC is offered in 12-gauge Sporting and Trap versions with 71, 76 and 81 cm available barrel lengths.

Beretta 694 Black DLC main technical features

• Microcore recoil pad
• 2.5+ grade walnut stock with glossy finish
• DLC-coated barrel with acid green details
• DLC-coated steel trigger group
• DLC-coated top lever and safety catch
• Redesigned forend catch for easier opening and increased strength
• B-Fast balance weight system in the stock and under the forend
• Steelium Pro barrels
• Tapered steel toprib with channel, 10×7 mm in the Sporting version and 10×10 mm in the Trap version
• Black Optimachoke HP chokes

Beretta 694 Black DLC: a closer look

The Beretta 694 Black DLC over-and-under in 12-gauge maintains the ergonomic design and perfect balance of the 694 shotgun, for a natural and immediate shouldering, precise swing and easy control.

The 694 Black DLC features a 2.5+ grade walnut stock and forend, with a striking glossy finish that elegantly enhances the wood grain.

The stock keeps the successful 694 design with widened buttstock and comb, lenghtened pistol with palm swell and 1.5 mm pitch checkering with increased surface area to provide maximum comfort and ensure an extremely natural and stable position of the hands.

The Microcore recoil pad offers comfort, adaptability and optimal recoil absorption. It features a specially designed checkering for added stability and an open-cell polyurethane structure that expands after firing, increasing contact with the shoulder for secure and precise support.

Microcore pads are available in different sizes and allow length-of-pull adjustment.

The B-Fast adjustable stock is available in both Sporting (with 35/50, 35/55 and Vittoria 35/45/55 drop options) and the Trap versions (with 35/55 drop, also fixed), providing drop adjustment and 20-g and 40-g internal weights to adapt the gun balanc to the shooter’s needs.

The 694 Black DLC features the classic Beretta locking system with trapezoidal shoulders and two rugged pins that protrude from the breech face and are inserted into their respective housings on the sides of the breech, while the front part of the action is fitted with two hinged studs that are inserted into the respective housings in the monoblock. The 694-designed ejectors come with powerful springs located behind the ejector slide and the stop pads.

As with the 694, the shape of the action and the stock provides an enlarged field of view, with two progressive grooves reducing the presence of obstacles and preventing the shooter from raising his head from the line of sight.

The sporty look of the action is enhanced by the contemporary black finish and acid green details on the sides and bottom of the receiver, such as the 694 and Beretta logo, and the typical “swoosh”. The Diamond-Like-Carbon (DLC) amorphous carbon coating transfers hardness characteristics typical of natural diamond and guarantees high resistance to corrosion, alkaline or acidic solutions, ageing, rust, scratches and impacts, for long-lasting durability.

Unlike the DT11 Black DLC, the barrels are not DLC-coated, as this treatment on barrels is only possible when the top rib is applied at a later manufacturing phase, which is the case with the DT11’s carbon fiber rib, while the 694’s steel rib is applied in an integrated process.

The DLC finish extends from the receiver to the three-position adjustable trigger group, the low profile ambidextrous top lever and the checkered safety with built-in barrel selector.

The redesigned forend catch also accommodaties the 5- or 10-g B-Fast magnetic weight system to balance the gun and make it front-heavy.

To find out more please visit the Beretta website.

YouTuber and Elon Musk stan Ellie Sheriff had a bizarre experience during her first Tesla robotaxi ride in Austin, Texas.

As seen in a video she shared on her channel, “Ellie in Space,” over the weekend, Sheriff got a strange call from the EV maker mid-ride, asking her and her fellow passenger to literally leave the vehicle due to incoming weather.

“So we had to get out of the robotaxi, because weather is coming in,” Sheriff said in the video while standing in the middle of a windy field.

Their ride had to be fully canceled, leaving them stranded. Worse yet, the app claimed there was “high service demand.” However, moments later, they were able to hail another robotaxi to get them back to the place where they started.

“I don’t want to just be a Tesla rah-rah cheerleader,” Sheriff said. “It is very cool. However, this is a limitation currently, how it is. You shouldn’t have to terminate the service cuz it’s about to rain.”

The head-scratching incident highlights some glaring shortcomings of Tesla’s long-awaited autonomous ride-hailing service. The company’s launch of an extremely scaled-down service that features human safety drivers in the passenger’s seat has already led to plenty of chaos, including violently jerking steering wheels, unexpected braking around cop cars, and a dangerous drop-off in the middle of a four-way intersection.

It’s unclear why exactly Sheriff’s ride was cut short beyond some wind and rain. However, considering Musk’s carmaker has long ditched light detection and ranging sensors known as lidar in favor of relying exclusively on cameras for its driver assistance features, it seems probable that Tesla is nervous about having the robotaxi drive in bad conditions.

Case in point, earlier this year, YouTuber and former NASA engineer Mark Rober published a damning video, demonstrating that Tesla’s erroneously-named “Full Self-Driving” software can be easily fooled by rain, bright lights, and even a fake, Wile E. Coyote-style wall painted to look like the road behind it.

The stakes are extremely high for the EV maker as Musk has bet the company’s fate on the tech. In light of cratering car sales, the CEO has gone all in on automation. Earlier this week, the company revealed it had delivered just 384,000 vehicles between April and June, compared to 444,000 over the same period last year, the biggest drop in the company’s history.

More on Tesla robotaxis: Tesla Robotaxi Terrifyingly Jerks Wheel Back and Forth While Carrying Passenger

July 2025 has introduced exciting advancements in computer technology, highlighting innovations in compact gaming systems and high-performance mini PCs. These trends reflect the growing demand for powerful yet space-efficient computing solutions.

CyberPowerUK’s MNML line offers mini gaming PCs that combine compact design with high-performance components. Models like the Ion Elite SFF PC and Sigil Elite SFF PC feature Intel and AMD processors, Nvidia RTX graphics, DDR5 memory, and PCIe 4.0 storage. Designed in collaboration with Fractal Design, these systems cater to users seeking powerful gaming setups in limited spaces, providing pre-assembled configurations for convenience.

Bosgame has unveiled the M5 AI, a mini desktop PC designed for high-performance computing. Featuring AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 95 processors, Radeon 8060S iGPU, and 128GB of RAM, this compact system delivers immersive gaming and graphics capabilities. Its futuristic design makes it a standout piece, while multiple connectivity ports ensure versatility for various applications.

These trends highlight the continued evolution of compact computing, where performance and efficiency are increasingly prioritized in modern PC designs.

DXVK 2.7 released today as a major feature update for this translation layer for enabling Direct3D 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 based games and applications to run atop the Vulkan API. DXVK is a critical piece of Valve’s Steam Play (Proton) software stack for enabling Windows games on Linux.

DXVK 2.7 brings binding model changes with the descriptor management code being rewritten and modernized. This should significantly help with lowering CPU overhead compared to the legacy binding model and can improve performance in CPU-bound games such as with Final Fantasy XIV, God of War, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Watch Dogs 2, and other games.

DXVK 2.7 also now enables memory defragmentation by default on newer Intel graphics with the Arc B-Series “Battlemage” discrete GPUs as well as Intel integrated Lunar Lake GPUs.

DXVK 2.7 also brings support for planar video output views, D3D11 shaders will now zero-initialize all variables and group-shared memory by default, various other optimizations, and a number of game-specific workarounds.

Downloads and more details on today’s big DXVK 2.7 release via GitHub.