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Investigating ‘Mental Time Travel’: Perspectives on Accessing the Human Mind

how our minds function, even during aimless wandering, alongside how our recollections endure over the long haul. As many of us might already know, as time elapses since a memory, it becomes increasingly challenging to remember the subtle details. This is particularly noticeable if you attempt to recall events from your childhood.

To investigate whether mental time traveling could genuinely refresh a memory, researchers enlisted more than 1,200 participants for a new study, which they released their findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. They then divided the participants into four separate groups, with each group undergoing a range of experiments.

Investigating mental time travel

Meta’s Q2 Profit Boost Fueled by AI-Improved Advertising Income

This quarter, the firm generated $47.52 billion in revenue, primarily due to advancements in digital advertising and AI.

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

Key takeaways

  • Meta’s revenue for Q2 increased by 22% year-over-year, reaching $47.52 billion, largely surpassing forecasts, fueled by a 21% rise in AI-driven digital ad sales.
  • CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized the company’s pursuit of “personal super intelligence,” supported by significant investments in AI systems.
  • In spite of ongoing losses in Reality Labs, robust sales of Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses and Meta Quest headsets generated $370 million in revenue, which is a 5% increase compared to Q2 2024’s $353 million.

On Wednesday, Meta disclosed its earnings for the second quarter, showing a 22% rise in total revenue year-over-year, amounting to $47.52 billion just in Q2. Following the earnings release, Meta’s stock price surged by about 10%.

“This quarter was strong for both our business and community,” remarked Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s founder and CEO, in the announcement. “I’m eager to create personal super intelligence for everyone across the globe.”

Meta credits its impressive financial performance to the digital advertising segment, which earned $46.56 billion, making up about 98% of total revenue, reflecting a 21% increase year-over-year. This figure appears to exceed analysts’ expectations of $44.07 billion. Zuckerberg noted during the earnings call that the strong trend in digital advertising was bolstered by AI, leading to about 5% more ad conversions on Instagram and 3% on Facebook.

Serious Security Flaw Uncovered in Popular Vibe Coding Platform by Cybersecurity Experts

released its vibe coding application Opal on Google Labs.

Although some have labeled vibe coding as unproductive, others have pointed out its potential hazards. This hasn’t deterred numerous users from employing the apps, but now a team of security analysts has discovered a significant flaw in one of the leading vibe coding applications available.

Base44 stands as a key player in the vibe coding trend. Despite attracting considerable attention and being acquired by Wix just last month, the app is deemed far from secure, according to the researchers at Wiz Research. A detailed security analysis of the app indicates that Base44 possesses a major vulnerability that could permit unauthorized entry into private applications.

Not the inaugural problem with vibe coding applications

Google Chrome Trials Function to Stop Unintentional Page Departures

Have you ever unintentionally left a tab in Chrome? Google is developing a remedy for that.

(Image credit: Android Central)

Essential information

  • Google is experimenting with a new back animation on Android that is reminiscent of iOS.
  • The back gesture displays the previous page you visited, preventing accidental navigation away from a page.
  • Some users may already notice it (observed on Chrome 138), although it’s still being rolled out gradually.

Google is designing a new swipe animation for Chrome on Android that resembles iOS significantly. It allows you to swipe back and glimpse the last page, facilitating the prevention of unintentional navigation away.

Mishaal Rahman from Android Authority has noticed the new back animation in Google Chrome. It’s appearing gradually, meaning not all users will experience it immediately. Nevertheless, Rahman observed it working on a fresh installation of Chrome 138 (the most recent stable version).

Swiping from the edge now reveals a preview of where you’re going, partially sliding the next page into view so you can determine if that’s the direction you wish to go.

Apple Partners with White House Program to Revolutionize Digital Health Care

**White House Collaborates with Tech Leaders for Digital Health Initiative**

Today, the White House revealed a major partnership with more than 60 tech and healthcare entities, including prominent firms such as Apple, Google, OpenAI, and Amazon. This initiative intends to improve the functioning of patient data and digital health resources throughout the United States, with an emphasis on developing a more secure and personalized healthcare experience.

As stated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the initiative will focus on two key goals:

1. **Advancing a CMS Interoperability Framework**: This framework is aimed at enabling effortless information exchange between patients and healthcare providers.

2. **Enhancing Access to Personalized Tools**: The objective is to supply patients with the essential information and tools to make well-informed health decisions.

The main goal of this initiative is to empower patients by transferring control and access of health data to them, thereby simplifying the utilization of this data across multiple healthcare providers and applications.

The initiative is led by the CMS, the Office for Civil Rights, and the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy.

### Apple’s Involvement: “Eliminating the Clipboard”

A critical aspect of the project is the recently published CMS Interoperability Framework, which outlines technical standards for data sharing among apps, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), and networks. More than 60 companies have committed to creating tools and services that align with this framework, with 30 of these companies focusing on new consumer applications.

These applications are anticipated to launch in the upcoming months and will offer access to a variety of health management resources, including:

– Solutions for managing diabetes and obesity.
– Conversational AI assistants to assist patients in checking symptoms, exploring care options, and scheduling appointments.
– Digital check-in processes to replace conventional paper intake forms, effectively “eliminating the clipboard.”

Apple is partnering with several other organizations, including b.well, Connected Health, Citizen Health, CVS Health, Fasten Health, Flexpa, Google, NantHealth, Samsung, Sharecare, UnitedHealth Group, and Zocdoc, on the “eliminate the clipboard” initiative.

The participating companies have committed to empowering patients to access their health records from CMS-aligned networks or personal health record applications and to share this information with providers via QR codes or Smart Health Cards/Links through FHIR bundles. They promise to guarantee seamless and secure data exchange, removing the necessity for patients to repeatedly remember and document their medical history.

For additional details about the participating companies and the CMS Interoperability Framework, visit the

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Imminent Price Hikes for iPhone 17 Appear Inevitable

iPhone 17 series. Due to emerging technologies and government tariffs, it is highly probable that the price of the iPhone will see an increase this autumn.

Nevertheless, if Jefferies analyst Edison Lee’s analysis holds true, the anticipated price rise may not be as concerning as thought, and Apple could still maintain the base iPhone 17 at its current starting price. The rationale behind keeping the iPhone 17 at $799 is that it will be nearly identical to the iPhone 16, except for an improved processor and a new front-facing camera.

In the meantime, if you’re considering purchasing the iPhone 17 Air or either of the iPhone 17 Pro variations, the expected price hike might not deter you from upgrading. The analyst anticipates a somewhat reasonable $50 price increase from Apple.

iPhone 17 price increases are appearing probable

Qualcomm Announces $10.4 Billion in Revenue, Affirms Xiaomi as the Initial Brand to Release with the New Snapdragon 8 Elite Chip

Qualcomm is witnessing a rise in demand for its chips and is eagerly looking forward to its upcoming flagship release. The company reported a revenue of $10.4 billion for the latest quarter, reflecting a 10% increase from the last year. This upsurge is primarily credited to its QCT division, encompassing chipset sales, with headset sales reaching $6.32 billion. The automotive and IoT sectors also experienced notable growth, fueled by Qualcomm’s innovations in AI processing.

CEO Cristiano Amon highlighted the success of their diversification approach and their prominence in AI processing, establishing Qualcomm as a preferred platform as AI technology develops. The company has fortified collaborations with leading Android OEMs such as Samsung and Xiaomi, featuring 124 smartphone designs that incorporate the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.

Qualcomm is poised to unveil its next flagship Snapdragon chipset in September, with Xiaomi being the first to introduce a device powered by this new chip. The Snapdragon 8 Elite is anticipated to improve AI capabilities, as demonstrated by Samsung’s Galaxy AI and Google’s Gemini AI. In addition to smartphones, Qualcomm is also advancing in XR and wearable technology, with a growing demand for smart glasses.

Looking to the future, Qualcomm is gearing up for the introduction of its next flagship chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, at the Snapdragon Summit in September. The company is already working with several OEMs, showcasing strong enthusiasm and expectations for new device releases.

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AirTag Luggage Monitoring Initiative Grows to 30 Airlines: New Carrier Enters Program

### Feature for Sharing Item Location with AirTag: Elevating Travel Experiences

Launched in iOS 18.2, Apple’s Share Item Location function enables users to disseminate a live tracking link for AirTag and other Find My-compatible devices. This capability is especially advantageous for globetrotters, allowing them to communicate their luggage’s whereabouts to airlines, hence simplifying the retrieval of misplaced belongings. Recently, Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, has become the newest airline to implement this feature.

#### Saudi Arabia Adds to the Roster of Airlines Embracing Share Item Location

Apple’s effort to improve luggage tracking via the Share Item Location feature has gained momentum, with more than 30 airlines now onboard. Saudia declared its endorsement through a LinkedIn announcement, emphasizing that travelers can create a secure link using the Find My application on their Apple gadgets. This link can subsequently be submitted through Saudia’s digital platform. The feature is intended to assure users, as location sharing will cease automatically once the baggage is reclaimed, can be halted manually at any moment, and will expire after a week.

#### Expanded Roster of Participating Airlines

The Share Item Location feature has experienced notable expansion since its launch, with the list of involved airlines growing to 30. The current roster includes:

– Ajet – Turkey
– Air Canada – Canada
– Air India – India
– Air New Zealand – New Zealand
– American Airlines – US
– Breeze Airlines – US
– Cathay Pacific – Hong Kong
– China Airlines – Taiwan
– Delta – US
– Finnair – Finland
– IAG/Aer Lingus – Ireland
– IAG/British Airways – UK
– IAG/Iberia – Spain
– IAG/Vueling – Spain
– JetBlue – US
– KLM – Netherlands
– Lufthansa Group/Austrian Airlines – Austria
– Lufthansa Group/Brussels Airlines – Belgium
– Lufthansa Group/Eurowings – Germany
– Lufthansa Group/Lufthansa – Germany
– Lufthansa Group/Swiss – Switzerland
– Pegasus – Turkey
– Porter – Canada
– Qantas – Australia
– Saudia Airlines – Saudi Arabia
– Singapore Airlines – Singapore
– Sun Express – Turkey
– Turkish Airlines – Turkey
– United – US
– Virgin Atlantic – UK

#### How to Engage the Share Item Location Feature

To engage the Share Item Location feature, users need to confirm that their devices are running the latest OS versions. The procedure is as follows:

1. Launch the Find My app on your device.
2. Tap on “Items,” choose the item for which you wish to share location updates, and tap “Share Item Location.”
3. Adhere to the on-screen prompts to create and disseminate a temporary webpage.
4. Tap “Done.”

Apple stresses that at least one of your devices must be connected to the internet to provide updated locations.

For more extensive guidance on managing or ceasing location updates for AirTag, users can check Apple’s official support site.

This feature not only enhances the travel experience but also offers a layer of security for travelers, ensuring their possessions can be monitored and retrieved effectively.

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Apple TV+ Unveils Trailer for Anticipated Peanuts Musical Special Scheduled to Debut Next Month

**Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical – A New Era for Peanuts**

Apple has recently released the inaugural trailer for “Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical,” marking the first completely original Peanuts musical in nearly forty years. This thrilling new chapter in the cherished Peanuts franchise is scheduled to debut on Apple TV+ on August 15.

As part of a joint initiative between Peanuts Worldwide and WildBrain, Apple TV+ has obtained exclusive streaming rights for all Peanuts material. “Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical” promises to offer a touching narrative that appeals to both children and adults.

### Synopsis

The plot revolves around the Peanuts crew as they confront the sorrowful announcement that their beloved summer camp is closing due to a decline in attendance. This revelation affects Charlie Brown especially deeply, as he confronts the impending loss of a location that holds great significance for him and his friends. In an unexpected turn, Snoopy and Woodstock discover a treasure chest, only to uncover it filled with instruments and memorabilia from former summer concerts rather than wealth. Motivated by this find, Charlie Brown and his friends come together to organize their own concert in an effort to rescue the camp.

### Musical Contributions

The musical showcases original compositions created by a skilled team, featuring Emmy-nominated composer Jeff Morrow, Broadway stalwarts Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, and singer-songwriter Ben Folds. Standout tracks include “When We Were Light,” “Look Up, Charlie Brown,” and “Leave It Better” by Folds, alongside “Best Time Ever” and “A Place Like This” by Morrow, Zachary, and Weiner.

### Production Team

“Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical” is produced by Peanuts and WildBrain, directed by Erik Wiese, recognized for his work on “Sonic Prime,” and written by Craig Schulz, Bryan Schulz, and Cornelius Uliano. This partnership seeks to deliver a fresh and captivating experience to the Peanuts tradition.

### Availability

The musical will be available worldwide on Apple TV+ beginning August 15. Apple TV+ can be subscribed to for a monthly fee of $9.99, featuring a wide array of hit shows and films, including well-known titles like “Ted Lasso,” “Severance,” and “The Morning Show.”

In summary, “Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical” is set to be a charming addition to the Peanuts universe, merging nostalgia with innovative musical elements that will undoubtedly enchant viewers of all ages.

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Reconfiguring a GE Universal Remote: A Comprehensive Guide With and Without Codes

soundbars, and streaming devices. A notable brand in this realm is GE, the same name that is well-known for household appliances such as stoves and microwaves.

Although GE remotes are technically manufactured by a company named Jasco (under a licensing agreement with GE), these remotes are affordable and easy to set up. In fact, there are two methods to configure your new controller: by manually entering a four-digit code that matches your TV model, or via a method known as auto-code searching. Our guide will detail both setup procedures, so let’s begin with the somewhat more involved direct code entry.

Direct code entry

Fortunately, some GE remotes come pre-programmed to function with well-known TV brands like Samsung and LG, so you might only need to insert the batteries to start using your new controller. If that isn’t the case, you will need to enter a four-digit code to manually configure your remote.

No matter which GE remote you have acquired, the controller should have included a printed manual and a code book. (If you’ve misplaced it, Jasco/GE remote codes <a target="_blank" href="https://byjasco.com/pages/universal-remote-codes?srsltid=AfmBOooSabIs34B_NCKiZllCTr1i

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