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MacVoices #26231: Live! – Apple Earnings, Executive Changes, and the Windows Clipboard Debate

By: Chuck
13 August 2026 at 03:54
Apple’s latest financial results drive a discussion about record iPhone, Mac, Services, subscription, and R&D numbers, along with the market’s negative reaction and stock volatility. The MacVoices Live! panel also examines leadership changes under new CEO John Ternus, including the return of a retired engineering executive, before debating Apple’s planned clipboard sharing between iPhones and Windows PCs, its implications for users, and whether it introduces meaningful security concerns. 

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MacVoices #26224: Live! – The Samsung Card, Users Stay With iPhone, and AI Escapes

By: Chuck
3 August 2026 at 20:57
The panel explores Samsung’s entry into the credit card market, why iPhone owners continue to resist switching to Android, and the growing influence of AI across technology and society. Discussion ranges from AI escaping coding sandboxes and solving long-standing mathematical problems to AI-generated music and the impact of European Union regulations on innovation, competition, consumer […]

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MacVoices #26174: Live! – AI Ethics, Papal Warnings, and Kansas City’s MacBook Neo Bet

By: Chuck
11 June 2026 at 18:11
The MacVoices Live! panel explores Pope Leo’s comments on AI ethics, technology regulation, environmental costs, labor disruption, and the need for moral guardrails without stopping innovation. Chuck Joiner, David Giinsburg, Jeff Gamet, Brian Flanigan-Arthurs, Jim Rea, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, and Web Bixby compare today’s AI concerns to earlier industrial upheaval, then shifts to Kansas City’s school technology plan involving MacBook Neo systems and iPads, with debate over deployment, education value, and implementation challenges. 

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“Apple’s next move: AI, Siri, privacy, and software | WWDC 2026” Discussion with MacPaw

By: Chuck
10 June 2026 at 22:19
At MacPaw’s Flip the Script event following Apple’s WWDC 2026 keynote, MacPaw executives discuss Apple Intelligence, Siri AI, privacy, local-first AI, developer access to user context, and the company’s shift toward AI platforms. The conversation also explores hybrid AI models, European limitations, parental controls, Google’s role, Setapp opportunities, and MacPaw’s credibility with users and developers. […]

Hubble captures a corner of M20

17 August 2026 at 19:23

Life in space is hard. Most orbiting observatories retire well before their 20th birthday. Yet the Hubble Space Telescope has survived and continues to thrive well into its 30s. Astronomers celebrated the observatory’s 36th birthday in April by releasing a new image of the Trifid Nebula (M20). This stellar nursery lies about 5,000 light-years fromContinue reading "Hubble captures a corner of M20"

The post Hubble captures a corner of M20 appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.

Miniature microscope lets scientists observe and control brain cells during natural movement

11 August 2026 at 20:08

A tiny microscope weighing just five grams could give neuroscientists an unprecedented view of how individual brain cells control behavior while animals move naturally. Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a head-mounted device that can both record neural activity and selectively activate individual neurons during movement. The technology could help scientists investigate how brain circuits generate behavior and how those circuits become disrupted in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.

The device, called Opto2P-FCM, combines two powerful techniques that have traditionally been difficult to use together in a freely moving animal. Two-photon microscopy provides detailed images of living brain tissue at cellular resolution, while optogenetics uses light-sensitive proteins to control selected neurons. By integrating both capabilities into a miniature instrument, the researchers can observe specific cells as they become active and then stimulate chosen neurons to test how they influence the surrounding network.

“These miniature microscopes have been increasingly used to study the neural basis of behavior in freely moving animals,” said Emily Gibson, PhD, associate professor of biomedical engineering at CU Anschutz and the study’s senior author. “This new microscope allows deeper penetration and higher resolution images in the brain. Importantly, it can also excite select neurons using optogenetics.”

For decades, conventional two-photon microscopes have been regarded as the gold standard for imaging neurons in living brains. These systems use infrared laser light to produce high-resolution images deep within tissue, allowing researchers to track calcium signals and other indicators of neural activity. However, conventional microscopes are generally large, stationary instruments. Animals must often remain immobilized beneath the objective, making it difficult to study brain activity during walking, exploration, social interaction or other natural behaviors.

Miniature microscopes have helped overcome that limitation by moving the imaging system onto the animal’s head. Yet reducing the size and weight of the equipment has often required compromises. Some compact systems provide lower-resolution images, while others can record neural activity but cannot stimulate precisely selected cells. The Colorado team designed Opto2P-FCM to address both problems through a dual-path optical architecture that separates imaging from stimulation.

In the imaging pathway, infrared light is directed through the brain to generate two-photon signals from fluorescent markers inside neurons. These markers can report changes in calcium concentration, which occur when neurons fire. The resulting signals are collected to create detailed images of neural activity at the level of individual cells. A separate optical pathway delivers patterned light for optogenetic stimulation, allowing researchers to activate specific neurons without disrupting the imaging beam or overwhelming the detectors.

This separation is technically important because imaging and stimulation place different demands on an optical system. High-resolution imaging requires precise focusing, efficient light collection and minimal optical distortion. Optogenetic activation, by contrast, requires intense, accurately positioned light capable of reaching the light-sensitive proteins expressed by selected neurons. Designing both functions into a device small enough to be carried by an animal required careful control of the alignment, geometry and weight of every optical component.

“This microscope is a game changer,” said Juliet Gopinath, PhD, professor of electrical, computer and energy engineering and physics at CU Boulder and a study co-author. “Being able to demonstrate a state-of-the-art instrument for both read-out and photo-stimulation of neurons is amazing.” The research team included engineers, physicists and neuroscientists who worked together to solve problems involving miniature lenses, mechanical tolerances, optical alignment and three-dimensional fabrication.

The device weighs approximately five grams, but its small size made construction unusually demanding. Mo Zohrabi, PhD, a senior research scientist at CU Boulder and co-first author, said the team initially thought such an instrument might be impossible to build because of the tight tolerances required by the optics and available 3D-printing technology. Gregory Futia, PhD, a senior research associate at CU Anschutz and co-first author, said that every component had to be designed and accounted for with extreme precision. Even slight misalignment could reduce image quality or prevent the stimulation beam from reaching the intended cells.

The researchers believe the platform could transform experiments designed to distinguish correlation from causation in the brain. Recording a neuron’s activity can show that it is associated with a behavior, but it does not prove that the cell helps produce that behavior. With optogenetic stimulation, scientists can activate a selected population and observe whether movement, decision-making or other actions change. At the same time, the microscope can record how neighboring neurons respond, providing a view of how local circuits coordinate activity.

The current Opto2P-FCM system is a prototype, and the researchers are working on future versions that could be smaller, lighter and faster. They also hope to expand the field of view so that more neurons can be monitored at once. Such improvements could make it possible to track larger networks over longer periods while animals engage in increasingly complex behaviors. By combining cellular-resolution observation with targeted manipulation in a freely moving subject, the technology may help reveal how healthy neural circuits operate and how neurological disease changes the communication between them.

Subject of Research: Miniature two-photon microscopy, optogenetics, neural circuits and brain activity during natural movement

Article Title: New Miniature Microscope Allows Scientists to Watch and Control Brain Cells During Natural Movement

News Publication Date: Aug. 11, 2026

Web References: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; University of Colorado Boulder; Optica study

References: Optica, “New Miniature Microscope Allows Scientists to Watch and Control Brain Cells During Natural Movement,” article publication date: Aug. 7, 2026

Keywords

Miniature microscope, two-photon microscopy, optogenetics, neuroscience, brain imaging, neural circuits, freely moving animals, biomedical engineering, applied physics, neurological disease, brain research

Vaping vs. Smoking: Which Is Cheaper in 2026?

11 August 2026 at 14:09

If you are trying to reduce your nicotine spending in 2026, one question naturally comes up: is vaping cheaper than smoking cigarettes?

For most adult smokers who switch completely to vaping, the answer is still yes. However, the size of the saving depends on how much you smoke, what type of vape you use, how frequently you replace pods or coils, and where you buy your products.

In the UK, the cost gap is also being influenced by changes to tobacco taxation and the introduction of the Vaping Products Duty (VPD) from October 2026. Even with the new vape tax, vaping is expected to remain less expensive than smoking for many users.

Vaping vs. Smoking: The Quick Answer

For a regular smoker, vaping can cost substantially less than buying cigarettes every day.

The NHS says that, once the initial vape kit has been purchased, vaping has been estimated to cost about one-third as much as smoking.

The exact saving will vary, though. A refillable pod system with e-liquid can have a very different running cost from frequently buying premium disposable or prefilled products.

Here’s a simplified comparison:

Cost factor Smoking Vaping
Initial equipment None Vape device required
Main consumable Cigarettes E-liquid/pods
Replacement parts None Coils/pods may be required
Daily cost Generally higher Generally lower
Long-term cost High Usually lower
UK tax pressure in 2026 Very high Increasing
Potential savings — Significant for many smokers

Why Smoking Is So Expensive in 2026

The biggest reason cigarettes are expensive is taxation.

UK cigarette prices include tobacco duty and VAT. The government increased tobacco duty in November 2025, and another increase is scheduled for 1 October 2026. From that date, the cigarette duty rate will rise to £394.09 per 1,000 cigarettes plus 16.5% of the retail price, subject to the minimum excise duty of £518.75 per 1,000 cigarettes.

For someone smoking every day, these costs add up quickly.

Example: A Pack-a-Day Smoker

Imagine an adult smoker buying one 20-cigarette pack every day.

At a hypothetical retail price of £15 per pack, the spending would be:

  • £15 per day
  • £105 per week
  • £450 per 30 days
  • £5,475 per year

This is only an example because cigarette prices vary by brand and retailer. If the price of a pack rises, the annual cost rises accordingly.

The important point is that smoking creates a recurring expense that is difficult to reduce without cutting consumption.

Why Vaping Can Be Cheaper

Vaping separates the cost of the device from the cost of the consumable.

A reusable pod system or vape kit may require an upfront purchase, but the device can then be used repeatedly. The ongoing expenses generally involve:

  • E-liquid
  • Replacement pods
  • Replacement coils
  • Occasionally a replacement battery or device

This can make the running cost considerably lower than buying a new packet of cigarettes every day.

The NHS specifically states that vaping costs much less than smoking and estimates that, after purchasing a kit, vaping can cost around one-third as much as smoking.

The Cheapest Vaping Setup in 2026

If your primary goal is reducing ongoing costs, a reusable refillable vape is generally worth considering rather than treating vaping as a series of disposable purchases.

A typical cost-conscious setup might include:

  1. A reusable pod kit
  2. A bottle of e-liquid
  3. Replacement pods or coils
  4. A charger if required

Once the device has been purchased, you only need to replace the consumables.

This is particularly important because the UK has already prohibited the sale or supply of disposable vapes. The NHS notes that disposable vapes can no longer legally be sold or supplied in the UK, while reusable and refillable products remain available.

What About the New Vaping Tax?

One of the biggest changes affecting the vaping-versus-smoking calculation in 2026 is the UK’s new Vaping Products Duty.

From 1 October 2026, the duty on vaping liquid will be £2.20 per 10ml. HMRC’s guidance confirms that the duty is calculated according to the volume of vaping product.

For example:

  • 10ml of e-liquid → £2.20 duty
  • 20ml → £4.40 duty
  • 30ml → £6.60 duty
  • 50ml → £11.00 duty
  • 100ml → £22.00 duty

This tax is incorporated into the supply chain and can ultimately affect the retail price paid by consumers.

The government has also increased tobacco duty at the same time. It announced a £2.20 increase per 100 cigarettes alongside the introduction of the £2.20-per-10ml vaping duty, with the stated aim of preserving the price difference between vaping and tobacco.

So while vaping is becoming more expensive, cigarettes are also facing substantial tax increases.

Refillable Vapes vs. Disposable Vapes

When comparing vaping costs, it is important not to treat every vape product as equally economical.

Refillable Pod Systems

Refillable pod systems can be one of the more economical approaches because you purchase e-liquid separately and reuse the device.

Their costs include:

  • Initial device
  • E-liquid
  • Pods or coils
  • Occasional replacement device

For someone who vapes regularly, spreading the cost of the hardware over many months can reduce the effective daily cost.

Prefilled Pods

Prefilled pod systems are convenient because there is less maintenance and no need to manually fill a tank.

However, convenience can come with a higher cost per unit of nicotine or e-liquid compared with buying larger quantities of refillable e-liquid.

Disposable Vapes

Disposable vapes were once popular partly because of their simplicity, but they are no longer a legal retail option in the UK. The NHS confirms that disposable vapes cannot legally be sold or supplied.

For UK consumers in 2026, therefore, cost comparisons should focus mainly on reusable and refillable vaping products.

A Simple Annual Cost Comparison

Let’s use an illustrative example rather than claiming a universal retail price.

Suppose a smoker spends £15 per day on cigarettes:

£15 × 365 = £5,475 per year

Now suppose a hypothetical vaping setup costs £5 per day on average, including e-liquid, pods/coils and the annualised cost of the device:

£5 × 365 = £1,825 per year

That would represent a potential saving of:

£5,475 − £1,825 = £3,650 per year

The numbers are illustrative rather than a prediction of what every vaper will spend. Your actual cost could be considerably higher or lower depending on consumption and product choice.

The NHS’s estimate that vaping can cost around one-third as much as smoking provides useful context for why these savings can be substantial.

What Can Make Vaping More Expensive?

Vaping is not automatically cheap.

Your spending can increase if you:

  • Buy premium devices frequently
  • Use high quantities of e-liquid
  • Replace pods or coils unnecessarily often
  • Buy expensive prefilled products
  • Keep multiple devices
  • Upgrade hardware frequently
  • Vape continuously throughout the day

Someone who regularly buys new devices and premium products may spend much more than someone using a basic refillable pod system.

In other words, your vaping style matters almost as much as the product itself.

What Can Make Smoking Even More Expensive?

Smoking costs can also rise beyond the price of cigarettes.

A smoker may spend additional money on:

  • Lighters
  • Cigarette cases
  • Tobacco accessories
  • Travel-related purchases
  • Convenience-store premiums
  • Tobacco price increases

More importantly, smoking is a daily expense. Even a relatively small increase in the price of a packet can translate into hundreds of pounds of additional spending over a year.

With further tobacco duty increases scheduled for October 2026, this pressure is unlikely to disappear.

Is Vaping Worth It Just to Save Money?

For an existing adult smoker, switching completely from cigarettes to vaping may reduce nicotine-related spending while also reducing exposure to many toxic substances found in cigarette smoke.

The NHS states that vaping is not risk-free, but that nicotine vaping is less harmful than smoking and exposes users to a smaller fraction of the risks associated with smoking.

However, the financial calculation should not be interpreted as a recommendation for non-smokers to start vaping.

If you do not smoke, starting vaping simply to save money does not make financial or health sense. The NHS advises that non-smokers should not vape.

For smokers considering switching, the greatest financial benefit comes from switching completely rather than maintaining both habits.

Dual Use Can Destroy the Savings

One of the biggest mistakes in a vaping-versus-smoking comparison is assuming that someone will completely replace cigarettes with vaping.

For example, if you continue smoking half a pack of cigarettes per day while also vaping, you are paying for two nicotine products.

That can result in:

Cigarette spending + vaping spending = higher total nicotine spending

A complete switch can therefore be much more economical than simply adding vaping to an existing smoking habit.

The NHS also notes that smokers only get the full benefits of switching when they stop smoking completely.

Vaping vs. Smoking: Which Is Cheaper in 2026?

For most adult smokers, vaping remains the cheaper option in 2026, particularly when using a reusable refillable device and buying e-liquid efficiently.

The cost advantage is being narrowed somewhat by the introduction of Vaping Products Duty from October 2026, but tobacco products are also facing higher taxation. The UK government’s policy continues to maintain a price differential between vaping and tobacco.

The Bottom Line

If you’re comparing the two purely on running costs:

Smoking: High and continually rising cost, largely driven by tobacco duty.

Vaping: Lower potential running cost, but affected by device, e-liquid and replacement-pod expenses.

Refillable vaping: Usually the most cost-conscious vaping approach.

Disposable vapes: No longer legally sold or supplied in the UK.

Dual use: Can eliminate much of the potential financial saving.

For a regular smoker, switching completely to a reusable vaping system can potentially save hundreds or even thousands of pounds per year, depending on previous cigarette consumption and vaping habits.

However, cost is only one part of the decision. Vaping is not harmless, and non-smokers should not start vaping. For smokers who want to quit, both financial considerations and health considerations should be taken into account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is vaping cheaper than smoking in 2026?

Generally, yes. The NHS estimates that vaping can cost about one-third as much as smoking once the initial vape kit has been purchased.

Will vaping become more expensive in October 2026?

Yes. The UK is introducing Vaping Products Duty at £2.20 per 10ml of vaping liquid from 1 October 2026.

Are cigarettes getting more expensive in 2026?

Yes. UK tobacco duty is scheduled to increase again on 1 October 2026, including higher cigarette duty and a higher minimum excise duty.

Are disposable vapes legal in the UK in 2026?

No. The NHS states that disposable vapes cannot legally be sold or supplied in the UK. Reusable and refillable products remain available.

Is vaping completely safe?

No. Vaping is not risk-free. However, NHS guidance says nicotine vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes.

What is the cheapest way to vape?

For an adult smoker who chooses to switch, a reusable refillable pod system can generally provide a lower ongoing cost than repeatedly buying prefilled or single-use products. Actual savings depend on e-liquid consumption, hardware costs and purchasing habits.

The post Vaping vs. Smoking: Which Is Cheaper in 2026? appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

A Nearly 4,000-Year-Old “Giant’s Tomb” Was Accidentally Discovered in Sardinia

11 August 2026 at 13:02

Italian archaeologists have discovered a previously unidentified, nearly 4,000-year-old “Tomb of the Giants,” or “Giant’s Tomb,” at Carrarzu Iddia in central-western Sardinia.

The researchers behind the historic discovery said the new structure is part of a larger group of ancient, ‘enigmatic’ burial complexes on the island known as Giant’s Tombs erected by the Nuragic civilization as collective burial sites beginning around 1800 B.C. due to their megalithic structure.

Giant’s Tomb Site Features a Strategic Placement

According to Finestre sull’Arte, the newly discovered Giant’s Tomb had been covered by thick vegetation, helping it to remain hidden for nearly four millennia. However, surveyors from Sardinia’s two Superintendencies of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape were already involved in the restoration and excavation of the nuraghe located at the same site when they made the unexpected discovery.

Located at an elevation of approximately 800 yards, the newly identified Giant’s Tomb is located on the southern slope of Crastu Littu. The Italian team suspects the site “is of particular interest” due to its strategic location.

For example, the Giant’s Tomb offers a sweeping view of the Macomer plain. The location also includes a clear vantage point to observe the highlands of Abbasanta and Paulilatino, and an unobstructed view as far as the hills of the Nuoro area and the Gulf of Oristano. The team said this view likely conveys the site’s importance within the wider settlement network of Nuragic Sardinia.

Clearing the Dense Vegetation Reveals Striking Details

After identifying and surveying the new Giant’s Tomb’s location, the two project leaders worked with the landowners to clear away the dense overgrowth and earthen debris that had kept it hidden. Ironically, once the site was fully revealed, the team noted that the covering had likely helped to maintain and preserve its excellent condition over the nearly 4,000 years since its construction.

The most prominent features identified on the vast site were two large stone platforms, called protonuraghi, a sacred well, a residential settlement, and an extensive burial ground. A closer examination confirmed that the Giant’s Tomb, which is made from trachyte blocks, retained the expected architectural elements found in similar collective burial sites.

Giant's Tomb
The entrance of the Giant’s Tomb features a rare two-level design.

One identifying feature is the site’s exedra preceding its entrance. According to the Italian team, this architectural component is one of the most representative aspects of previously identified Giant’s Tombs, distinguishing this “monumental” construction type clearly within that of protohistoric Sardinia

Unfortunately, the excavation revealed that some portions of the ancient site had not survived the intervening four millennia completely intact. The authorities suspect that past illegal excavations that have affected many ancient sites could be part of the cause.

Luckily, previous illegal invasions of the site did not remove everything of historical value. For example, the team found ceramic materials inside the structure that document human occupation of the site, in some cases dating back to the earliest stages of the Nuragic civilization.

Site Includes Rarely Documented Dual-Level Construction

Alongside the site’s more familiar features, the team also identified an internal feature they described as ‘rare’ for a Giant’s Tomb: a second level near the entrance. Future studies of this unusual feature may offer insights into this society’s funerary practices and its construction techniques, which the team notes are still poorly understood.

The Italian team also noted the site’s greater significance when within the larger archaeological context of Carrarzu Iddia, noting that the area has yielded traces of human use and occupation covering the times before, during, and after the Roman era.

When discussing the site’s historical significance, the Italian team pointed to the value of so many extraordinary structures and monuments concentrated within one specific area. This overlap allows researchers to chronologically date the new Giant’s Tomb and place its significance within the wider context of the Island’s inhabitants.

Christopher Plain is a Science Fiction and Fantasy novelist and has spent the last six years as Associate News Editor and Head Science Writer at The Debrief. Follow and connect with him on X, learn about his books at plainfiction.com, or email him at christopher@thedebrief.org

HQD SiSA 80K Hookah Disposable Vape Review: A New Era of High-Puff Hookah-Style Vaping

11 August 2026 at 12:45

The disposable vape market continues to evolve, with manufacturers moving beyond traditional compact devices and introducing products designed to deliver longer-lasting performance, larger vapor production, and a more immersive experience. The HQD SiSA 80K Hookah Disposable Vape is one of the latest high-capacity devices aiming to combine the convenience of disposable vaping with the social-style experience of hookah.

Designed for users who enjoy rich flavor, dense vapor, and extended usage, the HQD SiSA 80K Hookah focuses on three major areas:

  • Extremely long-lasting puff capacity
  • Hookah-inspired vaping experience
  • Convenient rechargeable disposable design

In this review, we take a closer look at the design, features, performance, and overall experience of the HQD SiSA 80K Hookah Disposable Vape.


HQD SiSA 80K Hookah Disposable Vape Overview

Traditional disposable vapes are usually designed for portability, but the HQD SiSA 80K Hookah takes a different approach. It focuses on delivering a larger and more relaxed vaping experience similar to an electronic hookah.

The device is designed for users who want:

  • Longer usage time
  • Bigger vapor production
  • Smooth direct-to-lung (DTL) draws
  • Less frequent replacement

HQD has expanded its hookah-style product lineup with devices focused on large-capacity cartridges, adjustable airflow, and rechargeable batteries. For example, HQD’s SHISHA series features refillable cartridge designs, adjustable airflow, mesh coil technology, and large battery capacities aimed at a hookah-style experience.


Design and Build Quality: Hookah Style Meets Modern Disposable Design

The HQD SiSA 80K Hookah features a larger body compared with traditional disposable vapes.

Instead of a slim pocket-style design, it adopts a more substantial form factor inspired by modern electronic hookahs.

The design focuses on:

  • Comfortable mouthpiece
  • Large vapor airflow
  • Premium appearance
  • Easy operation

The larger structure allows space for:

  • High-capacity e-liquid storage
  • Larger battery
  • Advanced coil technology

Compared with small disposable devices, the bigger body also helps create a more satisfying hookah-style experience.


80,000 Puff Capacity: Built for Long-Term Use

The biggest highlight of the HQD SiSA 80K Hookah is its ultra-high puff rating.

With up to 80,000 puffs, the device is designed for extended use compared with traditional disposable vapes.

A high puff capacity means users can enjoy:

  • Longer replacement cycles
  • Fewer interruptions
  • Better value for frequent users

This makes the device suitable for:

  • Heavy vape users
  • Long trips
  • Social gatherings
  • Users who prefer fewer replacements

However, actual puff numbers can vary depending on:

  • Puff duration
  • Airflow settings
  • Usage habits
  • Battery management

Flavor Performance: Rich Hookah-Style Vapor Experience

Flavor quality is one of the most important factors in a hookah-style vape.

The HQD SiSA 80K Hookah is designed to provide:

  • Dense vapor clouds
  • Smooth airflow
  • Rich flavor output

The device uses advanced coil technology to improve vapor consistency and flavor reproduction. HQD’s newer hookah-style devices commonly use mesh coil systems to create fuller vapor and layered flavor performance.

Compared with standard disposable vapes, hookah-style devices typically aim for:

  • A deeper inhale
  • Larger vapor production
  • More relaxed sessions

This makes them closer to a traditional hookah experience rather than a quick nicotine break.


Battery Performance and Charging

A major limitation of many disposable vapes is battery life.

Because the HQD SiSA 80K Hookah is designed for a very high puff count, it requires a rechargeable battery system.

Benefits include:

  • Longer usable lifespan
  • Reduced waste compared with traditional single-use devices
  • More consistent power output

USB Type-C charging is becoming standard across modern HQD rechargeable devices, providing faster and more convenient charging. HQD’s rechargeable disposable products commonly use Type-C charging systems for improved usability.

Users can recharge the device when needed and continue enjoying the remaining e-liquid capacity.


Airflow and Vaping Experience

The hookah-style design focuses heavily on airflow.

A good airflow system helps deliver:

  • Smooth inhalation
  • Cooler vapor
  • Larger clouds
  • More comfortable long sessions

Compared with traditional mouth-to-lung disposable vapes, hookah-style devices usually provide a more open draw.

The HQD SiSA 80K Hookah is designed for users who prefer:

  • Direct-to-lung vaping
  • Bigger clouds
  • A smoother inhale

Ease of Use: Simple Disposable Experience

One of the biggest advantages of disposable-style devices is convenience.

The HQD SiSA 80K Hookah requires:

  • No coil replacement
  • No complicated settings
  • No manual e-liquid filling

Users can simply:

  1. Open the package
  2. Activate the device
  3. Start vaping

This makes it suitable for beginners who want a simple experience without maintaining a traditional vape kit.


HQD SiSA 80K Hookah vs Traditional Disposable Vape

Feature HQD SiSA 80K Hookah Standard Disposable Vape
Puff Capacity Up to 80,000 puffs Usually much lower
Design Large hookah-style body Compact
Vapor Production Large clouds Moderate
Battery Rechargeable Often smaller
Experience Relaxed hookah-style vaping Quick daily use
Maintenance Simple Simple

The HQD SiSA 80K Hookah is clearly designed for users who prioritize endurance and vapor production rather than maximum portability.


Who Should Buy the HQD SiSA 80K Hookah?

The device may appeal to users who want:

Extremely long-lasting performance
Large vapor production
Hookah-inspired experience
Rechargeable convenience
Fewer replacements

It may not be ideal for users who prefer:

  • Small pocket-sized devices
  • Minimal vapor output
  • Highly discreet vaping

Final Verdict

The HQD SiSA 80K Hookah Disposable Vape represents the next generation of high-capacity vaping devices.

Instead of focusing only on portability, it combines:

  • Massive puff capacity
  • Rechargeable power
  • Hookah-inspired airflow
  • Rich vapor production
  • Simple disposable operation

For users looking for a long-lasting device with a more immersive vaping experience, the HQD SiSA 80K Hookah offers a unique alternative to traditional disposable vapes.

As the disposable vape market continues moving toward higher-capacity and rechargeable designs, products like the HQD SiSA 80K Hookah show how manufacturers are attempting to blend convenience with a more premium experience.

The post HQD SiSA 80K Hookah Disposable Vape Review: A New Era of High-Puff Hookah-Style Vaping appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

VMO2 lauds results of green network pact

11 August 2026 at 12:15

UK operator Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) avoided 5,262 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions over the last decade through a network equipment-related partnership with sustainable tech specialist TXO.

Recovering and refurbishing assets for resale accounted for 4,575 tonnes of the savings reported by TXO. Switches, routers and line cards from VMO2’s fixed operation were common assets returned to the market.

The operator also sourced refurbished equipment: around 687 tonnes of CO2e saved was attributed to this activity, due to VMO2 not having to buy new.

Its TXO partnership also includes recycling, with more than 690 tonnes of the operator’s equipment at the end of its life sent to be broken down.

More than 60% of the recycled weight extracted from the waste was steel, copper and aluminium.

VMO2 head of reverse logistics Paul Franley said the operator aimed to “extend the life of our network hardware so it can be reused, given a second life or disposed of sustainably”, with its partner helping to “maintain network equipment through testing, repair and refurbishment wherever possible”.

“The results of this programme demonstrate how a more circular approach to technology can benefit both the business and the environment.”

TXO chief product and asset recovery officer David Evans urged the technology sector to “move beyond the linear model of buying, deploying and replacing”.

The post VMO2 lauds results of green network pact appeared first on Mobile World Live.

A Magnetar May Have Bent Empty Space—NASA’s IXPE Tests a 90-Year-Old Prediction

10 August 2026 at 22:00

Empty space is not completely empty in the equations of quantum physics. Under an ordinary magnetic field, that distinction is impossible to notice. Near a magnetar—a neutron star with a magnetic field trillions of times stronger than Earth’s—space itself can alter the way light travels. NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) has measured unusually strong […]

The post A Magnetar May Have Bent Empty Space—NASA’s IXPE Tests a 90-Year-Old Prediction appeared first on Curiosmos.

Look: NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope Captures Striking New Images That Bring the ‘Lion Nebula’ Roaring to Life

10 August 2026 at 16:44

Stunning new imagery of the distant celestial object NGC 2392, better known as the “Lion Nebula,” has been obtained by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.

The cosmic vista captured by Webb reveals a colorful view of the ancient nebula, whose characteristic appearance resembles one of nature’s most respected apex predators, complete with a bushy-looking “mane” composed of hazy stellar gases and objects similar to comets.

The new high-resolution imagery offers one of the clearest and most detailed views of the Lion Nebula ever seen. Previous images captured by Webb’s predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope, were obtained in 2000, featuring the same celestial feature in visible light.

With the added spectral ranges Webb’s Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam) and Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) can capture, the Lion Nebula now appears in colorful pinks and indigo hues, surrounded by distant galaxies blazing in brilliant orange from across vast cosmic distances, whose light has traveled billions of years to reach our Solar System.

A Lion Roars Across the Cosmos

A particularly striking feature about the new imagery is the way cosmic dust and regions of ionized gas are showcased in the new Webb imagery.

“It’s taken several thousand years for this collection of gas and dust to reach its current shape, and the nebula’s components continue to be altered,” read a portion of a statement released by the European Space Agency (ESA) that accompanied the new images.

Lion Nebula
The Lion Nebula, as seen with the MIRI instrument on board the James Webb Space Telescope (Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI; Image Processing: Alyssa Pagan (STScI)).

One reason that helps account for the changing appearance of the Lion Nebula over time can be found at its center, where the remnants of a slowly dying white dwarf star (which effectively forms the nose in the lion’s face after which the nebula is named) continues to supercharge the surrounding cosmic structures made visible in the new Webb imagery.

The rest of the lion’s face is composed of an expanding bubble of ionized gas, the nature of which remains somewhat mysterious. Presently, astronomers are uncertain about what exact mechanisms give rise to the complex appearance of this gassy bubble and its internal structures, which are a recurring element in ancient nebulae such as this.

NGC 2392 isn’t the only celestial feature known as the “Lion Nebula.” An entirely separate diffuse nebula located in the Cepheus constellation, known as Sharpless 2-132, also shares this nickname due to its shape, which resembles a lion’s body seen from the side.

A Cosmic Visage Frozen in Time  

For now, the Lion Nebula is captured in the Webb imagery, which, despite its almost serene beauty, represents a highly active area of the cosmos, undergoing constant change as material is continually ripped away from the stellar central core.

Sometime in the next 10,000 years or so, this striking celestial feature will eventually be destroyed, once the white dwarf powering the nebula completely dies and the remnants of stellar material are completely dispersed into the surrounding space.

Until then, this remarkable cosmic feature will remain a target of study by astronomers, whose inquiries are helped significantly by the unprecedented clarity offered in the latest Webb images.

Additional information about the Lion Nebula (NGC 2392) can be found on NASA’s official page documenting the Webb MIRI imagery.

Micah Hanks is the Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of The Debrief. A longtime reporter on science, defense, and technology with a focus on space and astronomy, he can be reached at micah@thedebrief.org. Follow him on X @MicahHanks, and at micahhanks.com.

Astrolight, ATMOS Space Cargo eye first in-flight laser link between reentry vehicle, satellite

10 August 2026 at 13:00
Illustration of an optical link between a satellite and ATMOS Space Cargo's reentry vehicle. Credit: ATMOS Space Cargo

WARSAW, Poland — The Lithuanian space laser communications company Astrolight has signed a memorandum of understanding with ATMOS Space Cargo, to demonstrate in-flight optical communications link between a reentry spacecraft […]

The post Astrolight, ATMOS Space Cargo eye first in-flight laser link between reentry vehicle, satellite appeared first on SpaceNews.

Eclipse solar em Portugal: como fotografar com segurança, inclusive com o iPhone

10 August 2026 at 11:00

Quem estiver em Portugal nesta quarta-feira, 12 de agosto, terá a oportunidade de testemunhar o primeiro eclipse solar total desde 1912, com previsão de repetição do feito somente daqui a 118 anos, em 2144.

A sua raridade, além da sazonalidade, está especialmente no percentual de visibilidade do fenômeno em todo o país, que varia de 92% a 100%. Para quem quiser ver o eclipse em sua totalidade, será necessário visitar o Parque Natural de Montesinho, no concelho de Bragança.

Caso também seja do seu interesse registrar esse momento histórico, existem algumas coisas importantes a se observar e algumas alternativas, a depender do que você pretende fotografar exatamente.

Antes de qualquer dica tecnológica, é importante se certificar de que a sua visão estará protegida: recomenda-se o uso de óculos de eclipse com certificação ISO 12312-2, que serão distribuídos gratuitamente pela ZEISS em parceria com a rede de óticas Club da Visão, mediante cadastro e enquanto durarem os estoques (que, aparentemente, já esgotaram-se).

Depois, vale observar as janelas de horário do eclipse:

  • Início: entre 18h30 e 18h40;
  • Pico: entre 19h30 e 19h40;
  • Fim: entre 20h20 e 20h30.

Fotografia: câmera DSLR/mirrorless ou iPhone?

Caso você opte por fotografar o evento, existem duas opções de mais fácil acesso: uma câmera digital ou o seu iPhone. Em ambos os casos, há uma série de poréns.

Sobre DSLRs e mirrorless, vale adquirir um filtro solar para a sua lente, considerando a sensibilidade do sensor à exposição ao sol, que pode acarretar uma danificação irreversível — dada a quantidade de entrada de luz. Recomenda-se fixar a abertura entre ƒ/8 e ƒ/16, com a velocidade do obturador ajustada entre 1/1000 e 1/4, de acordo com as especificações da sua câmera.

Já o iPhone, dado o tamanho do seu sensor e outras limitações técnicas, terá dificuldade de registrar o eclipse naturalmente. Claro, ainda é possível obter muitos resultados legais em relação à sombra e aos seus efeitos, ou até mesmo capturar a atmosfera do momento com um time-lapse utilizando um tripé ou outro equipamento estabilizador.

No entanto, para quem quiser de fato registrar o sol de maneira direta, será necessário adquirir acessórios:

  • Lente de zoom com ampliação entre 12x e 18x — das mais amadoras até as mais sofisticadas, com preços flutuando entre dezenas e centenas de dólares;
  • Filtro solar para o iPhone;
  • Tripé, visando não comprometer o resultado final das fotos borrando-as com um movimento sutil.

Quanto ao software, embora existam boas opções de apps de terceiros, como o Project Indigo ou o Halide, o próprio aplicativo Câmera (Camera) nativo do iPhone deverá dar conta.

Cada escolha (ou ausência) poderá impactar o registro do fenômeno, mas nada será tão determinante quanto a prática de quem fotografa. Independentemente da escolha, vale conhecer o equipamento que você tem em mãos antes do tão esperado dia, testar o comportamento da câmera sob o sol e pensar qual será o enquadramento do registro no dia do eclipse.

via AppleInsider, Lisboa Secreta

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