Apple Intelligence Is a Trojan Horse

Last week Apple introduced Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI features that will be rolled out to the tech giant’s latest operating systems. Some, however, say Apple Is laying the groundwork to paywall your iPhone. We used to upgrade our phones for better cameras and speed, but lately we're upgrading just to keep our software from feeling second-class. There's just one problem: Apple is essentially creating a caste system with its iPhones. If you don't belong to the right iPhone caste, you're locked out. Apple is giving users a temporary, free taste of a truly intelligent assistant right now to hook them, but the billing tollbooth is already being built. Apple's own terms explicitly state that "increased access to such features will be available for a fee" in the future. If you want to keep using the excellent conversational assistant that just helped you organize your life, you’ll have to pay a recurring fee or buy into the elite hardware tier. Silicon Valley has spent years trying to turn physical hardware into a recurring software subscription. With iOS 27, Apple is finally doing it, and the iPhone may never be the same.

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How to Make Picking Your Next Book Simple

Have you ever wondered why reading gets harder as you get older? If you’re like most people, finding your next great read, especially right after finishing a book you loved is exhausting. Sure, you can always pick up a random new release and hope for the best, but let’s be honest — that strategy often ends with a $30 novel you’ll never crack open. That’s where a subscription box comes in handy. Instead of agonizing over vague back-cover summaries and hunting down non-spoiler reviews, book club members hand over the reins to someone else to pick their next page-turner. While that adds an element of surprise, it can also backfire if you get stuck with a dud. That’s where Book of the Month (BOTM) offers a twist on the classic book subscription. Not only do readers get to choose their own books from a short list of new releases each month, they also get some peace of mind knowing that all the books are pre-vetted by fellow readers. No more wasting time or money on a flop. BOTM works on a credit-based system. Each month, subscribers receive one monthly credit for $17.99 plus tax, which is redeemable for one book. There’s also an option to pay $14.99 per credit for a two-credit plan, or $13.99 per credit for 12 credits per year if you want to save a little cash. Next, you choose your book from the shortlist of titles. If you’re just not feeling the vibe of the current books, you can skip a month and redeem your credit later. So, if you’re ready to skip the guesswork and discover your next page-turner, you can join BOTM here.

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White Noise, Pink Noise, and Brown Noise: What's the Difference?

You may have heard of white noise — the steady, static-like sound that can drown out disturbing noises and help you sleep better — but have you heard of pink noise and brown noise? Growing research shows that these lesser-known noises can also help calm you or improve the quality of your sleep. Here’s a look at different color noises and what they can do for you.

White Noise — White noise uses a mix of sound frequencies to create a static-like sound. It can be intense and high-pitched, like a fan, air conditioner, or a vacuum. Studies have shown it can help improve sleep, reduce crying in babies, improve work performance, and lower ADHD symptoms.

Pink Noise — Pink noise is a constant sound in the background. It filters out things that distract you, like people talking or cars going by, so they don’t interrupt your sleep. You may hear it called ambient noise. Like white noise, it may give you a better night’s sleep, but it uses deeper sounds and lower sound waves, so it may be more soothing. 

Brown Noise — Brown noise produces a rumbling sound that’s deeper with a bass-like tone than pink or white noise. It’s similar to a steady heavy rainfall or a shower with good pressure. Some sleep apps use this sound instead of pink noise to give it a deeper, grainier effect. If you have tinnitus, brown noise is said to help lower the symptoms. 

Color noises may help you nod off faster and enjoy a longer, deeper sleep, but they won't work well if you have poor sleep habits. To get the most out of color noises, make these habits part of your nightly routine:

• • Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time in the morning, even on weekends.
• • Working out during the day will help you fall asleep faster at night.
• • Create a sleep-friendly bedroom that’s quiet, dark, and at a comfortable temperature.
• • Avoid sleep interrupters like caffeine, alcohol, and big meals before you go to bed.

 

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Old-Fashioned Baked Apples

These baked whole apples are one of those desserts that makes the whole house smell like fall the second it goes into the oven. Not only is this a great dessert you can prep in advance, you'll love serving it to a crowd because it’s naturally gluten-free. It’s like a healthier version of apple pie and made much quicker and easier.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 apples

• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed

• 2 tbsp butter, room temperature

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

• ¼ cup water

• Vanilla ice cream for topping (optional)

Directions:

• • Preheat oven to 350º F.
• • Remove stem and seeds from apples, making a deep hole where the filling will go.
• • In a small bowl combine brown sugar, butter and cinnamon and mix well to combine.
• • Add nuts.
• • Spoon mixture evenly into each of the apples.
• • Add ¼ cup of water to a baking dish and place apples on top.
• • Bake 40-45 minutes, until apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
• • Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes.
• • Spoon the sauce drippings from the pan over apples.
• • Serve with ice cream, if desired.

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