A technology designed to direct sunlight to various points on Earth could potentially cause a worrying side effect. The company Reflect Orbital has received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch a satellite with a mirror capable of reflecting sunlight onto the planet, but astronomers warn of risks to science and safety.
The satellite, named Eärendil-1, is part of a project that plans to deploy up to 50 thousand mirrors in orbit. The goal of this initiative is to provide on-demand illumination and solar energy, including at night. There is concern that the brightness of these objects will alter the night sky and could harm vision.
The use of orbital mirrors to reflect sunlight onto Earth is not a new concept; it has been discussed for over a century and was previously tested by Russia in the 1990s as part of the Znamya project. Now, Reflect Orbital intends to revive this idea.
Eärendil-1 will be equipped with an 18 square meter mirror, and according to the company, it can form a light beam about 5 kilometers wide. Among the planned applications, it is noted that the satellite could have a brightness comparable to Venus outside the beam and be four times brighter than the Moon within the illuminated zone. Concerns are heightened by the possibility of light scattering in the atmosphere.
According to the Royal Astronomical Society, the night sky in affected regions could become three to four times brighter if tens of thousands of reflective objects reflect sunlight. Ruchi Dalal, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the American Astronomical Society, summarized the criticism, stating: 'Our main concern is that we feel Reflect Orbital has not exercised due diligence.'
Increased levels of illumination could hinder the observation of distant galaxies and even the identification of potentially dangerous asteroids. The threat does not only affect major observatories. In documents submitted to the FCC, Reflect Orbital itself admitted that accidental observation of one satellite through a 12-inch telescope could lead to irreversible eye damage.
There are also concerns about the lack of a clear public notification plan regarding the time and locations of service activation. Drivers and pilots could encounter episodes of temporary blindness while the beam is moving. Christopher Bascomb, a representative of Reflect Orbital, stated: 'Our approach is incremental: test and learn.'
The company claims that the first satellite will be used to test the technology and safety measures. Nevertheless, organizations related to astronomy and aviation safety question the adequacy of these measures. The discussion goes beyond Eärendil-1: critics argue that a fleet of thousands of bright mirrors could harm scientific research, affect people and animals, and irreversibly change the appearance of the night sky. Alternatives being considered include expanding solar panel installations and developing better battery systems. For astronomers, the key question is how justified the progress in energy acquisition is if it jeopardizes sky observation.
Microsoft has quietly removed a security feature present since Windows 8: the Image Password option. This feature allowed users to access the system by drawing a specific pattern over a chosen image.
It is relevant to note that Windows 8 was introduced in 2012 with the goal of integrating the traditional PC experience (using keyboard and mouse) with that of tablet-like devices (with touch screens). The Image Password function was created precisely to enable unlocking the computer that had these characteristics, allowing drawing on the screen instead of typing a password.
Subsequent versions of the operating system maintained support for this feature, as the drawing could also be performed using a mouse. However, the feature had low usage, which may have been a factor in Microsoft's decision to remove it from Windows 11.
According to Neowin, the removal occurred with cumulative update KB5101650, which was made available on July 14, 2026, for the 24H2 and 25H2 editions of the operating system.
Another reason cited for the removal was the security of the method, which is considered relatively fragile. For this reason, the company itself suggests alternatives on its support page regarding the update:
Microsoft stated that, to enhance security, Image Password will no longer be available for new registrations. However, users who had already configured such a password can continue to use it to log into Windows. If the image password is disabled, removed, or never configured, there will be no possibility of reconfiguring it.
The company strongly recommends using the Windows Hello PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint recognition whenever these are available.
Although it might be useful to some, the Image Password function was not widely known. Furthermore, the feature may not appear in the settings section when the option 'Allow only Windows Hello sign-in for Microsoft accounts' is active, which is common in current new installations, contributing to its low usage.
Despite the changes, Microsoft clarified that the functionality will remain operational for those who activated it before the update was implemented.
Samsung announced on Monday (10th) the launch of a new series of Mini LED televisions in the Brazilian market. These devices are offered as a more accessible option for consumers interested in technology, covering sizes from 50 to 100 inches and integrating artificial intelligence, entertainment, and connectivity features.
The unveiling of the new product was conducted by Samsung Brazil and incorporates various image technologies, features optimized for sports and gaming, free services, smart device integration, and audio capabilities. The company positions this line as an entry point for features previously exclusive to higher-category televisions.
Highlights of the line include Vision AI Companion, Samsung Gaming Hub, SmartThings, Football Mode, and the One UI Tizen operating system, which guarantees support for updates for up to seven years. The new models are available in sizes of 50, 55, 65, 75, and 85 inches, in addition to a 100-inch option. The manufacturer's intention is to expand access to Mini LED technology while maintaining advanced image, AI, and connectivity features.
Technologically, the implementation uses considerably smaller LEDs compared to traditional panels. This allows for more precise control over the screen's lighting zones, resulting in higher contrast and a reduction in visual artifacts in dark environments.
Image processing has been enhanced with artificial intelligence-based features. This system has the ability to improve lower-resolution content up to 4K standard and adjust visual parameters according to the displayed material. Furthermore, automatic scene detection allows for changing color reproduction based on the type of content.
Vision AI Companion is another notable feature, allowing the user to interact with the television through voice commands using generative and conversational artificial intelligence. This solution combines Bixby and Gemini to answer questions about what is being shown on the screen as well as other topics during the device's use.
The sound experience is also sophisticated, as the audio system adapts to movies, music, and games, offering a virtual 3D surround effect with specific adjustments for the time and scene. Users of certain brand Soundbars can use the Sound Sync function to synchronize the TV speakers with those of the soundbar.
For sporting events, the line features a dedicated football mode. This functionality modifies the audio and image quality to intensify the fan experience and make scenes more vivid, according to the manufacturer itself.
In terms of daily entertainment, Samsung consolidates several services under the 'All-in-One TV' proposal. Samsung TV Plus offers hundreds of free channels, covering movies, news, sports, soap operas, children's programs, and music, without requiring a subscription, only an internet connection and a Samsung account.
There is also a karaoke option integrated into the Stingray Music app, where the mobile phone can act as a microphone, providing access to a catalog of over 100 thousand songs, subject to device compatibility and recommended applications.
For gaming enthusiasts, the Samsung Gaming Hub aggregates cloud gaming services, such as Xbox Cloud Gaming and NVIDIA GeForce NOW. This allows playing titles without the need for downloading or a dedicated console, although some content may require a subscription, internet, or additional controller.
In compatible models, the television reaches a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz in 2K resolution, and VRR support ensures smoother display, minimizing glitches and variations during gameplay.
Integration with the SmartThings ecosystem extends the television's utility beyond media consumption. This platform allows managing and monitoring over 1,000 devices compatible with Zigbee and Matter standards. Possibilities include creating automated routines, tracking energy consumption, and having certain functions operate even when the TV is off. The Home Insights feature uses AI to suggest automations based on user habits.
The smartphone itself can operate as a smart remote control via the SmartThings app, enabling navigation through content and applications with cursor movement on the screen.
The manufacturer has also implemented security measures, such as Knox Security Center, which protects connected devices against unauthorized access and data exposure. The platform also includes a Password Center and QR Code login options.
One of the commitments made with this new line is the guarantee of operating system updates for up to seven years, a strategy aimed at keeping the devices updated with new platform functionalities over time. Samsung assures that the experience will continue to evolve with new features.
Additionally, the televisions have energy management systems. Sensors detect ambient light to assist in adjusting screen brightness, while the system analyzes scenes to manage this parameter, contributing to reduced energy consumption.
In terms of design, the line adopts the MetalStream Design, characterized by a metallic structure, combining visual aesthetics, durability, and ease of integration into various environments.
The new range of Samsung Mini LED TVs arrives in the Brazilian market with starting prices from R$ 3,039.05, encompassing models of various sizes, including the 100-inch version. The company notes that certain features may vary depending on the model, size, country, available applications, and third-party services, and some functions require an internet connection, a Samsung account, or separately purchased accessories.
