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  • Wait longer for Apple’s new home device

    Wait longer for Apple’s new home device

    Apple is set to introduce some new gadgets this week, but the one that’s got everyone buzzing, the new ‘HomePad’, isn’t coming out as soon as we hoped, according to Mark Gurman.

    HomePad Release Pushed Back

    Back in November, Gurman gave us a sneak peek at what Apple had in store with its upcoming home product, which I’ve nicknamed the HomePad. He initially hinted at a March release.

    However, his reports have since changed. In January, he suggested that the HomePad might take a bit longer due to some software updates needed for its features. Despite this, there was still hope for a not-too-distant launch.

    But as of this weekend, Gurman’s latest newsletter paints a different picture. He confirms that Apple isn’t rushing this one. They’ve dropped the idea of a March launch, and it now looks like we’ll be waiting for “months” before we see the HomePad on shelves.

    What Does This Mean?

    Firstly, forget about March; it’s not happening. Secondly, while April might still be on the cards, Gurman seems to think we might wait even longer than that.

    Perfect Timing with iOS 18.4

    I’m really looking forward to the HomePad more than any other Apple product this year. The wait might be worth it, especially since iOS 18.4 is due in April, bringing with it some cool new AI features. The HomePad could work great with these updates, especially with a smarter Siri.

    So, although we might have to wait a bit longer, an April launch would be a good match. But, as always with Apple, we’ll just have to see what they have up their sleeves.

    Source

  • Making Apple Vision Pro easier to wear

    Making Apple Vision Pro easier to wear

    The main complaints about the Apple Vision Pro have been its cost and its weight. Apple is already working on a cheaper version, and a new patent suggests a way to make the headset lighter. People who tried it early on noted that the headset feels heavy after a while, and I felt the same when I used it.

    John Gruber, a well-known tech commentator, shared similar thoughts:

    “The Vision Pro is heavy. I wore it for hours without pain, but the weight does become tiring. You can’t forget you’re wearing it. Plus, it’s quite big, like a large, heavy pair of goggles on your face.”

    During my hour-long session, I noticed the weight and comfort issues. Comfort is a big challenge with this kind of technology. On a warm day, even by UK standards, my upper face felt hot inside the headset, similar to my experiences with the Meta Quest 2.

    The weight was particularly noticeable after about 30 minutes. With my Quest, I use an extra battery pack at the back, which helps balance the weight. However, the Vision Pro is front-heavy, and that was starting to bother me, especially when moving my head up and down.

    A recent patent from Apple, highlighted by Patently Apple, offers a solution: moving the processor and other components away from the headset, much like they did with the battery.

    The patent starts by discussing the problem:

    “Head-mounted displays (HMDs) should be comfortable for long periods. As we add more features, battery life, and performance, we add more weight. We need to balance comfort with the device’s capabilities.”

    A heavy front can make wearing the device less enjoyable. Apple recognizes this and suggests a need for a lighter HMD that doesn’t compromise on performance. They also tackle the heat problem, suggesting better ways to manage heat. Currently, the Vision Pro uses a separate battery pack to help with weight, and the patent suggests that the processing could be moved into this external “cartridge.”

    This cartridge would house the processor, which would send video to the headset’s display, and could be attached or detached as needed. One idea is to have the processor in a unit that can either sit in the headset or be housed in an external case, providing flexibility in how the user wears the device.

  • New features in Apple’s Sports App for NASCAR fans

    New features in Apple’s Sports App for NASCAR fans

    Apple has just rolled out a fresh update for its Sports app on the iPhone, perfect timing for NASCAR enthusiasts as the Daytona 500 approaches this Sunday, February 16.

    Apple Sports Update Highlights:

    • Rev Up for NASCAR: Now you can dive into live race coverage and keep up with the leaderboard right from the Daytona 500.
    • Baseball Season Prep: With Spring Training kicking off, you can track your favorite teams as they gear up for the MLB season.

    The Apple Sports app, which first hit the App Store in February 2024, keeps fans in the loop with scores, player stats, league standings, and game schedules for numerous sports. Whether you’re into football, baseball, soccer, basketball, hockey, or the Premier League, this app has got you covered. It’s free to download on your iPhone from the App Store, making it easy for sports fans to stay connected to their favorite sports leagues.

  • Early Surprise: Customer snags Powerbeats Pro 2 before official launch

    Early Surprise: Customer snags Powerbeats Pro 2 before official launch

    The much-anticipated Powerbeats Pro 2 from Apple is set to hit the market this Tuesday. But, in a surprising twist, one Walmart shopper managed to grab a pair before the official announcement, as revealed in a Reddit post from the weekend.

    “I spotted them locked up at my local Walmart,” shared the Reddit user. “I asked if I could buy them, and they let me.”

    Apple had previously teased the Powerbeats Pro 2 with a video last year, showcasing a sleeker, taller design than the first Powerbeats Pro released in 2019. The new model is rumored to come with several upgrades, including the H2 chip found in the AirPods Pro 2, heart rate sensors for exercise, and vibrant new colors like Electric Orange.

    Thanks to the H2 chip, these earbuds are expected to feature active noise cancellation, which wasn’t available in the previous version. This chip should also enhance sound quality and extend battery life. In the U.S., the Powerbeats Pro 2 are expected to retail for $249.

    Got em
    byu/FoodOk4536 inbeatsbydre

  • Apple is hiring more people to make robots for homes

    Apple is hiring more people to make robots for homes

    Apple is increasing its team of experts to work on new home robots, according to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg. The company is just starting to work on a robot that sits on a table, but they’re also thinking about making one that looks like a human down the road.

    This project is being led by two groups at Apple: the Home Labs team, which makes hardware, and another team led by Kevin Lynch, who works on special AI projects. These teams came from Apple’s old self-driving car project, which ended last year.

    In recent weeks, Apple has put out many job ads for people who know a lot about robots. They want to hire folks who will work with a small, smart group to add new features to Apple’s gadgets.

    Just last month, some Apple researchers showed off a robot that looks like a lamp, similar to the playful lamp from Pixar movies. This robot can do things like tell you about the weather, light up for taking photos with your iPhone, remind you to drink water, and even dance to music with you.

    Gurman also shared that Apple is working on a robot with a screen like an iPad, attached to a movable arm. This robot could be ready by 2027 and would mainly work with Siri. It might be able to look at you when you’re on a FaceTime call if you tell it to.

    It seems this new robot might be a fancy version of Apple’s smart home device, which is supposed to come out this year. It would be like a HomePod speaker but with a screen and a robotic arm.

    Source

  • Apple might switch iPhone screen makers due to quality problems

    Apple might switch iPhone screen makers due to quality problems

    Apple is thinking about changing who makes the screens for its iPhones because one of its current suppliers, BOE, is having trouble making good-quality displays. This information comes from sources in Korea, as reported by OLED-info.

    BOE, a company from China, has been having a hard time making the LTPS AMOLED screens that Apple wants for the iPhone 14, 15, and 16. Since the start of 2024, they’ve only been able to provide about 7-8 million screens to Apple, way less than the 40 million they were supposed to make.

    It’s going to take around six weeks to fix these quality issues. In the meantime, people in the industry think that Samsung Display will get most of the new screen orders because LG Display is busy making a different type of screen for the iPhone “Pro” models.

    This isn’t the first time BOE has had problems. Last year, they had issues with the screens around the camera cutout, which they call the Dynamic Island, for the iPhone 15, and Apple cut back on orders because of it. This situation shows how tough it can be to keep up with Apple’s high standards for their iPhone screens.

    Source

  • Try free Starlink service on your iPhone until summer

    Try free Starlink service on your iPhone until summer

    T-Mobile has launched a public beta for its Starlink satellite service, inviting everyone in the U.S. with a compatible iPhone or Android phone to join. This is great news even if you’re not with T-Mobile, as you can test this new way to stay connected without traditional cell service.

    How to Get Involved:

    • Free Beta Access: You can sign up to use Starlink for free until July, but there are only a few spots.

    Pricing After July:

    • T-Mobile’s Go5G Next plan users and those with other eligible plans will keep using it for free.
    • If you have another T-Mobile plan, you can add Starlink for $15 a month, per phone line.
    • Users on other carriers will pay $20 a month, per line.
    • Early Bird Discount: Sign up before February ends, and you’ll get the service for just $10 per month starting in July.

    Where It Works:

    • In areas outside the usual cell service range in the U.S., your phone will link up with one of Starlink’s many satellites to send and receive texts when you’re off the grid.

    Future Features:

    • While it currently supports messaging, T-Mobile plans to add voice calls and internet data soon.

    iPhone Users, Take Note:

    • Your iPhone will show “SAT” when using this satellite service.
    • To stop using it, go to Settings, find Cellular, select your carrier, and switch off Satellite.

    What You Need:

    • An iPhone 14, 15, or 16 model.
    • The newest iOS update.
    • A compatible carrier plan.

    This isn’t the first time iPhones have used satellites; Apple already has a deal with Globalstar for emergency messaging. However, Starlink’s network is much bigger, offering smoother, automatic connections without aiming your phone.

    Remember:

    • Apple’s satellite features are currently free, but this might change.
    • The service is available in the U.S., with varying availability elsewhere.

    Starlink’s wide reach could change how we think about staying connected, making it an exciting time for smartphone users looking to stay in touch no matter where they are.

  • Boost Your Savings: Enhanced Trade-In values for Macs now available

    Boost Your Savings: Enhanced Trade-In values for Macs now available

    Apple has just bumped up the trade-in values for several Mac models in the U.S., allowing you to save more when you decide to upgrade. Here’s a quick look at how much you could get back on your old Mac:

    • MacBook Pro – Now valued at up to $925, was $915
    • MacBook Air – Now up to $435, previously $425
    • MacBook – Increased to up to $140 from $90
    • iMac – You can get up to $315, it was $305 before
    • iMac Pro – Now up to $455, up from $405
    • Mac mini – Valued at up to $375, was $365
    • Mac Studio – Now up to $1,150, a slight increase from $1,140
    • Mac Pro – Up to $720, which was $670 before

    These boosted trade-in values are only available until April 2, so you have a limited time to take advantage of this offer. Whether you’re looking to buy a new Apple device right away or prefer to get an Apple gift card for future use, this is a great opportunity to get more for your old tech.

    You can trade in your Mac either online at Apple’s website or directly at an Apple Store. Once you trade in, the credit can be used towards purchasing a new Apple product or converted into an Apple gift card.

    For more information or to start your trade-in, head over to Apple’s trade-in page. Don’t miss out on these enhanced values to make your next upgrade more affordable!

  • Apple still aiming for standalone AR Glasses, but it will take time

    Apple still aiming for standalone AR Glasses, but it will take time

    Apple has decided to put on hold its project for AR glasses that needed to be connected to a Mac, but don’t worry, they haven’t given up on the idea of standalone AR glasses. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple is still very much committed to creating these futuristic glasses; they’re just taking a bit more time to perfect them.

    Last month, it was reported that Apple had canceled its plan for AR glasses that would have looked like regular glasses but needed a Mac to work. This news was initially alarming, but it’s not the end of the AR dream. The glasses in question were akin to the RayNeo Air 2S, which I had the chance to review, but with a higher price tag and quality.

    Apple’s hardware leader, John Ternus, is cautious about launching another product that doesn’t meet expectations. Therefore, the focus is now shifting towards developing a standalone version of these glasses, similar to the expensive prototypes Meta showcased last year.

    The team at Apple, particularly the Vision Products Group, is busy working on all the essential technologies needed for these glasses. They’re focusing on improving screens and chips to make this vision a reality. However, we’re looking at a wait of at least three to five years before these glasses might hit the market.

    The groundwork laid by visionOS suggests Apple is on the right track. Here’s hoping that when the time comes, Apple will bring something truly innovative to the world of AR.

  • Apple’s budget iPad gets a small update after 2.5 years, but don’t expect much

    Apple’s budget iPad gets a small update after 2.5 years, but don’t expect much

    It’s been over two years since Apple last updated its most affordable iPad, back in October 2022, when they introduced the 10th generation model. Now, after a significant wait, the 11th generation iPad is on its way, but don’t hold your breath for big changes.

    The Main Upgrade: A New Chip

    Just like the iPad mini 7 that came out last autumn, the new iPad 11 is expected to be more of a performance boost than a redesign. The big news is the upgrade from the A14 Bionic chip, which was introduced with the iPhone 12 in 2020, to the A17 Pro chip from the iPhone 15 Pro in 2023. This change should offer around a 40% increase in CPU speed.

    Also, the memory is set to double from 4GB to 8GB, which should make handling several apps at once smoother.

    New AI Features

    The iPad 11 is expected to include Apple Intelligence, bringing AI-driven features like Genmoji, Image Playground, support for ChatGPT, and an updated Siri to the cheapest iPad for the first time.

    Possible Small Changes

    Unfortunately, there aren’t many exciting new features rumored. There might be minor color updates, and possibly some improvements in connectivity like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. There’s also a whisper about introducing Stage Manager, a feature from iPadOS 16 that’s currently limited to iPads with more advanced chips. Given the new iPad’s specs, it might finally support this multitasking tool.

    Conclusion

    Despite the long wait, this update to the iPad lineup is shaping up to be pretty modest. One of the more significant changes in recent iPad models was moving the camera to a landscape position, but that’s already in place for this model since 2022.

    Here’s hoping Apple might at least bump the storage from 64GB to 128GB. We should see this new model hit the market this spring.