Search results for: “android”

  • Apple hit with new lawsuits over late Siri upgrades

    Apple hit with new lawsuits over late Siri upgrades

    Apple is facing fresh legal trouble in the U.S. and Canada because of delayed Siri improvements tied to its Apple Intelligence features. Customers who bought the iPhone 16 expected a smarter, more personal Siri, as shown in ads, including one with actor Bella Ramsey. But Apple pushed back these upgrades, possibly to 2026, leaving buyers upset.

    Two new lawsuits claim Apple misled people with false advertising. One, filed in California, says the company broke rules by promising features that aren’t ready. The plaintiffs argue they wouldn’t have paid so much for their iPhones if they knew the truth. A similar case in British Columbia, Canada, makes the same point. These follow an earlier lawsuit, and they might combine later.

    Apple hyped the new Siri at its 2024 developer event, showing it handling tasks like checking flight details or finding lunch plans from texts and emails. Now, the company admits it needs more time. If courts agree Apple was wrong, iPhone 16 buyers could get money back. Apple hasn’t commented on the lawsuits yet.

  • Cool iOS 18.4 iPhone tricks you might not know

    Cool iOS 18.4 iPhone tricks you might not know

    Every time Apple updates iOS 18, like with iOS 18.4, they sneak in a few surprises for your iPhone. You’ve probably heard about turning doodles into awesome art, tweaking your home screen, making custom emojis, and exploring Apple Intelligence or Visual Intelligence.

    But what else is hiding in iOS 18.4 that’s flying under the radar? There’s a lot to uncover! Apple adds settings that don’t get much attention, but they’re super handy. Here are some of my favorite secret iOS 18.4 features worth checking out.

    Power Off Your iPhone Without Buttons

    No need to press physical buttons to restart your iPhone anymore. The updated control center has all the usual stuff—brightness, volume, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth—and now includes a restart option. Just swipe down from the top-right corner, press and hold the power icon in the control center’s top-right, and a slider pops up to shut down your phone. To turn it back on, you’ll still use the side button.

    Share Wi-Fi with a QR Code

    Sharing your Wi-Fi just got easier. With iOS 18.4, you can create a QR code for your network. It’s perfect for sharing with a group, someone not in your contacts, or even Android users. Open the new Passwords app, find your Wi-Fi network, tap it, and select “Show QR Code.” Anyone who scans it with their camera connects instantly.

    Tweak Your Flashlight’s Beam

    The iPhone flashlight isn’t just brighter—it’s smarter. On supported models, you can now adjust the beam’s width. Go wide to light up more space or narrow for a focused glow. Turn on the flashlight from the lock screen or control center, and swipe left or right on the Dynamic Island to play with the beam. It’s great for setting up photo lighting!

  • Could watchOS 12 bring smart features and a fresh look? Maybe Not

    Could watchOS 12 bring smart features and a fresh look? Maybe Not

    There’s buzz that watchOS 12, the next update for Apple Watch, might roll out some big changes. Rumors suggest it could include Apple’s new “Intelligence” system—think smarter replies, better Siri, and handy app features. Plus, there’s talk of a redesigned interface to make your watch easier and more fun to use.

    Imagine a smoother layout or bolder icons to freshen things up. But hold off on getting too excited—insiders say these upgrades aren’t a sure thing. Apple might save the brainy stuff for later, and the look could stay pretty much the same. We’ll know more as 2025 rolls on, so stay tuned!

    Meanwhile, whispers about the iPhone 17 Pro are heating up too. Word is, it might sport a huge camera bar across the back. Why? To pack in better lenses and sensors for sharper photos and videos. This chunky design could make the phone a photography champ, especially in low light or for zooming far. Fans are split—some love the bold idea, others think it’s too clunky. Either way, it shows Apple’s aiming to shake things up in the camera game.

    Both the watch and phone rumors hint at Apple pushing for smarter, flashier tech. But with no solid proof yet, it’s all just guesswork. The watchOS 12 update might stick to small tweaks, and the iPhone’s camera bar could still change before it hits stores. For now, it’s fun to dream about what’s next, but don’t bet on anything just yet. Keep an eye out for official news as the year unfolds!

    Source/Via

  • New iPhone 17 Models: What we know so far

    New iPhone 17 Models: What we know so far

    Apple fans are buzzing about the iPhone 17 lineup, expected to launch in September 2025. Recent leaks give us a peek at what’s coming, and it’s exciting! One big highlight is the iPhone 17 Air, a super slim version of the phone. Dummy models—fake units showing the design—suggest it’ll be thinner than ever, replacing the bulkier iPhone Plus. These early models, spotted on Android Headlines, hint at a fresh look with a sleek body that’s easy to hold.

    Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro is grabbing attention too. Rumors from MacRumors say it might let you record two videos at once with its camera. Imagine capturing a wide shot and a close-up together—perfect for vloggers or anyone who loves making videos. This feature could make the Pro a top pick for creative folks. The design might also change, with a new camera bar across the back instead of the usual square bump.

    Both models promise cool upgrades. The Air focuses on being light and stylish, while the Pro boosts camera power. Leaks show the Air could have a single camera, keeping things simple, while the Pro’s dual-recording trick adds something special. Apple seems to be mixing things up this time, dropping the Plus model to bring in the Air as a fresh middle option.

    These early glimpses aren’t final—Apple could tweak things before the big reveal. Still, the dummy units and rumors point to a bold shift for 2025. Whether you want a slim phone or a video-making beast, the iPhone 17 lineup looks set to impress. Stay tuned for more as we get closer to the launch!

  • iOS 18.4 brings better messaging and app choices

    iOS 18.4 brings better messaging and app choices

    Apple’s iOS 18.4 update, released on April 2, 2025, makes texting and app use simpler for iPhone users. The Messages app now supports RCS (Rich Communication Services) for more people, especially those on smaller T-Mobile networks like Mint Mobile and Google Fi.

    This means you can send high-quality photos, see when someone’s typing, and enjoy smoother chats with Android friends. To check if it works for you, go to Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging. If your carrier supports it, you’ll see “RCS” in the text box when messaging Android users.

    Plus, iOS 18.4 lets you pick your favorite apps as defaults in new areas like messaging and calls. Before, you could only set defaults for things like email or browsers, but now you can choose apps like WhatsApp for texting or calling instead of Apple’s built-in options.

    This gives you more control over how your iPhone works. Both updates make everyday tasks easier and more personal, so you can chat and use apps your way. Have you tried these changes yet? They’re a big step forward!

  • Google Maps might soon be the go-to map app on iPhones in Europe

    Google Maps might soon be the go-to map app on iPhones in Europe

    Google Maps could soon become the main navigation app for iPhone users in Europe, thanks to new rules. On March 28, 2025, reports hinted that Apple might have to let users pick their default apps more freely in the European Union (EU). This change comes from a law called the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to make things fairer for tech companies and give users more choices.

    Right now, iPhones automatically use Apple Maps for directions. But with the DMA, Apple may need to let people choose Google Maps or other apps instead. This would be a big shift, as Google Maps is super popular—tons of people already love it for its easy-to-use features and accurate details.

    The EU has been pushing big tech companies like Apple to open up their systems. This isn’t just about maps; it’s part of a bigger plan to stop companies from locking users into their apps. If this happens, iPhone users in Europe might see a pop-up asking them to pick their favorite map app when they set up their phone.

    For Google, this is great news. More people might switch to Google Maps, especially since it’s already a top choice on Android phones. Meanwhile, Apple might need to work harder to keep users hooked on Apple Maps. Either way, iPhone fans in the EU could soon enjoy more freedom to navigate their way!

  • WhatsApp might soon be your go-to messaging app on iPhone

    WhatsApp might soon be your go-to messaging app on iPhone

    Good news for iPhone users who love WhatsApp! A new update could make it the main messaging app on your phone. Right now, iMessage is the default for sending texts on iPhones. But WhatsApp, which is super popular worldwide, may get a chance to take over that spot.

    This change is tied to a big rule called the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in Europe. The DMA wants to make things fairer for different apps and give users more choices. Because of this, Apple might have to let apps like WhatsApp become the default for messages. That means when you send a text, it could go through WhatsApp instead of iMessage—pretty cool, right?

    WhatsApp is already working on this. They’ve shared plans to add a feature that lets iPhone users pick it as their top app for texting. This would make chatting easier, especially with friends who use Android or other phones, since WhatsApp works across all devices.

    For now, this is mostly aimed at people in Europe because of the DMA rules. But if it goes well, it could spread to other places too. Imagine texting everyone through WhatsApp without switching apps! It’s still in the works, but it’s exciting to think about. What do you think—would you make WhatsApp your main messaging app?

  • New Beats cables and Utah’s age check law

    New Beats cables and Utah’s age check law

    Apple is getting ready to launch new Beats charging cables, according to some online store listings spotted in Canada and Europe. These cables come in three types: USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to Lightning, and USB-C to USB-A.

    They’re all 5 feet long, designed with a braided look to avoid tangles, and built to last. You’ll find them in cool new colors like Bolt Black, Surge Stone, and Rapid Red. They’ll be sold in single or double packs. The USB-C to USB-C version can charge devices fast at 60 watts and transfer data at decent speeds.

    These cables work with Apple and Android gadgets, plus Beats gear, and could hit stores as early as April 8, though that date isn’t set in stone yet. Meanwhile, Utah just made history by passing a new law called the App Store Accountability Act.

    Signed by Governor Spencer Cox, it’s the first U.S. law making app stores like Apple and Google check users’ ages. Starting May 7, if a kid under 18 signs up, their account must link to a parent’s, and parents have to okay app downloads or purchases.

    This aims to keep kids safer online. Apple’s already working on new safety features for kids, but some worry about privacy with this law. It might face legal pushbacks that could delay it. Both stories show big moves in tech and safety!

  • Waze on iPhone says goodbye to Google Assistant after a year of trouble

    Waze on iPhone says goodbye to Google Assistant after a year of trouble

    Waze, the popular navigation app, is making a big change for iPhone users. Starting next month, it will no longer support Google Assistant. This decision comes after a year of struggles to fix problems that started when Google Assistant was added to the iOS version of Waze in early 2024.

    The issues began when users noticed that Google Assistant wasn’t working smoothly with Waze on their iPhones. People reported glitches, like voice commands not responding or the app crashing. Despite efforts to solve these problems, the fixes didn’t work out. Now, Waze has decided to drop Google Assistant completely from its iPhone app.

    This change only affects iPhone users. If you use Waze on an Android phone, Google Assistant will still be available. For iPhone fans, Waze says you can switch to Siri instead. The app will keep supporting Siri for voice commands, so you can still get directions hands-free.

    Waze hasn’t said much about why the problems couldn’t be fixed. Some think it’s because Google, which owns Waze, wants to focus more on its own voice helper for Android. Whatever the reason, iPhone users will need to adjust starting in April 2025. If you rely on Waze to get around, don’t worry—Siri should keep things running smoothly. Just say goodbye to Google Assistant on your Waze app!

  • GM puts a stop to custom CarPlay upgrades

    GM puts a stop to custom CarPlay upgrades

    General Motors (GM) is taking strong action against a popular way people upgrade their cars with Apple CarPlay. Many drivers love CarPlay because it lets them use their iPhone apps, like maps and music, right on their car’s screen. However, GM has decided it doesn’t want this feature added to its older vehicles through unofficial methods.

    A company called Nifty City had been selling a kit that allowed GM car owners to add CarPlay to vehicles that didn’t come with it. This kit was a hit among drivers who wanted a modern touch in their older cars. But GM wasn’t happy about it. They sent a legal notice to Nifty City, telling them to stop selling the kit right away. GM says this kind of upgrade messes with their car systems and could cause safety problems.

    Nifty City shared the news with its customers, explaining that they had to pull the product off the market because of GM’s demands. They’re disappointed, and so are the drivers who were excited about the upgrade. Some people even wonder if GM just wants to push buyers toward newer models that already have CarPlay built in.

    This isn’t the first time GM has made headlines about CarPlay. Last year, they announced plans to drop CarPlay and Android Auto from their future electric vehicles, betting on their software instead. That decision upset a lot of fans who prefer the familiar feel of Apple’s system. Now, by blocking these custom kits, GM is doubling down on controlling how its cars work.

    For drivers who still want CarPlay in their older GM cars, this news is a letdown. They’ll have to stick with what their vehicle already has or look for other options—though those might be harder to find now. GM’s move shows they’re serious about keeping their tech their way, even if it leaves some customers frustrated.