RPRNA

Search results for: “home screen”

  • Apple stops selling older iPhones, no more small screens or home buttons

    Apple stops selling older iPhones, no more small screens or home buttons

    Apple has made some big changes to its iPhone lineup. They’ve decided to stop selling the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, which were introduced back in 2022. These phones were known for their good value, with the iPhone 14 starting at $599 and the Plus at $699 after price drops from their original costs.

    The iPhone 14 models came with a 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screen respectively, offering a choice for those who wanted a larger screen without going for the Pro versions. They ran on the A15 Bionic chip, had new safety features like Crash Detection, and enhanced cameras with the Photonic Engine for better photos in low light.

    In another move, Apple has discontinued the iPhone SE. This was the last iPhone with a Home button, making it unique. With the SE gone, Apple no longer offers phones with Touch ID, an LCD screen, or smaller than 6 inches. All current models now use Face ID and have bigger displays.

    Here’s what the lineup looks like now:

    iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e, iPhone 15, and iPhone 15 Plus.

    Interestingly, the iPhone 16e comes with a bit of an old-school look with its notch but is powered by the latest A18 chip and supports Apple Intelligence. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 models have the newer Dynamic Island but are equipped with the older A16 chip without Apple Intelligence support.

    This shift in product strategy suggests that Apple might be focusing on larger screens and newer technologies, as they’re expected to discontinue the iPhone 15 models with the upcoming release of the iPhone 17 series in September.

    With these changes, Apple has officially moved away from smaller screen sizes, with the smallest screen now being 6.1 inches on several models. This means if you’re looking for a compact phone, you’ll need to look at older models or other brands, as Apple seems to have left the small-screen market behind.

  • Apple’s new HomeOS and Apple Intelligence features highlighted in new ad

    Apple’s new HomeOS and Apple Intelligence features highlighted in new ad

    Apple is set to launch a fresh software platform called homeOS in 2025, designed to power a new smart home device named the HomePad. This device, a blend of an iPad and HomePod, aims to make Siri and Apple’s AI, known as Apple Intelligence, more useful at home.

    The HomePad will feature a screen for controlling smart home gadgets, showing widgets, and running apps like Photos, Music, and Notes. It will also have a camera for FaceTime calls and sensors to adjust its display based on how close you are.

    The homeOS platform will feel familiar to iPhone users, with a home screen full of customizable widgets. While it won’t have an App Store at first, it will come with built-in Apple apps. A cool feature is a photo slideshow mode that acts like a screensaver when you’re far away. Siri will get smarter, using Apple Intelligence to understand your personal info, like emails or texts, to help with tasks such as finding a recipe or flight details.

    Apple Intelligence will also bring new tricks to other devices in 2025, like Priority Notifications to highlight important alerts and better language support for Siri. These updates will roll out with iOS 18.4 in April. The HomePad, expected later in 2025, could be delayed as Apple fine-tunes Siri’s advanced features. This launch marks Apple’s big push into smart homes, aiming to make your home tech as seamless as your iPhone.

  • Apple Watch SE 3 may get bigger screen sizes and Apple Vision Pro demo expands to more lowe’s stores

    Apple Watch SE 3 may get bigger screen sizes and Apple Vision Pro demo expands to more lowe’s stores

    Apple might soon launch a new version of the Apple Watch SE with larger screen sizes, according to a recent report. The current SE models come in 40mm and 44mm sizes, but the third-generation SE may increase to 41mm and 45mm, just like the Apple Watch Series 9. While the SE line is designed to be affordable, Apple might still bring a more modern look with thinner edges and a bigger display. However, it’s not expected to have features like the always-on display or advanced health sensors, which help keep its price lower.

    Meanwhile, Apple is expanding its in-store demo experience for the Vision Pro headset. Lowe’s, the home improvement retailer, has added Vision Pro demos to more of its stores across the U.S. Customers can now visit 20 Lowe’s locations to try out the headset. The demo lets people explore kitchen designs in 3D and see how different styles would look in their own homes. Apple and Lowe’s hope this helps customers feel more confident about their choices during home improvement projects.

    These updates show Apple’s ongoing push to improve the user experience. Whether it’s a more stylish Apple Watch SE or using Vision Pro to help with real-world decisions, Apple continues to blend technology with everyday life in creative ways.

     

  • Apple could push back Smart Home device launch

    Apple could push back Smart Home device launch

    Apple might not release its new smart home hub as soon as fans hoped. According to recent reports, the company is taking extra time to perfect this gadget, which is meant to control things like lights, thermostats, and locks in your home. The delay could mean waiting until late 2025 or even 2026 for it to hit stores.

    This device is a big deal for Apple because it’s their first shot at a product designed just for smart homes. It’s expected to have a small screen, about six inches, and run on a new system called homeOS. Think of it like a mini command center that works with Siri to make your home smarter. It’ll compete with stuff like Amazon’s Echo Hub and Google’s Nest Hub.

    The holdup seems to be about making sure everything works smoothly. Apple wants the hub to connect easily with other devices and be simple to use. They’re also adding some cool features, like a built-in speaker and support for video calls. But getting all this right takes time, and Apple doesn’t want to rush it.

    For now, people excited about this gadget will have to wait a bit longer. Apple hasn’t said much officially, but the extra effort could mean a better product in the end. Fans are used to waiting for Apple to polish things up—think of how long it took for the Vision Pro headset to arrive.

    So, while the delay might annoy some, it could be worth it if Apple delivers a top-notch smart home hub. Keep an eye out for updates as the company works to make this new device a game-changer for your home.

  • Apple’s Siri struggles and a new Home system on the way

    Apple’s Siri struggles and a new Home system on the way

    Apple fans have been talking a lot about Siri lately, and not in a good way. Even after years of updates, Siri still has trouble keeping up with other smart assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. A recent report points out that Siri often messes up simple tasks—like setting reminders or answering basic questions. People say it feels slow and clumsy compared to its rivals.

    Apple has been working on making Siri better, but the changes haven’t impressed users yet. Many hope a big upgrade is coming soon, maybe with smarter features powered by artificial intelligence. For now, though, Siri’s flaws are hard to ignore, and it’s leaving some Apple fans frustrated.

    On a brighter note, Apple has exciting plans for something new—a system called “HomeOS.” Rumors suggest it’s launching this year, and it could shake things up for Apple’s smart home gadgets. HomeOS might be a fresh way to control devices like the HomePod, Apple TV, and even smart lights or locks.

    Think of it as a central hub that ties everything together, making your home tech easier to use. Reports hint that it’ll work smoothly with your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, so you can manage your home from anywhere. There’s also talk of a new touchscreen device to go with it—something like a smart display to show info or play music.

    While Siri’s struggles are a letdown, HomeOS could be a game-changer. Apple wants to catch up in the smart home world, where companies like Amazon and Google are already big players. If HomeOS delivers, it might give Apple fans something to cheer about. For now, everyone’s waiting to see if it lives up to the hype—and if Siri can finally step up its game too. With these updates, 2025 could be a big year for Apple’s tech lineup!

  • Apple Smart Home device delayed, staff testing it at home

    Apple Smart Home device delayed, staff testing it at home

    Mark Gurman from Bloomberg says Apple has started a special testing program for its new smart home gadget, which some call the HomePad. It was supposed to launch in March, but that’s not happening anymore. The delay is because Apple is still working on making Siri smarter, which is taking longer than planned.

    Why the Delay?

    Even without the Siri troubles, the smart home device was unlikely to hit its March target. It needs new Siri features, called App Intent, that were meant to come with iOS 18.4 in April. But now, Apple has admitted those upgrades are running late. In a message to Daring Fireball, they said:

    “We’re building a Siri that knows more about you and can do tasks in your apps. It’s taking more time than we expected, and we’ll roll it out next year.”

    Rumors hinted at these Siri updates arriving with iOS 18.5 or later, but Apple’s “next year” comment suggests bigger delays. Gurman even thinks Apple might need to rethink its whole plan for Siri and Apple Intelligence. Since the smart home gadget depends on these Siri improvements, its launch has been pushed back, too.

    Testing at Home

    Even though the public won’t see it soon, Apple isn’t sitting still. Gurman reports they’ve kicked off a testing program for employees. Some staff get to bring the device home, try it out, and tell Apple what works or doesn’t. This helps fix problems before the gadget goes on sale.

    What’s This Device Like?

    Here’s a quick look at what people say the new smart home hub might offer:

    • A 7-inch square screen with a thick edge
    • A camera up top
    • A battery you can recharge
    • A new system called homeOS
    • Great for video calls like FaceTime
    • Works with lots of Apple apps
    • A handy dashboard like StandBy
    • Simple controls for your smart home
    • Support for Apple Intelligence

    The delay is a bummer, but it’s smart to wait until everything’s ready. For now, Apple’s team is testing it to make it better.

  • Abode’s new Apple TV app makes home security simple

    Abode’s new Apple TV app makes home security simple

    Abode, a company known for its easy-to-use smart home security system that works with Apple’s HomeKit, just rolled out a fresh app for Apple TV. This brings all their security tools and smart home controls right to your TV screen. I’ve been using Abode’s setup for over four years and really love what they offer.

    With this new app, Abode users can turn their security system on or off, watch live video from up to four Abode cameras, and look back at saved clips—all without leaving the sofa. The app’s look and feel match the one on your iPhone, so it’s super simple to use and manage your gadgets without digging for your phone.

    One cool perk comes with Abode’s 24/7 recording option. If you’ve got it turned on, you can scroll through hours of video or skip to important moments right on your Apple TV. So, if a motion alert pops up during your favorite show, you can check it out instantly—no iPhone needed. Plus, if you use Abode CUE for smart home tricks, you can tweak certain devices straight from the app’s main screen.

    As an Abode user myself, I love how this app lets you check your security from almost any device—iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and now your TV. The design stays the same across all these, which keeps things familiar. The Apple TV app store doesn’t get many new apps beyond streaming ones, so it’s exciting to see Abode step up with something fresh.

    Abode plays nicely with HomeKit too. You can control the system through Apple’s Home app, but the real win is how Abode’s sensors—like ones for doors, windows, or motion—work as HomeKit devices. This lets you add them to HomeKit scenes and automations for extra convenience. Want to know more? Check out Abode’s blog about their new Apple TV app (and an updated Google TV one too), or grab an Abode starter kit on Amazon.

  • Apple’s new smart home device teased in tvOS 18.4 Beta

    Apple’s new smart home device teased in tvOS 18.4 Beta

    The latest tvOS 18.4 beta update has dropped some exciting clues about Apple’s upcoming smart home hub. People at MacRumors spotted something called the ChatKit framework in the tvOS code. This is interesting because neither Apple TV nor HomePod has a Messages app right now.

    The ChatKit feature in tvOS 18.4 brings things like reactions and alerts for iMessage tapbacks—think “John didn’t like this” or “Sara added a heart.” These don’t make sense for Apple TV or HomePod, which both use tvOS. But the new smart home hub, also running on tvOS, might use them.

    This “command center” Apple is working on could come with built-in apps, and Messages might be one of them. Since tvOS and iOS share some code, this ChatKit addition could just be a carryover from iOS. Still, it’s new to tvOS with this beta, so it’s worth paying attention to.

    Apple’s smart home device will be a control center for your connected gadgets. Beyond that, it’ll handle video calls, photo viewing, web browsing, music, news, and more. Picture a tiny iPad—just six inches wide—with a sleek, all-screen look. You could place it on a table or hang it on a wall, and it might pop up in multiple spots around your home. It’ll also have sensors to check the room’s temperature or notice when someone’s nearby.

    There’s no set launch date yet, but rumors point to sometime between April and September 2025. This little gadget could be a game-changer for Apple fans who want a smarter, more connected home. For now, the tvOS 18.4 beta is keeping us guessing about what’s next!

  • Why Apple’s smart home gear needs to fix this big issue

    Why Apple’s smart home gear needs to fix this big issue

    We’ve been using smart home gadgets for a long time—over ten years. I wasn’t around for the super early stuff like X.10, but I got into HomeKit as soon as it arrived in my part of the world. Still, a recent hassle with something as basic as swapping out a dead light bulb showed me how much work is left before regular folks will embrace this tech.

    A few days ago, one of my Philips Hue bulbs stopped working. It was pretty old—maybe ten years—and had been moved between lamps a few times, so I wasn’t shocked it gave out. No big deal, I figured. I’d grab a new one, pop it in, and be back in action fast. The bulb showed up. I opened the Home app, picked the room, hit the “+” button, and chose “Add Accessory.” A window popped up asking me to scan a code.

    I sort of remembered scanning a barcode last time, but now it wanted a QR code. I aimed my phone at the tiny QR code on the bulb. The app tried hard, flashing little white boxes all over the screen, but nothing worked. I got super close—still no luck. I pulled back—nothing.

    The bulb came in a twin-pack with a quick-start guide, but it only had one QR code. I tried scanning that. Same problem. At this point, I sighed, dug out the Hue app, plugged the bulb into the lamp, and let that app find it before adding it to Home. It worked, but it hit me: I’ve never had a smooth, simple setup with smart home stuff. It’s always a struggle—like I need to bribe the tech gods to make it cooperate.

    This is the mess Apple’s HomeKit was supposed to fix but hasn’t. If Apple wants everyday people to jump into smart homes, it’s got to sort this out. They know it’s an issue, too. Years ago, a patent showed they’re thinking about devices that set themselves up—you’d just say “yes” to finish it. Imagine cameras using Apple’s smarts to map your house, spot your couch or stove, name the rooms, and hook up your gadgets automatically.

    Picture this: You plug a new bulb into your living room lamp. The system goes, “Oh, this is in the living room lamp that used to be ‘Living Room Table Lamp.’ I’ll name it that and add it to your setups.”

    Or if it’s a new lamp, it might say, “This looks like a dining room floor lamp—sound good? Want it in your other scenes?” Apple could start with its gear, but they should also share this idea with the Matter standard folks. They’ve done nice things like that before, like with MagSafe and Qi2. If they pull this off, swapping a smart bulb could finally be as easy as screwing in a regular one.

  • 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

More posts