Search results for: “user”

  • Spotify celebrates big payouts to Music artists in 2024

    Spotify celebrates big payouts to Music artists in 2024

    Just a few days ago, Spotify tackled rumors suggesting that Apple Music was paying artists much more than they were. Right after that, Spotify shared some exciting news on their blog, revealing they’ve paid out an enormous amount to the music world in 2024.

    It might just be a coincidence, but it took about a month to gather all these figures. Spotify announced they’ve given $10 billion to the music industry last year, which is almost as much as the entire global music revenue back in 2014:

    Back then, in 2014, the music industry was at a low, with global music earnings at $13 billion. Spotify contributed about $1 billion with around 15 million subscribers paying for the service.

    Fast forward to 2024, Spotify alone has now paid out $10 billion to the music industry, summing up to nearly $60 billion since they started.

    For many, these big numbers might not mean much. Some might wonder why Spotify keeps talking about it so loudly.

    David Kaefer, Spotify’s VP of Music Business, wrote in the blog post about how Spotify makes money that supports the music industry. He explained it like a three-legged stool:

    • Making Spotify more attractive to users, so they stick around.
    • Turning free listeners into paying subscribers.
    • Expanding into new markets with prices that appeal to local users.

    There’s more good news for Spotify too. They’re helping smaller artists make a living:

    For example, in 2014, roughly 10,000 artists were making at least $10,000 a year from Spotify. Now, more than 10,000 artists are making over $100,000 a year just from Spotify. That’s pretty awesome.

    The main point here is that it’s great to see more openness about how much artists are earning. Yet, it’s clear that Spotify, along with Apple Music and other streaming platforms, are doing a good job by making it easier and more enjoyable to pay for music rather than steal it.

  • MacBook Pro ruined in car crash, AppleCare+ claim rejected

    MacBook Pro ruined in car crash, AppleCare+ claim rejected

    A MacBook Pro owner shared a frustrating experience on Reddit after his laptop was wrecked in a car accident. Despite having an AppleCare+ plan for accidental damage, Apple declined to replace or repair the device.

    The user explained on the platform that his MacBook was severely damaged in the crash. He was shocked to learn that Apple wouldn’t cover the repair or replacement because the damage was considered too extensive.

    “I thought I was safe with AppleCare+ for accidents,” he lamented. “But they won’t replace my MacBook because it’s too broken. It feels like my money was spent for nothing.”

    Apple’s AppleCare+ policy clearly states that it covers accidental damage from handling, which includes unexpected events like drops or spills. The policy specifies that Apple can either repair the damage using genuine parts or replace the device with one that meets their standards.

    However, the policy also lists several exclusions. Two might apply here:

    • Natural Disasters: The policy does not cover damages from events like fire, floods, or earthquakes. Interestingly, it also mentions “similar external causes,” which might be interpreted to include a car crash, although this seems like a stretch.
    • Reckless Behavior: Damage resulting from reckless, abusive, or intentional actions is also not covered. Since the driver admitted the crash was his fault, one could argue that his driving might qualify as reckless, though this interpretation seems harsh.

    The situation raises eyebrows about the application of these policy terms. Accidental damage insurance is supposed to protect against, well, accidents. Excluding coverage because the damage is “too severe” or interpreting a car accident as “reckless behavior” seems to miss the point of such insurance.

    In conclusion, this case illustrates a potential gap between consumer expectations and the fine print of insurance policies. It’s a reminder for all of us to read and understand the specifics of our coverage, especially when it comes to high-value items like electronics.

    Source

  • iPhone Calculator gets better with iOS 18.3 update

    iPhone Calculator gets better with iOS 18.3 update

    Apple has released a new update for iPhones, called iOS 18.3. This update might not have lots of big new features, but it does bring some helpful changes, especially for those who use the Calculator app a lot.

    One of the main fixes in this update is something many people have been asking for. Before, if you updated to iOS 18, you couldn’t do one simple thing anymore in the Calculator app: repeat math operations with the equals button.

    Here’s how it used to work: if you did a calculation like 2 times 2 and got 4, you could press equals again to multiply 4 by 2 again, getting 8, then press it again for 16, and so on. But when iOS 18 came out, this handy trick was gone.

    Now, with iOS 18.3, this feature is back! You can use the equals button to keep doing calculations without having to enter the numbers again each time. This makes quick calculations much easier.

    User Feedback:

    • Conrad7570 commented, “The article does not address another small issue – the ability to swipe to delete mistakes. Yes, there’s a delete button now, but swiping was much simpler and more stylish. Isn’t that what Apple is all about?”

    So, next time you grab your iPhone to do some math, remember you can now use the equals button as many times as you want to keep your calculations going. This small change might make a big difference for anyone who loves quick math on their phone.

  • Keep your iPhone, iPad, and Mac safe: Update Now!

    Keep your iPhone, iPad, and Mac safe: Update Now!

    Apple keeps a close eye on security, and they’ve just released updates for iPhone, iPad, and Mac to tackle some security weaknesses. It’s wise to update your devices right away to keep them secure.

    iOS 18.3

    Available for:

    • iPhone XS and newer
    • Various iPad models from the 3rd generation Air onwards

    Security Fixes:

    • Photos Access: If someone could physically access your unlocked device, they might have seen your photos. This has been fixed with better security checks.
    • AirPlay: Several issues have been resolved, including risks of system crashes or memory problems when on the same network as an attacker. Also, remote attackers could mess with your apps or even cause them to crash, but not anymore thanks to these updates.
    • ARKit: Now, opening a bad file won’t crash your apps.
      CoreAudio and CoreMedia: Parsing risky files could lead to app crashes, but Apple has tightened up these areas.
    • ImageIO: Handling images won’t cause your system to slow down or crash.
    • Kernel: Apps trying to gain too much control or run harmful code have been stopped by new security measures.
    • Safari: Visiting malicious websites could trick you, but the update adds better protection against this.
    • SceneKit: There was a chance for user information to leak through file parsing, which has been fixed.
    • Time Zone: Now, sensitive contact details won’t appear in system logs.
    • WebKit: Web browsing could lead to privacy issues or system crashes, but these have been addressed.

    macOS Sequoia 15.3

    AirPlay, AppKit, AppleGraphicsControl, and More:

    • Like iOS, macOS has patched issues with AirPlay, preventing crashes or memory corruption.
    • AppKit and other components have been secured to prevent unauthorized access to user data or system crashes.
    • AppleMobileFileIntegrity: Several fixes ensure apps can’t tamper with protected parts of your system or access private data.
    • Kernel: Enhanced to prevent apps from gaining excessive permissions or causing system instability.
    • Safari and WebKit: Improved to safeguard against deceptive websites and ensure web content doesn’t cause disruptions.
    • SceneKit: Just like on iOS, file parsing is now safer.
    • Time Zone: Privacy has been bolstered to keep contact details out of logs.

    watchOS 11.3

    For Apple Watch Series 6 and Later:

    • Similar security enhancements have been applied, focusing on AirPlay, CoreAudio, CoreMedia, ImageIO, Kernel, and WebKit to prevent unauthorized access, crashes, or performance issues.

    Updating your devices is crucial for maintaining security. Always check for the latest software updates to ensure your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch are protected against known vulnerabilities.

  • Apple’s new plan for easy-to-wear smart glasses

    Apple’s new plan for easy-to-wear smart glasses

    Apple is working on a new version of its visionOS software, which currently powers the Apple Vision Pro, to make it work with smart glasses. This move is part of their plan to offer more popular augmented reality (AR) products that are less bulky than their current headset.

    Apple’s Vision Pro Challenges

    The Apple Vision Pro, which costs $3,500, hasn’t been as successful as hoped. Many people have found it too heavy to wear for long periods, too pricey, and it also tends to get hot. Since it was released, interest has dropped, and sales haven’t met Apple’s goals.

    In his newsletter, tech journalist Mark Gurman shared that Apple’s Vision Products Group is now focusing on something lighter and more like the smart glasses Meta made with Ray-Ban. However, it might take at least three years before these glasses are ready, as there’s still a lot of research needed.

    User Studies and Software Development

    Apple is actively testing how people react to different features and interfaces for these glasses at their offices. They’ve named this project “Atlas,” which is being managed by the Product Systems Quality team. This team is part of Apple’s hardware division.

    The research is happening in a secretive spot in Santa Clara, not far from their main office in Cupertino. Last year, Apple let go of some workers there, but those left are focusing on AR tech. They also have a place to test new screen technologies.

    Future Plans for Vision Pro

    Apple is not giving up on the Vision Pro entirely. They’re planning to make a cheaper version with simpler parts, hoping to sell it for about the price of their top-end iPhone, around $1,600. They wanted to launch this model by late 2024, but they’re still perfecting the design.

    Gaming Collaboration

    Additionally, Apple is teaming up with Sony to add support for PlayStation VR2 hand controllers to the Vision Pro, aiming to make it better for gaming. This partnership has been going on for a few months now.

    By focusing on these new, more accessible AR products, Apple hopes to expand its reach in the tech market and make AR part of everyday life.

  • New iPhone SE 4 model shows us what’s not included

    New iPhone SE 4 model shows us what’s not included

    As we get closer to the release of the new iPhone SE 4, fake models of the phone have appeared online, giving us a sneak peek at what to expect – or not expect.

    These fake phones, which are just for showing what the real one might look like, were posted on X by a user named Majin Bu. They shared photos and a small video to highlight the design.

    There’s been a lot of talk about whether this new iPhone SE would have a new kind of screen cutout called ‘Dynamic Island’ or just the old ‘notch’. From these models, it seems like it’s going to stick with the notch, similar to the iPhone 14. You can see the camera cutout for selfies on the front, and there’s only one camera on the back, just like we thought. The phone also has a glass back and an aluminum frame.

    Rumors about new buttons like an Action Button or a Camera Control Button don’t seem to be true, according to these models. They look a lot like earlier leaks from another leaker, Sonny Dickson.

    Apart from what you can see, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to have a new, quicker A18 processor, Apple’s own modem chip, and 8GB of RAM. This RAM amount is what’s needed for Apple’s new smart features. The camera will probably be the same 48-megapixel one used in the iPhone 16.

    Apple is likely to launch this new iPhone SE in March or April. It’s meant to be their cheapest phone, and while it might cost a bit more than before, they’re trying to keep it under $500.

  • Easier camera controls on iPhone 16 for faster photos

    Easier camera controls on iPhone 16 for faster photos

    The iPhone 16’s new Camera Control button is a great addition, but the default settings might not suit everyone. By tweaking a few options in the Settings app, you can make it quicker and more reliable for capturing photos. Here’s how to simplify and speed up your photography experience.

    Launch the Camera Instantly

    In the past, iPhones like the iPhone 11 Pro Smart Battery Case and the iPhone 15 Pro Action Button offered handy camera shortcuts. The iPhone 16 takes it further with a dedicated shutter button, but its default setup requires multiple presses: one to wake the screen, another to open the camera, and a third to snap a photo.

    Luckily, Apple introduced a fix through a software update. To speed things up, go to Settings > Display & Brightness and turn off Require Screen On under Camera Control. Now, one press launches the Camera directly, just like older tools.

    Make Camera Control Simpler

    If you find the light-press feature too sensitive, you can disable it. Light-press gestures can sometimes cause accidental swipes or missteps, so turning them off helps you maintain control.

    To adjust this, head to Settings > Camera > Camera Control > Accessibility and switch off Light-Press under Controls Gesture. While swipes remain active for accessing camera settings, disabling Light-Press minimizes unintentional actions.

    If you still want to lock focus and exposure, you can enable it separately. This feature works by lightly pressing and holding, offering precise control without interfering with basic camera functions.

    Final Thoughts

    After tweaking these settings, Camera Control becomes much faster and easier to use. You can launch the camera with a single press and avoid unnecessary delays. While swipe gestures let you adjust settings like zoom and exposure, many users may prefer the simplicity of the touchscreen for such tasks.

    For those who value simplicity, you can even turn off swipe gestures entirely. This turns Camera Control into a straightforward shutter button while keeping advanced features accessible through the main camera interface. With these adjustments, the iPhone 16’s Camera Control is not just functional—it’s effortless.

  • iOS 18.4 Expected in April: Rumored features you should know

    iOS 18.4 Expected in April: Rumored features you should know

    As reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is expected to release iOS 18.4 in April. While the beta testing phase hasn’t begun yet, a few exciting updates are rumored to be part of the new version.

    Big Updates to Siri

    iOS 18.4 may introduce significant improvements to Siri, marking a new step forward with Apple Intelligence. Three key upgrades are expected:

    • Personal Context: Siri will better understand your preferences and habits.
    • On-Screen Awareness: It will respond more effectively to what’s displayed on your device.
    • App Integration: Siri could interact with apps in smarter ways to perform tasks for you.

    These changes aim to make Siri more personalized and intuitive.

    Expanded Language Support

    When iOS 18.2 launched, Apple hinted at adding new language options for Apple Intelligence in 2025. With the April update, the list may grow to include languages like Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and more. English variants for regions such as India and Singapore are also part of the plan. Additional languages will roll out throughout the year.

    New Emoji Additions

    As in previous spring updates, Apple is likely to introduce new emojis with iOS 18.4. The Unicode Consortium has already revealed this year’s batch, which includes:

    • Fingerprint
    • Face with bags under eyes
    • Harp
    • Root vegetable
    • Leafless tree
    • Splatter
    • Shovel

    These emojis will enhance communication with more creative options. While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed these updates, the anticipated features hint at a more dynamic and user-friendly experience with iOS 18.4. Stay tuned for more details as the release approaches!

  • Apple may bring AirPods with tiny cameras soon

    Apple may bring AirPods with tiny cameras soon

    Apple is reportedly considering adding small cameras to future AirPods, as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman mentioned. In his recent Power On newsletter, Gurman briefly touched on the idea of AirPods featuring tiny cameras, highlighting Apple’s growing focus on wearable technology. However, he didn’t elaborate on how these cameras might be used.

    Rather than capturing photos, these cameras are expected to function as infrared sensors. Apple supply chain expert Ming-Chi Kuo shared in June 2024 that Apple could begin mass-producing AirPods with infrared cameras by 2026. These sensors would work similarly to the Face ID receiver on iPhones.

    According to Kuo, these advanced AirPods are designed to enhance spatial audio, especially when paired with the Apple Vision Pro headset. For instance, if someone wearing these AirPods and the Vision Pro turns their head in a particular direction while watching a video, the audio in that direction could become more prominent, offering a richer, more immersive experience.

    Another exciting possibility is “in-air gesture control,” where the infrared cameras might allow users to interact with devices through hand movements, further integrating AirPods into Apple’s ecosystem of innovative controls.

    If the production schedule remains on track, these futuristic AirPods could hit the market around 2026 or 2027, potentially marking a big step forward in wearable tech.

    Source

  • Apple Watch SOS alerts save skier after 1,000-foot fall in icy conditions

    Apple Watch SOS alerts save skier after 1,000-foot fall in icy conditions

    An Apple Watch played a key role in saving a skier’s life after a dangerous 1,000-foot fall in freezing temperatures. The watch’s SOS feature alerted rescuers, helping them locate the skier just in time to prevent a life-threatening situation.

    According to KIRO 7, the skier’s fall triggered the Apple Watch’s Emergency SOS, prompting King County Air Support to assist the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office in the rescue. Without the timely alert, the outcome could have been much worse.

    The Apple Watch comes equipped with features like Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and Emergency SOS, designed to assist in emergencies. These features can automatically contact emergency services and share the wearer’s location, even if the person is unconscious or unable to call for help. Additionally, the SOS function notifies the user’s emergency contact to ensure timely communication.

    This recent incident underscores how technology can make a real difference in critical situations, especially in remote or hazardous environments. The skier’s story highlights the importance of wearable devices in providing safety and peace of mind.