Search results for: “AI”

  • New AirPods Pro 3: Exciting updates coming soon

    New AirPods Pro 3: Exciting updates coming soon

    The wait is almost over for the next generation of Apple’s popular earbuds, the AirPods Pro 3, expected to hit the market this September with the iPhone 17. Here’s what we’re excited about.

    A Fresh H3 Chip

    The AirPods Pro 3 will feature a new H3 chip, which promises significant enhancements over its predecessor. The H2 chip in the AirPods Pro 2 brought notable improvements in sound quality and noise cancellation. With the H3, we can expect even better audio performance, possibly with longer battery life. The H2 chip’s success in providing rich bass and clear sound suggests the H3 could take these aspects to new heights.

    A New Look

    Rumors suggest that the AirPods Pro 3 will sport a new design, although details are sparse. The current design has been well-received, so any changes might be subtle, perhaps involving smaller stems or a better fit for comfort. These tweaks could make the earbuds even more appealing to users who prioritize style and comfort.

    Better Noise Cancellation

    The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in the AirPods Pro 2 was a game-changer, and the upcoming model aims to improve this even further. Powered by the new H3 chip, the ANC in AirPods Pro 3 is expected to be significantly better, offering a quieter listening experience in noisy environments.

    Health Features Might Be Included

    While not confirmed, there’s buzz about new health features possibly coming with the AirPods Pro 3. Heart rate monitoring, similar to that in the Apple Watch, could be one of them. There’s also talk about temperature sensors and other health metrics, which would turn these earbuds into a wellness tool as well as an audio device.

    In summary, the AirPods Pro 3 are shaping up to be an exciting update with potentially better sound, a refined design, superior noise cancellation, and new health functionalities. Even if you’re happy with your current AirPods Pro 2, the advancements in the next generation might make them an irresistible upgrade.

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  • Apple and Alibaba join forces for AI in China

    Apple and Alibaba join forces for AI in China

    Apple has decided to team up with Alibaba to introduce AI features on iPhones in China, ending a period of guesswork about how Apple would handle AI in the Chinese market.

    iPhone 16 Apple intelligence

    Joe Tsai, Alibaba’s chairman, shared this news at the World Government Summit in Dubai. He said, “Apple looked at several companies in China. In the end, they decided to work with us. They want our AI to enhance their phones. We are thrilled to collaborate with a company like Apple.”

    Following this announcement, Alibaba’s shares jumped by as much as 8.6%. This was after a report from The Information confirmed that Apple was indeed teaming up with Alibaba to launch AI features in China. Due to local laws, Apple has not yet introduced all its AI capabilities in China without a local partner.

    Outside China, Apple devices utilize a mix of Apple’s own AI tech and OpenAI’s ChatGPT for their AI functions. Both companies have reportedly sent the necessary paperwork to Chinese authorities for the go-ahead.

    This partnership announcement comes after news that Apple had initially considered another Chinese AI firm, DeepSeek, but chose not to proceed. It was also revealed that Apple had looked at Baidu last year, but found their AI technology lacking for Apple’s standards.

    This move is significant for Apple, especially after facing a tough year in China in 2024 when it lost its spot as the leading smartphone seller. According to Canalys, Apple saw a 17% drop in shipments in China, allowing local brand Vivo to take the top spot. This partnership with Alibaba could be a strategic move to regain ground in this important market.

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  • Apple starts ads on X again

    Apple starts ads on X again

    Apple has begun advertising on X once again after a long break. They stopped advertising on the social media site back in November 2023 because of some controversial comments made by its owner, Elon Musk.

    For instance, the @Apple account is now promoting the privacy features of Safari with a new ad. This was first noticed by Aaron Perris, who writes for MacRumors. Also, the @AppleTV account has been posting ads about the TV show “Severance” from Apple TV+.

    Last month, there were talks that Apple might start advertising on X again, and it looks like they’ve made that decision, at least for the time being.

    Apple isn’t alone; other big companies like Disney, Coca-Cola, Sony, IBM, and Comcast have also taken breaks from advertising on X. However, like Apple, many of these companies have started to advertise on X again, though they’re doing so carefully.

    Elon Musk bought Twitter in 2022 and changed its name to X the next year. Since he took over, there’s been less strict control over what people can post, leading to more extreme opinions being shared. Recently, the rapper Kanye West, who’s been in the news for the wrong reasons, posted some offensive content before he left the platform.

    Despite all this, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook and other top executives like Greg Joswiak, who handles marketing, have stayed active on X. However, Phil Schiller, who used to be in charge of marketing for Apple, has chosen to leave X for other social media sites like Mastodon and Bluesky.

  • Apple launches new study on health with iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods

    Apple launches new study on health with iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods

    Apple has just started a new health study that you can join using the Apple Research app. If you’re in the U.S. and old enough, you can sign up by agreeing to the study’s terms.

    The Apple Health Study

    This study wants to see how gadgets like the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods can help improve our physical and mental health, as well as our overall well-being. It’s going to look at how different parts of health are connected. For example, it will check if your mental state affects your heart rate or how your sleep might change how much you exercise.

    This project is the biggest health study Apple has done so far. It will check how tech affects lots of health areas like how active we are, aging, heart health, blood flow, thinking, hearing, women’s health, mental health, how our body uses food, how we move, brain health, breathing, and sleep.

    Building on Past Studies

    This new study follows on from other Apple studies like the one on women’s health, hearing, and heart and movement. Apple is working with Brigham and Women’s Hospital, which is connected to Harvard Medical School, to run this study. The Apple Research app, where you can join the study, is available on the App Store for iPhone and Apple Watch. The app got an update today to include this new health study.

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  • New iPhone SE model spotted on french retail site

    New iPhone SE model spotted on french retail site

    Rumors about the next iPhone SE have been swirling, and now there’s a new hint from France. A French electronics store called Boulanger has accidentally put up a page for a “new” iPhone SE model. The page simply says the phone is “coming soon” but doesn’t give any real details or a true price.

    iPhone SE 4 Teaser

    This sneak peek was noticed by someone reading the French tech news site Numerama. It’s not clear if Apple gave Boulanger a secret tip about the new phone or if the store just guessed based on all the gossip.

    Even though the page doesn’t tell us much, it does seem like we’re getting closer to seeing a new iPhone SE. Originally, tech expert Mark Gurman thought it would come out this week, but he’s now saying it should be announced by next week.

    iPhone SE at Boulanger

    When it finally comes out, the new iPhone SE is expected to have some big upgrades. It might have a bigger 6.1-inch screen that’s really bright, no home button but Face ID to unlock it, a USB-C port instead of the old one, and just one camera at the back but with 48 megapixels. It’s also supposed to have a new 5G chip from Apple and enough memory to handle new smart features.

    Apple hasn’t planned any big events yet for 2025, so they’ll probably just announce it on their website with a press release.

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  • What’s next for Apple’s AirPods after the Powerbeats Pro 2?

    What’s next for Apple’s AirPods after the Powerbeats Pro 2?

    Apple and Beats recently introduced the eagerly awaited Powerbeats Pro 2 wireless earbuds. This new model brings features not yet seen in Apple’s AirPods. But what does this mean for the future of AirPods?

    Rumors About Upcoming AirPods

    One standout feature of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is its heart rate sensor. This marks the first time Apple has included such a health-focused tool in a product other than the Apple Watch. It suggests that future devices might also focus more on health monitoring. Although Powerbeats are designed for workouts, it’s notable that Apple chose to debut this technology in a Beats product.

    What About AirPods?

    Will AirPods follow suit with a heart rate sensor? It seems likely, as various sources confirm Apple is indeed developing AirPods with health sensors. The next big update, expected in the AirPods Pro 3, will likely include this sensor. Although we don’t have a specific release date, considering the AirPods Pro 2 came out in 2022, we might see the next version soon, perhaps even this year.

    Mark Gurman from Bloomberg mentioned last year that Apple is looking into sensors that could measure body temperature through the ear canal. There’s also talk about integrating camera sensors into AirPods, but these innovations won’t make it into the AirPods Pro 3.

    AirPods Pro 3 Expectations

    For the AirPods Pro 3, expect a new design, though details are scarce. The basic AirPods model got a recent update with a fresh look and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), so don’t expect another update soon. As for the AirPods Max, after last year’s update to include USB-C, there are no significant updates planned shortly.

    This glimpse into Apple’s strategy shows a clear direction toward enhancing personal health monitoring through their audio products, promising exciting developments for AirPods users.

  • New MacBook Pro with slim design coming in 2026, MacBook Air to get better screen before OLED upgrade

    New MacBook Pro with slim design coming in 2026, MacBook Air to get better screen before OLED upgrade

    Apple is gearing up to launch a new MacBook Pro with an OLED screen in 2026. This model is expected to be much thinner than the current ones, according to reports. Samsung Display is already testing these new OLED panels, which they started making in late 2024.

    The new MacBook Pro will use a special kind of OLED called hybrid OLED, similar to what you find in the newest iPad Pro. This type of screen gives better brightness, contrast, and uses less power compared to the mini-LED screens we see now. Samsung has put a lot of money into making these panels, around $3 billion, for laptop-sized screens. Another company, BOE from China, is also working on similar technology but can make both hybrid and bendy OLED screens.

    However, it’s not all about OLED yet; for 2025, it looks like the MacBook Pro will stick with mini-LED screens. Analysts predict only small improvements in performance next year, with new chips called M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max.

    If you’re thinking about waiting for the next big MacBook Pro update, here are some reasons:

    • Slimmer Design: The 2026 model aims to be one of the thinnest in tech.
    • Better Screen: OLED displays promise superior picture quality.
    • Energy Saving: OLED screens could improve battery life.
    • True Overhaul: The design and tech might see a significant refresh.
    • Future-Proof: OLED is the future of screen tech in laptops.

    Meanwhile, for MacBook Air users, there’s good news too. Apple plans to upgrade the display in 2027 with something called Oxide TFT technology. This is a step up from what’s currently used and should make screens sharper, smoother, and save more battery. Both Samsung and BOE are setting up to make these new screens, but we don’t know how many yet. However, the plan to switch MacBook Air to OLED has been pushed back to 2029 or later. So, if you’re looking for an OLED screen on your MacBook Air, you might need to wait a bit longer.

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  • New MacBook Air with M4 Chip coming soon

    New MacBook Air with M4 Chip coming soon

    There are more hints that a new MacBook Air, powered by the M4 chip, might be released very soon. Someone with a private account on X shared some codes that show the MacBook Air will have this new chip. The insider info suggests that both the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs will feature Apple’s “T8132” chip, which is another name for the M4.

    Back in December, Apple accidentally let slip some details about these new MacBook Airs when they updated macOS Sequoia 15.2. The update included files for new machines labeled as “MacBook Air (13-inch, M4, 2025)” and “MacBook Air (15-inch, M4, 2025).”

    Since that slip-up, we’ve been waiting eagerly for the launch. There’s no exact date yet, but Mark Gurman from Bloomberg mentioned that the current stock of M3 MacBook Airs is running low, which often means a new model is just around the corner.

    Apple is also set to launch the new iPhone SE 4 and Powerbeats Pro 2 possibly tomorrow, so the MacBook Air might follow not long after, likely within the next few weeks.

  • 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.

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  • 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!