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Search results for: “Devices”

  • Apple’s latest updates and deals you should know about

    Apple’s latest updates and deals you should know about

    Big things are happening in the Apple world! Recently, Best Buy kicked off the first discount on the new M3 iPad Air. This tablet comes with a powerful chip, a sleek design, and now a lower price, making it a great time to grab one if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your tech.

    Meanwhile, Apple has decided to stop selling the older M2 and M3 MacBook Air models. They’re clearing the way for newer stuff, so if you loved those laptops, they won’t be around much longer. On the flip side, Apple just launched a fresh MacBook Air with the M4 chip and a cool sky-blue color. It’s fast, stylish, and perfect for anyone wanting a modern laptop.

    That’s not all—Apple also unveiled the M3 Ultra chip, a super-strong processor for heavy tasks like video editing or gaming. This new chip is powering the updated Mac Studio, which also offers an M4 Max option. These machines are built for people who need top performance, whether for work or creative projects.

    In other news, Qualcomm, a big tech company, bragged that its X85 modem beats Apple’s tech in speed and power. This could mean tougher competition for Apple’s devices down the road, especially for things like Internet speed on phones and tablets.

    From discounts to brand-new gadgets, Apple is keeping things exciting. Whether you’re after a deal on the M3 iPad Air or eyeing the shiny new MacBook Air in sky blue, there’s something for everyone. Plus, with the M3 Ultra and Mac Studio upgrades, power users have plenty to cheer about. Stay tuned—Apple’s not slowing down anytime soon!

  • Apple’s new Shazam update makes music syncing easier

    Apple’s new Shazam update makes music syncing easier

    Apple just launched a fresh update for Shazam, the popular music-finding app it picked up in 2018. This new version helps you save songs you tag from outside the app directly to your playlists on Apple Music and Spotify.

    Here’s what you’ll find in version 18.9:

    The update makes syncing your tagged songs to Apple Music and Spotify smoother than ever! Now, Shazam can add tracks you discover using Music Recognition in Control Center, Siri, or Shortcuts to your “My Shazam Tracks” playlist on either service.

    To get everything working, head to Shazam’s settings and switch “Sync your songs” off and then back on. This will refresh all the songs you’ve found before. If you’re using Spotify, you might need to close and reopen the app to see the updated playlist.

    Want to keep your Shazam History safe and available across all your devices? Just turn on iCloud sync in the app’s settings, and you’re good to go. You can grab the latest Shazam update from the App Store now. This simple tweak makes it easier to enjoy the music you love, no matter how you find it!

  • Why Apple’s fight for data privacy matters more than you think

    Why Apple’s fight for data privacy matters more than you think

    Apple’s Advanced Data Protection (ADP) is a tool that keeps your iCloud data super safe. Not many people used it before—most regular folks didn’t know about it, and only a few tech fans turned it on. But now, Apple’s battle with the UK government over this feature is a bigger deal than it looks. Here’s why it’s so important.

    The UK’s Big Move Against Privacy

    ADP locks up your iCloud info with something called end-to-end encryption. Only you can unlock it on your own devices—Apple can’t, and neither can anyone else, like the government. The UK wanted Apple to break this lock so they could peek at people’s data, not just in the UK but everywhere. That’s a huge overstep.

    Apple rolled out ADP in 2022, but it didn’t get much attention. It’s not on by default, so only super careful users switched it on—until this fight started.

    Apple’s Sneaky Way of Fighting Back

    The UK’s rules say Apple can’t tell anyone if they’re ordered to unlock ADP. So, Apple got smart. Instead of spilling the beans (which would be illegal), they just said, “Sorry, UK users, we’re pulling ADP from your country.” No explanation—just a big hint. Their message was loud and clear: “We won’t build a secret way into your data, and we never will.” They even took the issue to a special UK court, quietly challenging the order.

    From Quiet Feature to Front-Page News

    The UK and US are buddies in a group called Five Eyes, where they share secrets. Back in 2018, this group said privacy isn’t everything and pushed against strong encryption. However, the UK went too far, demanding access to everyone’s iCloud worldwide. Apple’s clever response got people talking—even in the US. American leaders like Tulsi Gabbard called out the UK for breaking trust. Suddenly, ADP isn’t just for tech nerds—it’s a hot topic.

    Why This Matters

    First, more people now understand how encryption keeps their stuff private. Second, governments see that secret demands won’t stay secret—Apple will find a way to let us know. Third, the US can’t easily try the same trick without looking silly after criticizing the UK. Apple’s not just taking on one country—it’s warning them all: your data stays safe with us.

  • SwitchBot introduces budget-friendly smart roller shades with Apple Home features

    SwitchBot introduces budget-friendly smart roller shades with Apple Home features

    SwitchBot, the company behind my go-to Find My wallet tracker, has just released an exciting new product: the SwitchBot Roller Shade. These smart blinds bring affordable and flexible window solutions to your home.

    The Roller Shade stands out as one of the lower-cost smart blinds you can buy. Plus, it comes with an adjustable bar that fits window widths from 22.8 to 72.8 inches. While you’ll need to trim the fabric, the shade’s box slides in and out for a perfect fit—no need to stress about exact measurements before buying.

    Want to refresh your room’s look? You can swap out the shade fabric easily to match your style. You might even reuse your existing curtains and just add the motor part to turn them into smart blinds.

    If you own a SwitchBot Hub 2, these shades connect to the Apple Home app through Matter support. (Note: The hub is a must—they don’t work with Matter on their own.) Once linked, you can use the Apple Home app or Siri on your iPhone, HomePod, or other Apple devices to control them. A handy slider lets you set how far the shade rolls down, and you can add them to automations—like raising them at sunrise or lowering them at night.

    The shades come with a built-in battery that lasts up to eight months per charge, making them fully wireless. Or, for a hands-off option, attach a solar panel to keep them powered without ever plugging in. Visit SwitchBot’s website for more details. Priced at $199, these shades are a steal in the smart home world, especially with a discount of over $70 available online right now. It’s a simple, budget-friendly way to upgrade your windows with smart tech!

  • Apple releases second test versions of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 for everyone

    Apple releases second test versions of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 for everyone

    Apple has just rolled out the second test versions of its upcoming updates—iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4—for people who want to try them early. These public test versions let users check out new tools and features before they’re officially available. They arrived just a day after Apple shared the updates with app developers.

    What’s New for iPhone and iPad

    Anyone signed up for Apple’s public testing program can grab these updates through the Settings app on their devices. You just need to join the testing group on Apple’s website first. The updates bring some cool stuff for iPhone and iPad users. There’s a feature called Priority Notifications, powered by Apple Intelligence, which puts your most urgent alerts at the top. Plus, there’s a fun new Sketch option in Image Playground for all Apple Intelligence devices.

    For those who love food and news, Apple News+ subscribers get a fresh Food section packed with recipes, tasty stories, and healthy eating ideas. You’ll also find a relaxing Ambient Music option in the Control Center. And now, iPad and Mac users can enjoy Mail Categorization, a handy tool that was once only on the iPhone.

    More Goodies in the Second Test Version

    The second test round adds new emoji characters to play with and introduces the Vision Pro app for iPhone users. iPhone 15 Pro Max owners also get Visual Intelligence, making the update even sweeter. Want to know everything these updates offer? Check out our simple iOS 18.4 features guide for the full scoop. With these test versions, Apple is letting everyday users help shape the future of its software—pretty exciting, right?

  • TSMC’s new plan might hurt U.S.-Made Apple Chips

    TSMC’s new plan might hurt U.S.-Made Apple Chips

    TSMC’s recent $100 billion promise to boost its U.S. operations grabbed attention, but it left out key details—like whether this cash is really new or just old promises repackaged. Even more surprising, some experts think this move could actually slow down efforts to make Apple chips in America. Here’s why.

    Where Things Started

    Back in 2022, Apple shared exciting news: it wanted chips stamped “Made in the USA.” This tied into the U.S. CHIPS Act, a big push to bring tech jobs home. TSMC stepped up, planning factories in Arizona. Some of those chips were meant for older Apple gadgets.

    But the road’s been bumpy. The first factory was supposed to start cranking out chips last year, but that got delayed to 2024. People also wondered if raw chips made in the U.S. would still need to zip back to Taiwan for finishing touches—something called “packaging.” Plus, there were grumbles about jobs. TSMC brought in many workers from Taiwan, sparking claims it wasn’t fully supporting American workers.

    What’s Up with the $100 Billion?

    The Trump team hyped up this $100 billion plan before TSMC even confirmed it, making it sound fresh. But since Arizona factories were always part of the vision, it’s hard to tell if this is extra money or just the same budget with a new label.

    One fresh twist? TSMC now says it’ll build U.S. packaging plants. Before, they planned to hand that job to another company, Amkor. This might just mean shifting work around in the U.S., not adding much new.

    A Setback for Apple Chips?

    Here’s the catch: Apple needs cutting-edge chips, and TSMC’s best tech stays in Taiwan. The U.S. plants were already set to make older-style chips, lagging behind Taiwan’s top factories. Now, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says this new deal scraps one of the more advanced U.S. plants. Instead, TSMC’s adding a packaging site and a research hub.

    That could mean fewer chips for even Apple’s older devices. Kuo also warns the $100 billion isn’t locked in—it’s “flexible,” so TSMC might adjust based on how things go. In short, this big announcement might sound great, but it could leave U.S.-made Apple chips stuck in the past.

  • Apple rolls out new test updates for Vision Pro, Apple TV, Watch, Mac, and iPhone

    Apple rolls out new test updates for Vision Pro, Apple TV, Watch, Mac, and iPhone

    Apple has just shared the second test versions (betas) of new software updates with developers. These updates include visionOS 2.4 for Vision Pro, tvOS 18.4 for Apple TV, watchOS 11.4 for Apple Watch, macOS Sequoia 15.4 for Mac, and iOS 18.4 for iPhone. This comes two weeks after the first test versions were released. Developers can grab these updates through the Settings app on each device if they’re signed up with Apple.

    The Vision Pro’s visionOS 2.4 update stands out because it adds Apple Intelligence features for the first time. These include tools for writing, creating custom emojis, making memory videos, editing images, sorting notifications, and connecting with ChatGPT. There’s also a new Spatial Gallery app showing off cool 3D videos, photos, and panoramas from artists and creators.

    Plus, a Vision Pro app for iPhone lets users manage their headset, find apps, and add stuff to a watch list. With iOS 18.4, your iPhone can set up a Guest Mode for Vision Pro, letting others try it easily while you control what they see. These updates will launch fully in early April.

    For Mac users, macOS Sequoia 15.4 brings a smarter Mail app that sorts emails into categories like deals, news, and important messages. Apple News+ fans get a new food section with recipes and restaurant stories, while Photos gains memory video options. Apple Intelligence also adds support for more languages. This update will roll out in early April, too.

    On the iPhone side, iOS 18.4 beta now works on iPhone 12 models and the new iPhone 16e after fixing a glitch that caused some devices to freeze. It also brings Visual Intelligence to iPhone 15 Pro models—a feature that uses the camera to explain objects or places around you.

    New emojis like tired eyes, a shovel, and a fingerprint are included too, along with quick Apple Intelligence shortcuts in Control Center. These updates show Apple’s focus on making devices smarter and easier to use. Full releases are planned for early April, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the changes soon!

  • Siri’s big update might wait until iOS 18.5

    Siri’s big update might wait until iOS 18.5

    Last month, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman hinted that Apple could delay some of Siri’s exciting new Apple Intelligence features until iOS 18.5. His latest update suggests this is looking more and more likely.

    Siri’s Personal Touch in iOS 18

    Originally, Apple aimed to roll out these Siri improvements with iOS 18.4. But due to some hiccups and bugs, it seems the company has shifted gears to iOS 18.5 instead. The first test version of iOS 18.4, released recently, didn’t include any of these promised upgrades.

    In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman shared that iOS 18.5 will bring the real magic. He wrote:

    • The next update, iOS 18.5, is where the cool stuff lands. Expect a smarter Siri with AI powers, as shown last June, plus Apple Intelligence support for users in China.
    • Apple’s team has been quietly testing iOS 18.5 since early February, according to visitor logs spotted by MacRumors.

    When Can We Expect It?

    Gurman predicts that iOS 18.5 will hit devices in May, though testing might kick off earlier. He added:

    • This new Siri will show if Apple can bounce back strong. It’s set to launch in May, almost a year after its big reveal.
    • There’s still a slim chance some Siri tweaks could sneak into a later iOS 18.4 test version, but Gurman’s betting on iOS 18.5 for now.

    What’s Coming to Siri?

    The update promises neat tricks like noticing what’s on your screen, understanding your details, and giving you better control within apps. For instance, at WWDC 2024, Apple demoed Siri helping an iPhone user check their mom’s flight and lunch plans by pulling info from Mail and Messages.

    Which iPhones Get It?

    You’ll need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 model to enjoy Apple Intelligence.

  • Could Apple bring back its old Wi-Fi routers in a new way?

    Could Apple bring back its old Wi-Fi routers in a new way?

    For years in the 2000s and 2010s, Apple sold Wi-Fi routers called AirPort base stations. They came in three types: the basic AirPort Express, the fancier AirPort Extreme with extra networking tricks, and the AirPort Time Capsule, which also worked as a backup drive for Macs using Time Machine. Apple stopped making these routers in 2018, but there’s a chance they might come back in a surprising form.

    In December, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman shared that Apple is working on a new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip. This chip will show up in updated Apple TV and HomePod mini devices later this year. He says it’s so powerful that it could turn these gadgets into Wi-Fi hotspots. But don’t get too excited yet—it’s not certain Apple will go that route.

    Apple seems eager to grow in the smart home world. Rumors suggest they’re building a brand-new smart home hub for release this year. There’s also talk of a HomeKit smart camera that pairs with the hub, creating a simple home security setup. If future Apple TVs or HomePods could act as Wi-Fi routers, too, that’d be another win for Apple in the smart home game.

    Gurman says this new chip will support Wi-Fi 6E, a step up from the Wi-Fi 5 in the last AirPort models. However, analyst Jeff Pu thinks it might even handle Wi-Fi 7, which is even faster. For now, it’s unclear if Apple TV and HomePod will turn into routers. Still, Apple is cooking up tech that could make it happen. Whether they bring back the AirPort idea in this fresh way, only time will tell.

  • Apple’s plan to build its own tech: What’s Coming Next

    Apple’s plan to build its own tech: What’s Coming Next

    Back in 2020, Apple decided to switch from Intel chips to its own Apple Silicon for Macs. This big change worked out well. In less than three years, Apple created chips that were quicker and used less power than Intel’s, making their devices better. Now, Apple is taking on Qualcomm. They’ve started with the C1 modem in the new iPhone 16e. It’s the first step toward controlling all their networking tech themselves.

    What’s Next for Modems: C2 and C3

    The C1 modem, launched with the iPhone 16e, focuses on saving battery life. It doesn’t handle super-fast 5G mmWave or match Qualcomm’s full range yet. Still, it’s solid and works well. Apple calls it the “most energy-saving modem ever in an iPhone,” offering fast and steady 5G.

    The C1 won’t be in most iPhone 17 models but might show up in the iPhone 17 Air, where saving power matters for its slim design. Meanwhile, Apple is already planning to build better modems. The C2, nicknamed Ganymede, is set for the iPhone 18 in 2026 and iPads in 2027.

    It’ll match Qualcomm with faster downloads and stronger connections. Then, in 2027, the C3 (Prometheus) will roll out with the iPhone 19, aiming to beat Qualcomm with smarter features and satellite support. Apple’s also thinking about adding cellular to MacBooks by 2026, thanks to these homegrown modems.

    New Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Chip

    Apple isn’t stopping with modems. They’re also replacing Broadcom’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips. A new chip, called Proxima, could launch this year in updated HomePod minis and Apple TVs. It’ll support speedy Wi-Fi 6E and might even act as a mini router. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts it’ll hit the whole iPhone 17 lineup, boosting how Apple devices connect and cutting costs. It’ll reach iPads and Macs by 2026, too.

    Combining Chips for the Future

    Down the road, Apple wants to blend its modems into the main Apple Silicon chip. Instead of separate pieces like the A18 and C1, it’d all be one unit. This could save money and power, but it’s not happening until at least 2028. Apple’s pushing hard to build more of its own tech, and these changes show they’re just getting started.

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