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Search results for: “Experience”

  • A strange iMessage problem Apple needs to solve

    A strange iMessage problem Apple needs to solve

    For the last couple of years, I’ve noticed something odd with Apple’s Messages app, especially when it comes to pictures. I keep hoping Apple will fix it, but so far, they haven’t done anything about it. Here’s the issue: if you send an AVIF picture through iMessage, it doesn’t show up right. AVIF is a type of image that’s getting more popular, so this glitch is kind of frustrating.

    But that’s not the whole story. It’d be fine if Apple just didn’t work with AVIF files at all. Instead, for some strange reason, the image pops up in a tiny box on your screen. There’s no way to make it bigger, so you’re stuck squinting at a super small picture you can’t see.

    This happens on both iPhones and Macs. The funny thing is, before you send the AVIF picture, it looks perfectly fine in the preview. You’d never guess there’d be a problem until after you hit send. It’s not like Apple doesn’t know how to handle AVIF. They added support for it in Safari with iOS 16, which was over two years ago. So, they’re halfway there—they just haven’t updated iMessage to keep up. The files show up, but you can’t view them properly.

    This whole thing feels off. Since AVIF works in Safari and the Photos app, people naturally send these images through iMessage. But when they don’t display correctly, it’s a letdown. You’re left with a useless picture.

    I hope Apple tackles this soon. It’s a small but annoying issue that messes up the experience. With AVIF becoming more common, it’s time for iMessage to catch up and let us see those images the way they’re meant to be seen.

  • iPhone 16e’s battery size uncovered in everyday use tests

    iPhone 16e’s battery size uncovered in everyday use tests

    When Apple introduced the iPhone 16e, they highlighted a fresh design inside that made room for a bigger battery. While Apple doesn’t share exact battery sizes, a popular YouTuber, Dave Lee from Dave2D, spilled the details in his latest review. He revealed the iPhone 16e has a 3,961 mAh battery—a solid jump of over 10% compared to the 3,561 mAh in the standard iPhone 16.

    Here’s how it stacks up:

    • iPhone 16 Pro Max: 4,685 mAh
    • iPhone 16 Pro: 3,582 mAh
    • iPhone 16 Plus: 4,674 mAh
    • iPhone 16: 3,561 mAh
    • iPhone 16e: 3,961 mAh

    Apple claims the iPhone 16e delivers the best battery life ever for a 6.1-inch iPhone, thanks partly to their new energy-saving C1 modem.

    How Does the iPhone 16e Hold Up in Real Life?

    Dave Lee tested the iPhone 16e by keeping the Reddit website running non-stop over Wi-Fi. The phone lasted an impressive 12 hours and 54 minutes. By comparison, the iPhone 16 managed 11 hours and 17 minutes in the same setup, making the 16e the champ here.

    Tom’s Guide ran their own test, mimicking regular web browsing on a cellular network. The iPhone 16e averaged 12 hours and 41 minutes—super close to the iPhone 16’s 12 hours and 43 minutes. The top scores? The 16e hit 12 hours and 49 minutes, while the iPhone 16 reached 13 hours and 19 minutes.

    CNET’s Patrick Holland shared his hands-on experience: “After six days with the 16e, I’ve charged it just three times. Using a 30-watt charger, it went from zero to 59% in half an hour. I’ve been pushing it hard—testing cameras, playing heavy games, and using smart features. It easily lasts a full day, and with lighter use, it can stretch to a day and a half.”

    In CNET’s video streaming test, the iPhone 16e stayed at 100% after an hour, while the iPhone 16 and 15 dipped to 97%. Holland noted more tests are coming, but the early signs are promising.
    Get Yours Soon Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e are open now, with the official launch this Friday. Curious for more? Check out our full iPhone 16e review summary!

  • Apple announces iOS 18.4 launch in April with exciting updates

    Apple announces iOS 18.4 launch in April with exciting updates

    Apple recently shared that iOS 18.4 will roll out in April, bringing fresh features for iPhone users.

    What’s New in iOS 18.4

    Apple News+ Food Section

    Starting with iOS 18.4, Apple News+ subscribers will enjoy a brand-new Food section. It’s packed with thousands of recipes, plus articles on restaurants, healthy eating tips, and kitchen must-haves. Top food magazines like Allrecipes, Bon Appétit, and Serious Eats will contribute content. The first test version of iOS 18.4 is already out for developers and curious users to try. While some expected Siri upgrades—like understanding personal details or screen info—aren’t in this beta, there are still plenty of cool additions to explore.

    Key Features Available Now

    Priority Notifications

    A handy new tool sorts your most urgent alerts and puts them front and center on your Lock Screen. You can switch this on in Settings under Notifications. Note: This works only on iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, or any iPhone 16.

    Apple News+ Food

    The Food section in the News app offers subscribers tons of recipes and food stories at no extra charge. You can browse daily updates, save favorites for later, and even use a step-by-step cooking mode—all beautifully laid out.

    Ambient Music

    A new Control Center option lets you play relaxing tunes sorted into four moods: Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing.

    More Goodies

    This update expands Apple Intelligence to languages like French, Spanish, Japanese, and more. There’s also a “Sketch” style for creating images from text in Image Playground. In some cars with big screens, CarPlay now shows extra app icons. Plus, EU users can pick a default maps app, and everyone can choose a translation app.

    Coming Soon

    Vision Pro App

    Later, iOS 18.4 will add an app for Vision Pro owners to manage downloads, explore TV content, and get tips—available once the update hits.

    New Emoji

    Fresh emojis—like a tired face, fingerprint, or shovel—will join the lineup, continuing Apple’s tradition of fun updates.

    With iOS 18.4, Apple keeps making your iPhone experience better and more personal!

  • AirPods Pro 2 now helps with Hearing in the UK

    AirPods Pro 2 now helps with Hearing in the UK

    Apple has shared exciting news: the AirPods Pro 2 now comes with a special hearing aid feature that’s easy to use and available in the United Kingdom.

    AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Support

    Sumbul Desai, a top expert at Apple, said, “We’re thrilled to use technology to improve lives. Bringing this hearing aid option to the UK gives AirPods Pro 2 users a full hearing care experience.” She’s Apple’s vice president of Health.

    This new feature makes everyday sounds clearer for adults who feel they have mild to moderate hearing trouble. Apple says it’s free in countries where it’s offered, and it comes through simple software updates.

    The hearing aid works by using a personal hearing profile. This profile comes from a quick five-minute Hearing Test that checks how well someone hears different sound levels. After the test, users get a result showing their hearing ability and tips on what to do next. The profile also adjusts sound for music, movies, games, and calls on all connected devices.

    Apple first rolled out these hearing tools in the US and a few other places in late October with iOS 18.1. Then, in December, iOS 18.2 brought the Hearing Test to more countries like France, Italy, Spain, and the UK, plus the hearing aid feature to the United Arab Emirates. Now, UK users can enjoy both the test and the hearing aid feature.

    To use these hearing tools, AirPods Pro 2 need firmware version 7B19 or higher. The update happens on its own when the AirPods are charging and near an iPhone, iPad, or Mac with Wi-Fi. This update shows Apple’s focus on making life better with smart, simple tech. UK users can now hear the world around them more clearly, all thanks to their AirPods Pro 2.

  • Apple Vision Pro’s New Adventure Video: Surfing in the arctic

    Apple Vision Pro’s New Adventure Video: Surfing in the arctic

    Apple Vision Pro fans can now enjoy a fresh six-minute video on the Apple TV app. It’s the second part of the exciting “Boundless” series, called “Arctic Surfing.” In “Arctic Surfing,” you get to join a brave group of surfers as they paddle through freezing waters. You’ll feel the thrill of catching chilly waves in Norway’s stunning winter scenery.

    Before this, the first episode, “Hot Air Balloons,” took viewers soaring over Türkiye’s famous rocky landscapes. And there’s more to come—next Friday, a new episode called “Deep Water Solo” will drop, promising another exciting experience.

    This cool new video is ready to watch on the Apple TV app in places like Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, the U.K., and the U.S. For folks in China, it’s available on the Migu Video and Tencent Video apps.

    With these videos, Apple Vision Pro brings wild adventures right to your screen, making you feel like you’re there. Whether it’s surfing icy waves or floating high in the sky, something is amazing to explore in this series!

  • New iPhone Feature: Reverse wireless charging coming soon?

    New iPhone Feature: Reverse wireless charging coming soon?

    Apple has been quietly working on a feature many have been waiting for – reverse wireless charging. This means your iPhone could charge other devices like your AirPods or Apple Watch directly from its battery. Although this feature has been common in Android phones, Apple has yet to fully unlock it in their iPhones.

    Back in 2020, the iPhone 12 hinted at this capability, but it was only partially implemented. We saw the phone could charge the MagSafe Battery Pack, but not other accessories like AirPods. Since then, Apple has been refining this technology.

    Recent leaks suggest that Apple might be ready to introduce this feature with the iPhone 17 Pro. According to sources, they’ve been testing a 7.5W reverse charging capability in this model. This isn’t just about adding a feature; it’s about ensuring it works well. Apple is focusing on managing charging speeds, heat, and efficiency to make this a useful addition.

    Moreover, Apple is reportedly developing a user-friendly interface for this feature, complete with animations and sounds to guide users on how to use it. This would make the experience seamless and intuitive, much like the current MagSafe interactions.

    While the charging speed might not be super fast, think of it as an emergency tool – perfect for when you’re out and about without your charger. Imagine your Apple Watch battery dying on a long trip; your iPhone could come to the rescue.

    The leaker, known for accurate past predictions about Apple products, claims this feature is in the testing phase. However, whether it will make it into the final release of the iPhone 17 Pro remains uncertain. This development could significantly change how we use our devices, offering more flexibility and convenience. But until Apple officially confirms this, we’ll have to wait and see if our iPhones will soon play the role of a mini charging station.

    Source

  • Apple Store in Chicago mall to shut down permanently

    Apple Store in Chicago mall to shut down permanently

    Apple has announced that it will close its store at Northbrook Court, a mall in the Chicago area, for good. Though no specific closure date has been shared, the decision reflects changes happening at the mall. The Apple store at Northbrook first opened its doors back in 2005 and later expanded within the mall in 2017. Despite this closure, Apple assures that all employees from this location will remain with the company.

    “Apple is all about giving customers a great experience,” an Apple spokesperson stated. “With Northbrook Court Mall undergoing major changes and many stores leaving, we’ve decided it’s time to close our shop here. We’ve enjoyed being part of the Northbrook community for nearly two decades. Our team members will keep their jobs, and we invite our customers to visit any of our other eight stores in the Chicago area, or shop online through Apple.com or our app.”

    The announcement was initially covered by Crain’s Chicago Business. Northbrook Court has been struggling, evidenced by the exit of several big-name retailers, with Lululemon being the latest to leave just last month. This isn’t the first time Apple has shut down stores; last year, they closed locations in Infinite Loop and at the Royal Hawaiian.

    However, Apple continues to expand globally, having opened new stores in places like Miami Worldcenter, The Exchange TRX in Malaysia, and they’re preparing to open a new store in Downtown Detroit soon. This closure marks another shift in Apple’s retail strategy, balancing between closing underperforming locations and expanding into new markets or revitalized areas.

  • Big update coming for Apple Vision Pro – No New Gadgets Needed

    Big update coming for Apple Vision Pro – No New Gadgets Needed

    The Apple Vision Pro, which just celebrated its first birthday, might soon receive one of its largest updates yet, and you won’t need to buy new hardware to enjoy it. The buzz is all about Apple Intelligence, which was initially rolled out for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Until now, this suite of AI features was exclusive to models like the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16, various iPad models with M-series chips, and the latest Macs.

    However, there was no mention of Apple Vision Pro getting these AI enhancements in previous updates. The Vision Pro, powered by Apple’s second-generation M-series chip, has been somewhat left out until now. But that could change.

    Recent whispers from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg hint that Apple might extend Apple Intelligence to the current Vision Pro models. This is exciting news for those who’ve invested in the $3,500 headset, offering new capabilities without the need for an upgrade.

    This rumor comes as a relief, especially after reports suggested that some new Siri features with Apple Intelligence might miss the iOS 18.4 release. Keep an eye out for more updates from Apple in the coming days, including a new product launch scheduled for this Wednesday.

    Top Apple Accessories You Might Love

    • Wireless CarPlay Adapter
    • iPhone MagSafe Battery Pack
    • USB-C Charger for iPhone
    • Apple AirTag for Tracking
    • AirPods 4 for Music Lovers
    • AirPods Pro 2 for Enhanced Audio Experience
    • Apple Pencil Pro for Creatives

    Stay tuned for how these developments could enhance your Apple experience!

  • Linux developer for Apple Silicon Macs steps down

    Linux developer for Apple Silicon Macs steps down

    Yesterday, Hector Martin announced his resignation as the leader of the Asahi Linux project, which began shortly after Apple introduced its Silicon chips in early 2021. The team had successfully released an alpha version for M1 and M2 Macs in 2022, making significant strides in the project.

    Background

    Bringing Linux to Apple Silicon was a challenging task, but with overwhelming community support, Martin achieved what many thought was impossible. For the first couple of years, the project turned the platform from zero to one of the best Linux experiences on any laptop. Despite some hardware features still missing, the overall performance was impressive, especially considering there was no direct support or documentation from Apple.

    However, the journey wasn’t all smooth. Martin faced burnout due to constant complaints from some users and opposition from parts of the Linux community. He particularly criticized Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux kernel, for not being actively involved enough in supporting the integration of new technologies like Rust into Linux. This lack of leadership, according to Martin, was detrimental to the project’s progress.

    What’s Next?

    Despite stepping down, Martin is optimistic about the project’s future. He plans to hand over leadership to the existing Asahi Linux team, who aim to continue the project with several goals for 2025. These include merging all necessary drivers for M1 and M2 Macs into the main Linux kernel, known as upstream.

    The team also plans to enhance testing processes and introduce new features like DisplayPort alt mode, DirectX 12 support, and support for internal microphones, which might be available in just a few days. However, support for newer hardware like M3 and M4 Macs won’t be a priority for now, as the focus is on strengthening the current foundation.

    Martin’s departure raises questions, but the team’s dedication suggests that Asahi Linux will persist, though perhaps not immediately on the newest Apple hardware. Here’s hoping for continued advancements and success for the Asahi Linux project.

  • Netflix won’t be part of Apple TV after all

    Netflix won’t be part of Apple TV after all

    Recently, some Netflix viewers in the U.S. noticed something unusual. They saw Netflix shows and movies appearing in the “Continue Watching” list on the Apple TV app. This led to rumors that Netflix might finally be working with Apple TV.

    However, it turned out to be just a mistake. Netflix confirmed to a news site that the appearance of their content in the Apple TV app was not intentional. They quickly fixed the error, pulling their shows and movies back from the Apple TV’s queue.

    Netflix has long chosen to keep its service separate from the Apple TV app. This means if you’re using an Apple TV, you won’t find your Netflix watch list mixed in with other services like Apple TV+, Hulu, Disney+, Max, or Amazon Prime Video. Instead, Netflix wants its users to use its own app to keep track of what they’re watching and find new things to watch.

    This approach by Netflix means that fans of the service have to switch between apps if they want to manage their viewing across different platforms on Apple devices. While other streaming services have embraced integration with Apple’s system for a smoother experience, Netflix continues to stand alone. This decision might be based on keeping control over their user experience or other strategic business reasons not fully public.

    So, if you were excited about potentially seeing all your streaming in one place with Apple TV, you’ll have to wait a bit longer or manage your Netflix watching separately.

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