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Search results for: “Experience”

  • 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.

    Source

  • New Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds now in Apple Stores with cool features

    New Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds now in Apple Stores with cool features

    The Powerbeats Pro 2 were introduced by Apple earlier this week, and now they’re available for you to pick up directly from Apple’s retail outlets. These earbuds also started reaching customers who ordered them online.

    Powerbeats Pro 2 Orange

    The Powerbeats Pro 2 come equipped with the same H2 chip found in the AirPods Pro 2, which brings features like Active Noise Cancellation, something the first Powerbeats Pro didn’t have. Another exciting addition is the heart rate monitor built into each earbud. They use LED optical sensors that flash more than 100 times a second to check your heart rate through blood flow. This can connect with apps like Peloton and Nike Run Club, enhancing your workout experience.

    You can find the Powerbeats Pro 2 in various colors like Electric Orange, Hyper Purple, Jet Black, and Quick Sand on Apple’s website. They’re priced at $249 in the U.S., matching the cost of both the AirPods Pro 2 and the original Powerbeats Pro.

    Whether you’re looking to upgrade your workout gear or just want excellent sound quality with noise cancellation, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are now easily accessible at Apple stores.

  • New Apple screen with Mini-LEDs coming soon

    New Apple screen with Mini-LEDs coming soon

    Apple is reportedly developing a new 27-inch screen with mini-LED technology, which might hit the market by late 2025. This could be an upgrade from the Studio Display that Apple launched back in 2022. The existing model uses a 5K LED screen, but this new one would switch to mini-LED for better performance.

    According to display expert Ross Young, this screen will use mini-LEDs made by Epistar, with LG Display providing the panels. There was talk back in 2023 about Apple working on something called the Studio Display Pro, which would have had ProMotion technology, but that project seems to have been dropped. While Young once said Apple wasn’t planning another 27-inch screen, another well-known Apple analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, insists that Apple is indeed planning to release a new display in 2025.

    Apple has already embraced mini-LED technology in its MacBook Pro, where it significantly improves the screen’s brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. The MacBook Pro’s display uses over 10,000 mini-LEDs, which help in displaying darker blacks, more detailed shadows, and brighter highlights.

    Adding to the buzz, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has also heard about this new 27-inch mini-LED display, though he thinks it might not arrive until 2026. This new screen could be a big step up for Apple’s display tech, offering users a much richer viewing experience.

    Source

  • Apple’s new software updates bring back Apple Intelligence features

    Apple’s new software updates bring back Apple Intelligence features

    Some people are noticing that Apple’s recent software updates are turning Apple Intelligence back on, even if they had turned it off before.

    If you’ve missed it, Apple released updates for macOS Sequoia 15.3.1, iOS 18.3.1, and iPadOS 18.3.1, which include important security updates everyone should install. However, after these updates, some users, including software developer Jeff Johnson, have reported that their devices, especially those showing a Welcome screen after the update, are automatically enabling Apple Intelligence again.

    In our tests, devices like the M4 Pro Mac mini, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and M4 iPad Pro showed different behaviors. The iPhones and iPad kept Apple Intelligence off, but the Mac mini re-enabled it after the update. It seems the key is whether you see a Welcome screen for Apple Intelligence, which doesn’t give you an option to set it up later, forcing you to enable it.

    This automatic reactivation is a worry for those who want control over their device settings, especially since Apple Intelligence needs up to 7GB of storage to work. This space is used for keeping AI models on your device for privacy-focused processing. In previous updates, Apple made Apple Intelligence an opt-out feature, meaning it’s on by default.

    If you want to keep Apple Intelligence off, you should check your settings after updating. On your iPhone or iPad, look in Settings under “Apple Intelligence & Siri.” On a Mac, go to System Settings and check the same place. Have you updated recently? Share your experience in the comments.

    In other news, Apple reportedly decided not to partner with DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, for its Apple Intelligence features. DeepSeek made headlines for creating AI models that are less expensive and use less power, but privacy concerns led to bans on government devices in some countries. Apple needed a local partner for China, looked at several, but seems to be moving forward with Alibaba after initial talks with Baidu didn’t work out. They’ve even submitted a first batch of AI features to China’s regulators for approval.

    Apple also plans to add Chinese language support to Apple Intelligence in an upcoming April update, but this might only apply outside of China until they get the green light there.

    Source/Via

  • Making Apple Vision Pro easier to wear

    Making Apple Vision Pro easier to wear

    The main complaints about the Apple Vision Pro have been its cost and its weight. Apple is already working on a cheaper version, and a new patent suggests a way to make the headset lighter. People who tried it early on noted that the headset feels heavy after a while, and I felt the same when I used it.

    John Gruber, a well-known tech commentator, shared similar thoughts:

    “The Vision Pro is heavy. I wore it for hours without pain, but the weight does become tiring. You can’t forget you’re wearing it. Plus, it’s quite big, like a large, heavy pair of goggles on your face.”

    During my hour-long session, I noticed the weight and comfort issues. Comfort is a big challenge with this kind of technology. On a warm day, even by UK standards, my upper face felt hot inside the headset, similar to my experiences with the Meta Quest 2.

    The weight was particularly noticeable after about 30 minutes. With my Quest, I use an extra battery pack at the back, which helps balance the weight. However, the Vision Pro is front-heavy, and that was starting to bother me, especially when moving my head up and down.

    A recent patent from Apple, highlighted by Patently Apple, offers a solution: moving the processor and other components away from the headset, much like they did with the battery.

    The patent starts by discussing the problem:

    “Head-mounted displays (HMDs) should be comfortable for long periods. As we add more features, battery life, and performance, we add more weight. We need to balance comfort with the device’s capabilities.”

    A heavy front can make wearing the device less enjoyable. Apple recognizes this and suggests a need for a lighter HMD that doesn’t compromise on performance. They also tackle the heat problem, suggesting better ways to manage heat. Currently, the Vision Pro uses a separate battery pack to help with weight, and the patent suggests that the processing could be moved into this external “cartridge.”

    This cartridge would house the processor, which would send video to the headset’s display, and could be attached or detached as needed. One idea is to have the processor in a unit that can either sit in the headset or be housed in an external case, providing flexibility in how the user wears the device.

  • Apple Might Add Cameras to AirPods: What does this mean for us?

    Apple Might Add Cameras to AirPods: What does this mean for us?

    Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has revealed that Apple is working on a new type of AirPods that include cameras. Don’t expect to see this in the upcoming AirPods Pro 3, but the tech is definitely on the way. The big question is, what’s the purpose?

    Exploring Visual Intelligence

    With the iPhone 16, Apple introduced a feature called Camera Control, which not only helps in taking photos but also brings something called Visual Intelligence. This allows your phone to understand and interact with the world around you. For example, you could scan an event poster and add the details to your calendar or use AI to learn about something new.

    Apple seems to want to extend this capability to AirPods. Imagine being able to ask Siri about your surroundings without even touching your phone. This move is part of Apple’s strategy to stay competitive in the AI technology race.

    Enhancing Audio Experience

    Ming Chi Kuo, a known tech analyst, suggests these cameras could also improve how we experience spatial audio, especially when used with devices like the Apple Vision Pro. If you’re watching a video and turn your head, the audio could shift to match your new perspective, making the experience more immersive.

    There’s also a wild card idea from Kuo about “in-air gesture control” for AirPods, which sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie.

    When Will We See Them?

    According to Gurman, don’t hold your breath for these camera-equipped AirPods until at least 2027, possibly with the AirPods Pro 4. Apple’s vision includes not just these AirPods but also smart glasses, aiming to make use of the costly technology developed for the Vision Pro. This would help in understanding and interacting with the environment around the user.

    In summary, Apple’s exploration into adding cameras to AirPods might revolutionize how we interact with our devices, enhancing both utility and entertainment through smarter, more contextual technology.

  • Mac app store issues for older Mac systems

    Mac app store issues for older Mac systems

    Mac users with older macOS versions are facing problems when trying to use the Mac App Store. Specifically, those with macOS Mojave (10.14) and older are having trouble.

    Reports started coming in around January 24, 2025, suggesting that something went wrong when Apple updated how receipts work in the App Store. Users are seeing error messages like “Something went wrong while logging in” or “We couldn’t read the data because it’s not in the right format.”

    The experience varies depending on which macOS version you’re using. If you’re on Catalina (10.15) or newer, everything works fine. But if you’re still using Mojave (10.14), you can look around the store, but you can’t buy new apps or download ones you’ve already bought once your session ends. For those on High Sierra (10.13), parts of the store’s interface might not show up, and signing in can be tricky. Users on Sierra (10.12) are seeing messages that stop them from even getting into the store.

    It looks like these problems might have something to do with Apple’s new way of handling receipts, but we’re not sure yet. For those stuck with these issues, Apple offers other ways to get macOS updates. Also, many apps can still be downloaded directly from the developers’ own websites, outside of the App Store.

    This situation leaves older Mac users in a bit of a bind, hoping for a quick fix from Apple to restore full functionality to the Mac App Store on their systems.

    Source

  • Exciting upgrades coming to Apple Vision Pro this year

    Exciting upgrades coming to Apple Vision Pro this year

    The Apple Vision Pro has now been on the market for a year, and it’s time for some exciting updates. Here are three major improvements we can look forward to in the coming months, plus a special offer for military members.

    Smarter Siri

    Siri on the Vision Pro is set to get smarter with the introduction of Apple Intelligence. This upgrade, expected in visionOS 3, will make Siri more powerful than ever. With better AI, Siri will be more helpful, especially for voice-based tasks, making your experience with the Vision Pro smoother and more intuitive.

    More Games, More Fun

    Apple has been keen on making its devices great for gaming, but the Vision Pro didn’t start with much in this area. Good news is on the horizon though; support for PlayStation VR2 controllers is coming, and there’s a buzz about more games being developed for the Vision Pro. This could make it a top choice for VR gamers if Apple plays its cards right.

    Lots More Immersive Videos

    Immersive Video has been one of the standout features of the Vision Pro, but there hasn’t been enough content to satisfy users. That’s changing with Apple planning to release more immersive videos. This could turn the Vision Pro into a powerhouse for entertainment, offering experiences like no other.

    Special Offer for Veterans and Military

    Apple has now included the Vision Pro in its Veterans and Military Purchase Program, offering a 10% discount. This means you can get the Vision Pro for a starting price of about $3,149 instead of $3,499. Accessories like extra batteries and travel cases also get a discount, although you can’t use Apple Card Monthly Installments for this offer. This is Apple’s way of thanking those who serve by making their cutting-edge tech more accessible.

    With these upgrades, the Vision Pro is shaping up to be not just a tech marvel but a versatile platform for work and play. Whether it becomes a must-have productivity tool remains to be seen, but as an entertainment device, it’s certainly on its way to becoming unbeatable.

  • New Apple Notes feature makes switching between notes easier

    New Apple Notes feature makes switching between notes easier

    Apple Notes received some exciting updates with iOS 18 last year, including features like sections that can be folded away, highlighting in different colors, and even recording audio with text transcripts. But there’s one new feature that I’ve been wishing for, which has made a difference for those who use Notes a lot.

    Quick Note Switching in iOS 18

    I’ve got over 2,500 notes stored in Apple Notes. As someone who uses this app daily, I’ve always found one issue annoying: moving from one note to another.

    Usually, it’s not a big deal, but when I need to toggle between a couple of notes quickly, things can get a bit slow. With all those notes, my app is organized into lots of folders and sub-folders, making the task of jumping from one note to another quite a hassle.

    Thankfully, iOS 18 brought a fix for this problem, especially handy for avid Notes users.

    The Recent Notes Feature in Apple Notes

    There’s now a new option in the top-right corner of the Notes app under a three-dot menu, named ‘Recent Notes’. This menu lists the last 10 notes you’ve looked at on your device. You can simply tap on any note in this list to switch to it without having to dig through your folders. This simple addition has transformed how I move between notes, making it much faster and less frustrating.

    While I would appreciate if Apple could make this process even quicker, maybe with one less tap, the change in iOS 18 is certainly a step in the right direction. It’s made my experience with Apple Notes significantly better.

  • Celebrate super bowl LIX with Kendrick Lamar workouts on Fitness+

    Celebrate super bowl LIX with Kendrick Lamar workouts on Fitness+

    Apple recently shared that Kendrick Lamar will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime show on February 6th. Following his impressive win of five more Grammys, bringing his total to 22, Apple has decided to celebrate by adding several new Kendrick Lamar-themed workouts to Fitness+.

    Fitness+ and Kendrick Lamar

    I’ve been using Fitness+ for a couple of years now. It all started in early 2021 when I wanted to get back into shape. I began with simple 5-minute workouts, aiming for one each day. Over time, I was able to do longer sessions and explore different types of exercises like walking, running, strength training, and yoga. Fitness+ offers a wide range of workouts and instructors, making it easy to find something that suits you.

    Apple then started creating workout sessions focused on specific artists. Instead of a mix of songs, you get to work out to the tracks of one artist. My favorite has been the 30-minute run with Scott, featuring The Weeknd’s music, which is just amazing. Now, they’ve done the same with Kendrick Lamar! Here’s what you can expect:

    • 20-minute Pilates with Darryl
    • 20-minute Strength with Kim
    • 30-minute Yoga with Jonelle
    • 30-minute Cycling with Kym
    • 30-minute Kickboxing with Jamie-ray

    I’m looking forward to trying out the strength workout with Kim, although I would have loved a running session with Scott too.

    Pricing & Availability

    To access these special workouts, you need to be a Fitness+ subscriber. Currently, there’s a one-month free trial available, perfect for February to try out these new workouts. After the trial, the subscription costs $9.99 per month. Alternatively, you can opt for the Apple One Premier plan, which includes Fitness+ along with other services. Here’s the pricing for that: This is a fantastic way to enjoy your fitness journey with the backdrop of Kendrick Lamar’s music, enhancing your workout experience with his dynamic beats.

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