Search results for: “Google Drive”

  • Apple eyes new AI search options for Safari as Google deal faces scrutiny

    Apple eyes new AI search options for Safari as Google deal faces scrutiny

    Apple is exploring fresh ways to power search in its Safari browser, leaning toward AI-driven solutions, as its long-term partnership with Google comes under pressure. During a U.S. Justice Department case against Google, Eddy Cue, Apple’s services chief, revealed the company’s interest in teaming up with AI innovators like OpenAI, Anthropic, or Perplexity to boost Safari’s search features.

    The Google agreement, worth $20 billion yearly, sets Google as Safari’s default search engine. But with the lawsuit raising concerns about this deal, Apple is rethinking its strategy. The potential loss of this revenue stream is significant, yet the rise of AI-based search tools offers a promising alternative. These tools could make searches smarter and more intuitive for users.

    Rather than creating its search engine, Apple is cautiously testing AI enhancements, such as summarizing webpages in Safari. These efforts are part of broader plans for iOS 19, aiming to keep Safari ahead in a fast-changing tech world. The company wants to ensure its browser stays user-friendly and cutting-edge.

    As the legal case unfolds, Apple is preparing for a future where AI could reshape online searches. While no partnerships are confirmed, Apple’s focus on AI signals exciting changes ahead for Safari and how people explore the web.

  • Apple’s exciting 2027 lineup

    Apple’s exciting 2027 lineup

    Apple has big ideas for 2027, but with no major design updates in sight, some fans are growing restless. The tech giant is crafting a tabletop robot, a fresh device that could transform how we use technology at home. They’re also planning a special iPhone to mark its 20th anniversary, featuring a sleek, full-screen design with a camera tucked beneath the display. Building these iPhones will be tricky, so Apple will likely rely on Chinese factories rather than Indian ones.

    Apple is also dreaming up AirPods and Apple Watches with cameras. These won’t just snap photos—they’ll use AI to analyze your surroundings, powered by new chips called “Nevis” for the Watch and “Glennie” for AirPods, both slated for 2027. On top of that, Apple is working on a foldable iPhone and smart glasses to rival competitors.

    For software, iOS 19 will bring a travel-friendly feature that lets your Apple devices share hotel Wi-Fi info seamlessly. Meanwhile, Apple is looking beyond Google, experimenting with AI-driven search tools for Safari to give users a smarter browsing experience. These bold plans highlight Apple’s drive to lead the tech world, though 2027 feels like a distant wait for eager users.

  • Apple should boost CarPlay for electric cars

    Apple should boost CarPlay for electric cars

    Apple’s CarPlay makes it easy to use your iPhone in the car, letting you access apps safely on the road. However, for electric vehicle (EV) owners, CarPlay falls short. Its EV routing tool, which plans trips with charging stops, only works with a small number of models, like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Porsche Taycan. This leaves most EV drivers without proper support.

    The issue is that CarPlay’s charging and battery tracking features depend on carmakers sharing live battery data, and only a few do. Meanwhile, rivals like Google’s Android Auto face similar challenges, but some automakers are creating their own EV-friendly systems. For instance, General Motors is phasing out CarPlay in its electric models to build custom software that better handles navigation and charging needs.

    To stay ahead, Apple could add features that don’t rely on carmakers, like improved charger finders or simple battery range predictions. Including more EV-focused apps, such as those for locating charging stations or optimizing routes, would also make a big difference. With CarPlay in nearly 98% of new U.S. cars, Apple has a golden chance to shine in the EV world. It just needs to move quickly to meet the rising demand for electric vehicles.

  • Apple joins Anthropic to craft AI-powered coding assistant

    Apple joins Anthropic to craft AI-powered coding assistant

    Apple is collaborating with Anthropic to develop a new AI-driven coding tool named “CodeFlow,” as reported by Bloomberg. This innovative software is designed to assist developers by generating, refining, and testing code seamlessly. Integrated into an enhanced version of Apple’s Xcode platform, CodeFlow leverages Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet model, renowned for its exceptional coding capabilities.

    Currently, Apple intends to use CodeFlow internally to streamline its development process. There’s no confirmation yet on whether it will be released to the public. The tool features a conversational interface, enabling programmers to request code samples or troubleshoot errors effortlessly.

    It also supports testing app interfaces, speeding up the creation process significantly. Apple is actively partnering with multiple AI firms to advance its tech offerings. For instance, OpenAI’s ChatGPT enhances some of Apple’s AI functions, and there’s talk of integrating Google’s Gemini later.

    Anthropic’s Claude is a favorite among coders, widely used on platforms like Cursor and Windsurf for its reliability in programming tasks. This collaboration underscores Apple’s commitment to leading in AI innovation, as competitors increasingly adopt similar tools to boost efficiency.

    Through this partnership with Anthropic, Apple is set to revolutionize its coding workflow and may eventually extend CodeFlow to external developers. This effort reflects the growing role of AI in transforming software development, making it faster and more accessible for creators everywhere.

  • Gmail for iPhone and iPad gets a fresh new look with Material 3 design

    Gmail for iPhone and iPad gets a fresh new look with Material 3 design

    Google is giving Gmail on iPhone and iPad a new look by updating it with the Material You (Material 3) design style. This update changes how things look, making the app feel more modern and in line with other Google apps.

    One of the main changes is the updated top bar. It now has a rounded search field that takes up the full width, along with a profile picture on the right. The Gmail logo is now smaller and moved to the left, giving the app a cleaner appearance. This design is already used in other Google apps like Drive and Docs on iOS.

    The main screen still shows your email list, and the overall layout hasn’t changed much. However, everything looks more polished thanks to small design updates, like better use of space and more consistent colors.

    This redesign brings Gmail for iOS closer to the look of its Android version, which already received the Material You style earlier. The update started rolling out through version 6.0.240421, so if you haven’t seen it yet, it should arrive soon via the App Store.

    Google continues to refresh its apps to match the latest design trends, and this Gmail update is part of that effort to make its apps more unified and user-friendly.

  • iPhone 17 to stay cool with new tech and slim iPhone 17 Air details

    iPhone 17 to stay cool with new tech and slim iPhone 17 Air details

    Fresh news about the iPhone 17 suggests at least one model will stay cooler with a fancy liquid cooling system called a vapor chamber. This is the third time we’ve heard this, but it’s still unclear which models will get it.

    Apple’s chips keep getting stronger every year, but they heat up when you push them hard—like when playing heavy games. When they get too hot, the phone slows down to avoid damage. This is called thermal throttling. It happens when the chip hits its heat limit, and the phone cuts back power until it cools off.

    Big devices like the MacBook Pro use fans to blow heat away, but iPhones rely on a simple metal or graphite block to soak up heat and pass it to the phone’s body. A vapor chamber is a smarter version of this. It has liquid inside that turns into vapor when part of the phone gets hot. The vapor moves to cooler areas, turns back into liquid, and lowers the temperature. It’s like how a wet towel cools your head when you’re sick.

    Who Said What About iPhone 17 Cooling?

    Last summer, Apple expert Ming-Chi Kuo said only the iPhone 17 Pro Max would get this vapor chamber upgrade paired with graphite sheets. Other models would stick to just graphite. Then, the Chinese site MyDrivers claimed all iPhone 17 models would have it. Now, a trusted leaker, Instant Digital, says both Pro models—iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max—will use this cooling trick.

    iPhone 17 Air: Super Thin and Sleek

    Apple’s also swapping the “Plus” model for a new iPhone 17 Air, and everyone’s talking about how thin it’ll be. Reports vary: some say 6mm, others 5.5mm at its slimmest. Leaker Ice Universe adds that the camera bump is 4mm, making the thickest part 9.5mm. It’ll have one camera, a microphone, and a flash in a long bump, like on Google Pixel phones.

    Size and More

    The iPhone 17 Air might have a 6.6- or 6.7-inch screen—bigger than the iPhone 17 (6.3 inches) but smaller than the Pro Max (6.9 inches). Expect Apple to show off the whole iPhone 17 lineup around mid-September 2025.

  • Apple Maps to add Tesla supercharger locations for Ford EV users

    Apple Maps to add Tesla supercharger locations for Ford EV users

    Apple Maps is getting a big update that will make planning trips easier for people driving Ford Mustang Mach-Es and F-150 Lightnings.

    The Apple Maps feature for electric vehicles (EVs) helps you plan your journey by adding stops for charging when you need them. It keeps track of your car’s battery and looks at things like how fast you’re driving, how high the road goes, and how quick the chargers are to figure out when you should charge and for how long.

    Right now, this feature only works with three cars: the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Ford F-150 Lightning, and the Porsche Taycan. Last year, Ford started sending out adapters to let these Ford cars use Tesla’s Superchargers. These cars have a CCS charging port, and the adapter changes it to work with Tesla’s NACS plug.

    However, Apple Maps hasn’t known about this yet. It only shows you where to go for CCS stations. But, that’s going to change. Ford’s lead engineer for the Mustang Mach-E, Donna Dickson, mentioned in a forum post that the system will soon know about these changes.

    Soon, you’ll be able to see where compatible Tesla Superchargers are right from the navigation in the new 2025 Mustang Mach-E. These locations are already visible on Google Maps for Android Auto users and will soon appear on Apple Maps for those using Apple CarPlay.

    There aren’t a lot of details yet on how this will all work, but it’s expected that Ford drivers with the NACS adapter can tell Apple Maps they can use both CCS and NACS stations. This will help Apple Maps give better, more accurate advice on where to charge.

    As a Mustang Mach-E driver, I’m excited about this update. I hope Ford and Apple will share more soon.

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  • Samsung’s New Galaxy S25: Borrowing over a dozen iPhone traits, claims Macworld

    Samsung’s New Galaxy S25: Borrowing over a dozen iPhone traits, claims Macworld

    Macworld argues that Samsung’s latest Galaxy S25 has taken inspiration from over a dozen iPhone features. From the phone’s sleek, straight-edged design to how its AI assistant displays, Samsung seems to have borrowed quite a bit from Apple.

    Macworld’s Mahmoud Itani highlights this, starting with the AI features. The Galaxy S25 has integrated AI similar to Apple’s, allowing users to connect with third-party chatbots like Google Gemini, just as Apple does with ChatGPT in its system. When activating Gemini on the Galaxy S25, users see a text box with a colorful, glowing border, which looks a lot like Siri’s interface on iPhones. Additionally, the text selection tool in Samsung’s phone mimics Apple’s Writing Tools, offering options to proofread or transform text into tables.

    Itani goes on to mention other features like the ability to record and summarize calls, perform natural language searches in the photo gallery, and a photo editing tool that resembles Apple’s Image Playground. There’s also a new feature similar to Apple’s Live Activities, called the Now Bar, and enhanced audio features for video recording akin to Apple’s cinematic audio.

    9to5Mac’s Viewpoint
    It’s clear that Samsung often looks to Apple for inspiration. Their strategy seems to involve quickly bringing to market features similar to those rumored or leaked for upcoming iPhones, aiming to beat Apple to the punch. However, Apple isn’t innocent of copying either, as both companies tend to adopt similar technologies once they’re mainstream.

    Ultimately, this mutual borrowing is beneficial. The competitive pressure drives each company to innovate and perfect their offerings, leading to better products for consumers.

  • Apple Watch expands sleep apnea detection as iPhone eyes under-display Face ID

    Apple Watch expands sleep apnea detection as iPhone eyes under-display Face ID

    The world of wearable tech and smartphones is constantly evolving, with Apple at the forefront of innovation. Recent developments point towards expanded health features for the Apple Watch and a potential major design shift for the iPhone. Let’s delve into these exciting updates.

    Apple Watch Tackles Sleep Apnea on a Global Scale

    The Apple Watch is becoming more than just a timepiece; it’s evolving into a powerful health monitoring tool. Apple has been diligently working to expand the availability of its sleep apnea detection feature, recently securing approval for its launch in Malaysia, as reported by local sources. This follows closely on the heels of its release in Brazil, demonstrating Apple’s commitment to a global rollout. This feature has already reached over 150 countries and territories as of last September.

    Sleep apnea, a condition characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, can have serious health implications if left untreated. The Apple Watch, specifically the Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models running watchOS 11, utilizes its built-in accelerometer to detect subtle movements during sleep. These movements, indicative of potential breathing disturbances, are then analyzed by sophisticated algorithms. If consistent patterns suggesting moderate to severe sleep apnea are detected, the user receives a notification.

    Apple emphasizes the rigorous development process behind this feature, highlighting the use of advanced machine learning techniques and a vast dataset of clinical-grade sleep apnea tests. The feature underwent validation through a clinical study, further solidifying its reliability. It’s important to note that this feature is intended for adults without a prior diagnosis of sleep apnea and should not be considered a replacement for professional medical assessment.

    The Health app on the iPhone provides a detailed log of nightly breathing disturbances, classifying each instance as either “elevated” or “not elevated,” allowing users to track potential trends and share the information with their healthcare providers. This data-driven approach empowers users to take a proactive role in monitoring their sleep health.

    The Future of iPhone Design: Under-Screen Face ID on the Horizon

    Beyond the realm of wearables, significant changes are anticipated for the iPhone’s design. The long-awaited arrival of under-screen Face ID is generating considerable buzz. Industry analysts have been closely tracking developments in this area, providing valuable insights into Apple’s plans.

    Initially, projections suggested that iPhone 17 Pro models would be the first to adopt under-display Face ID. However, recent information indicates a potential delay, pushing the anticipated release to 2026. This means we could see this groundbreaking technology debut on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

    Even with under-screen Face ID, the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to retain a small pinhole for the front-facing camera, similar to current Android devices from manufacturers like Google and Samsung. This approach allows for a near bezel-less display while still accommodating essential camera functionality. The fate of the Dynamic Island, the interactive area that currently houses the Face ID sensors on newer iPhones, remains uncertain. It’s unclear whether this feature will be retained, adapted, or phased out entirely with the introduction of under-screen Face ID.

    Looking further ahead, analysts speculate that Apple’s ultimate goal is to achieve a truly uninterrupted, all-screen design, incorporating both Face ID and the front camera beneath the display. This would represent a major leap forward in smartphone aesthetics and user experience.

    These developments in both the Apple Watch and iPhone ecosystems illustrate Apple’s ongoing commitment to innovation. From enhancing health monitoring capabilities to reimagining smartphone design, Apple continues to push the boundaries of technology, shaping the future of personal devices. The integration of advanced technologies like machine learning and the pursuit of seamless designs point towards a future where technology seamlessly integrates into our lives, enhancing our well-being and simplifying our interactions with the digital world.

  • The Search for a Search Engine: Why Apple isn’t entering the fray

    The Search for a Search Engine: Why Apple isn’t entering the fray

    The digital landscape is dominated by a few key players, and the search engine arena is no exception. Google has reigned supreme for years, leaving many to wonder why other tech giants haven’t made a serious push to compete. One such giant is Apple, a company known for its innovation and user-centric approach. Recently, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, Eddy Cue, shed light on why the company has no plans to develop its own search engine, offering a candid look at the challenges and considerations involved.

    Cue’s insights emerged within the context of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) antitrust case against Google. Apple filed a motion to intervene, seeking to participate in the penalty phase, which could have significant financial implications for the company due to its lucrative default search engine deal with Google. This deal, which has been the subject of scrutiny, sees Google paying Apple a substantial sum to be the default search engine on Safari.

    The DOJ and Google have been at odds over how to address Google’s dominance in the search market. One proposed solution involves altering or terminating the Google-Apple partnership. Google even suggested a three-year ban on long-term exclusivity deals involving any “proprietary Apple feature or functionality.” However, Cue argues that dismantling the current arrangement could have unintended consequences, ultimately benefiting Google while harming Apple and its users.

    Cue painted a stark picture of the options Apple would face if the current deal were dissolved. He explained that Apple would essentially be left with two undesirable choices. First, it could continue to offer Google as a search option in Safari, but without receiving any revenue share.

    This scenario would grant Google free access to Apple’s vast user base, a significant advantage for the search giant. Alternatively, Apple could remove Google Search as a choice altogether. However, given Google’s popularity among users, this move would likely be detrimental to both Apple and its customers, who have come to rely on Google’s search capabilities.

    The prospect of Apple developing its own search engine has been a recurring topic of speculation. Cue addressed this directly, stating that creating a viable competitor to Google would be an incredibly expensive and time-consuming undertaking. He estimated that such an endeavor would cost billions of dollars and take many years to come to fruition. This economic reality makes entering the search engine market a significant risk for Apple.

    Furthermore, Cue highlighted the inherent challenges in building a successful search engine. He pointed out that to make such a venture economically viable, Apple would likely have to adopt targeted advertising as a core component. This approach clashes with Apple’s strong emphasis on user privacy, a cornerstone of its brand identity and a key differentiator in the market. Integrating targeted advertising into a search engine would require a significant shift in Apple’s business model and could potentially alienate its privacy-conscious customer base.

    Cue also touched upon the evolving nature of search itself. He suggested that AI-powered chatbots represent the next major evolution in information retrieval, hinting that Apple may be focusing its efforts on developing innovative AI-driven solutions rather than attempting to replicate the traditional search engine model. This perspective aligns with the growing trend of integrating AI into various aspects of technology, offering a more conversational and personalized approach to accessing information.

    In the filing, Apple emphasized its right to determine the best way to serve its users. Cue asserted that “only Apple can speak to what kinds of future collaborations can best serve its users,” expressing concern that the DOJ’s proposed remedies could “hamstring” Apple’s ability to meet its customers’ needs. This statement underscores Apple’s desire to maintain control over its ecosystem and strategic partnerships.

    In conclusion, Eddy Cue’s insights provide a compelling explanation for Apple’s decision to stay out of the search engine race. The immense financial investment, the long development timeline, the potential conflict with its privacy principles, and the emergence of AI-driven alternatives all contribute to this strategic choice.

    Rather than attempting to compete directly with Google in the traditional search arena, Apple appears to be focusing on innovation in other areas, potentially exploring new ways for users to access and interact with information. The ongoing antitrust case and its potential ramifications will continue to shape the dynamics of the search market and Apple’s role within it.

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