Search results for: “Google”

  • Apple buys another office space and faces App Store issue in Germany

    Apple buys another office space and faces App Store issue in Germany

    Apple Purchases New Office Campus

    Apple recently bought Mathilda Commons, another office complex in Sunnyvale, California, for $350 million. This purchase comes shortly after Apple spent $166.9 million on the Cupertino Gate office complex. Together, these deals show Apple’s commitment to expanding its presence in the South Bay area, with over half a billion dollars invested in real estate this week.

    The Mathilda Commons, located just seven miles from Apple Park, includes two buildings with 382,500 square feet of space, enough for up to 1,900 workers. Apple paid about 20% more than the property’s value in January, highlighting its importance. Kristina Raspe, Apple’s Vice President of Global Real Estate, said, “The Santa Clara Valley has been Apple’s home for over 40 years, and we’re excited to keep investing in great spaces for our teams.”

    Germany Requests Removal of DeepSeek App

    Due to privacy concerns, Germany has asked Apple and Google to remove the DeepSeek AI app from their app stores. Berlin’s data protection commissioner, Meike Kamp, stated that DeepSeek illegally sends user data, like prompts and files, to servers in China, where the government can access it.

    DeepSeek failed to prove it protects German users’ data to EU standards. This follows similar bans in Italy and the Netherlands. Kamp urged Apple and Google to review the app quickly, though no deadline was set. Google is currently looking into the request. This issue adds to growing global concerns about DeepSeek’s data practices.

  • Apple might be working on a smarter Calendar app

    Apple might be working on a smarter Calendar app

    Apple is considering a significant update for its Calendar app. Apple recently put out a software engineer job listing for the Calendar team on their website. It seems Apple could soon release new features or major updates for the app.

    According to the post, the engineer will focus on creating innovative new experiences and enhancing Apple Calendar for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro. Although Apple doesn’t reveal what they are developing, hiring new employees for the team suggests some new plans.

    For years, Calendar on Apple devices has held the same design and lacked many new additions. Some of Fantastical and Google Calendar’s rivals feature creating events with normal phrasing, improved reminders and easier sharing. Since Apple wants to compete effectively, adding similar smart tools would be a smart move.

    We may get new information about the Calendar improvements during the Worldwide Developers Conference on June 10. Apple will likely introduce iOS 18 and other big software updates at this event.

    The posting makes it clear that Apple still has its eye on the Calendar app for now. For the first time in many years, it may have the attention that matters.

  • Apple will let developers use its own AI tools in their apps

    Apple will let developers use its own AI tools in their apps

    Apple is planning to let developers use its own AI models in their apps, starting with iOS 18. According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple’s main goal is to offer powerful AI tools that work fast and keep user data private.

    Developers will be able to access Apple’s on-device AI models through Xcode and other Apple development tools. These models can be used for different tasks, such as text generation, smart replies, or image editing. Because the AI runs directly on the device, it won’t need an internet connection to work, and personal data stays private.

    Apple’s approach is different from companies like OpenAI and Google, which mostly use cloud-based AI. While Apple may still use cloud processing for some advanced features, the focus will be on making on-device AI strong enough for everyday use.

    At WWDC 2024 in June, Apple is expected to share more details about its AI strategy. The update may include new features like AI-powered notifications, smart summaries, and improvements to Siri.

    By giving developers access to its AI, Apple is aiming to help create smarter and more useful apps while keeping user privacy a top priority. This move could make iPhones and iPads even more helpful in daily tasks, without depending too much on external servers.

  • Apple adds small but useful changes to iOS apps like Translate, Spotify, and Sports

    Apple adds small but useful changes to iOS apps like Translate, Spotify, and Sports

    With the update, iOS users will notice these apps are more user-friendly. Users can now make Google Translate the default app for translations on iOS. So, when you pick text and choose the Translate button, your iPhone will open the Google Translate app automatically. If your device has iOS 16 or a newer version, you can use this to translate in more ways than Apple’s tool allows.

    Spotify decided to make changes that comply with the rules of Apple’s App Store. Now, if you have Spotify on your iOS device, you can tap a link to discover how to purchase audiobooks. The app won’t help you make a purchase, but it will show you how to find the items for sale elsewhere. Apple made it possible for App Store apps in the EU to provide more information about purchases that take place outside the App Store.

    The Apple Sports app has added a daily newsletter and various other updates. Now, fans can quickly catch up on games and important updates from their favorite teams through the daily email. It also includes useful information before and during matches to help you track the action as it happens. Many of the major sports leagues such as NBA, MLB and MLS, are supported by it. By adding small updates to iOS apps, Apple tries to make the experience both seamless and more user-friendly.

  • Five cool features coming to Apple’s new Homepad

    Five cool features coming to Apple’s new Homepad

    Apple just revealed a new smart home device called HomePad, and it’s packed with exciting features designed to make your home smarter and more connected. Here are five key features you should know about:

    1. Easy setup with iPhone
      Setting up HomePad is super simple. Just bring your iPhone close to it, and it automatically syncs your Apple ID, Wi-Fi settings, and more—just like setting up AirPods or a HomePod.

    2. Works with Matter
      HomePad fully supports Matter, the new smart home standard that works with devices from different brands. This means you can control smart devices from Apple, Google, Amazon, and others—all from the same app.

    3. Multi-display support
      HomePad supports multiple displays at once. So, you can control smart lights from the kitchen while watching a camera feed in the living room. It makes multitasking across rooms easy and smooth.

    4. Hand off FaceTime and calls
      You can start a FaceTime call on your iPhone and then transfer it to the HomePad instantly. It even works with other video calling apps, making your video chats more flexible.

    5. Smart home automation with Siri
      Siri on HomePad helps automate tasks like locking doors at night or turning off lights when you leave home. You can also set up routines that adjust based on time or who’s in the house.

    Apple hasn’t given a release date yet, but these features show they’re aiming to make HomePad a powerful hub for your smart home.

  • Apple keeps top spot as world’s most valuable brand in 2025

    Apple keeps top spot as world’s most valuable brand in 2025

    Apple has once again been named the most valuable brand in the world, according to Kantar’s latest BrandZ report for 2025. The company continues to lead the list thanks to strong demand for its products and services, along with its focus on innovation and customer experience.

    This year, Apple’s brand value grew 15% compared to last year, reaching an impressive $880 billion. This helped it keep the number one spot, followed by Google in second place and Microsoft in third. Amazon and McDonald’s completed the top five.

    Kantar noted that tech companies continue to dominate the rankings, taking seven of the top ten spots. Besides the big three—Apple, Google, and Microsoft—other tech brands like Samsung, Tencent, and Facebook also remained strong.

    The overall value of the top 100 brands rose by 20% in 2025, bouncing back after a slight dip last year. According to Kantar, this growth shows that strong brands can recover quickly and keep their influence even in uncertain times.

    Apple’s ongoing success is mainly due to its ability to launch popular products, like the iPhone and Apple Watch, and to offer seamless services like iCloud and Apple Music. Its loyal customer base and smart marketing also play a big part in keeping the brand on top.

    In short, Apple’s position as the world’s most valuable brand shows how staying innovative and customer-focused continues to pay off.

  • 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.

  • Brazil investigates Apple’s NFC fees and App Store rules

    Brazil investigates Apple’s NFC fees and App Store rules

    In Brazil, Apple is facing two big issues with its iPhone policies. First, the country’s antitrust group, CADE, is looking into Apple’s rules for using the iPhone’s NFC chip, which handles contactless payments. Brazilian banks say Apple’s strict rules and a fee of up to 0.17% per transaction make it hard for them to compete.

    This fee is charged when banks use Apple’s NFC system for payments, unlike Google, which offers a similar feature for free. CADE started this investigation after banks complained that Apple’s control over NFC creates an unfair advantage, especially for its own payment system.

    Second, a Brazilian court has ordered Apple to allow sideloading on iPhones within 90 days. Sideloading lets users install apps from outside the App Store. This ruling came after a complaint from MercadoLibre, a major e-commerce company, which argued that Apple’s App Store rules block fair competition.

    CADE decided that Apple’s restrictions, like forcing developers to use its payment system, are illegal. Apple tried to delay this change, saying it could harm user privacy and security, but the court disagreed, noting Apple already allows sideloading in places like Europe without major issues.

    Apple plans to appeal both decisions, arguing that its rules protect users. However, CADE’s investigations show Brazil is serious about making tech companies play fair. If Apple doesn’t follow the court’s orders, it could face hefty fines. These cases highlight growing global pressure on Apple to open up its iPhone ecosystem.

  • iOS 19 beta set to launch with cool new features

    iOS 19 beta set to launch with cool new features

    Apple is gearing up to unveil iOS 19, its next major iPhone update, with a beta release expected in June 2025, shortly after the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) kicks off on June 9. The official version will likely drop in September 2025, alongside new iPhones, though some features may trickle out later, possibly into 2026.

    iOS 19 will sport a bold new style inspired by the Vision Pro’s visionOS. Picture a glossy, transparent interface with smoother, curvier app icons and a floating navigation bar in apps. This makeover, the most significant since iOS 7, will also refresh iPadOS 19 and macOS 16, creating a seamless look across Apple’s ecosystem.

    Siri’s getting a major boost in iOS 19, powered by enhanced Apple Intelligence. It’ll dive deeper into your emails, photos, and apps, making tasks feel more intuitive. Some of Siri’s advanced tricks might not show up until iOS 19.4 in spring 2026. There’s also buzz about Google Gemini joining ChatGPT as an optional Siri assistant.

    Expect other perks like upgraded Stage Manager for USB-C iPhones, secure RCS texting, real-time translations via AirPods, and a smarter Health app with AI-powered wellness tips. iOS 19 should support iPhone 11 and later models. Post-WWDC, developers will dive into the beta, with a public beta opening up in the summer for eager testers.

  • 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.