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Siri’s super bowl slip-up: gives eagles 33 fake wins

In a recent test, Siri showed it still has trouble with basic facts. One Foot Tsunami’s Paul Kafasis checked how well Siri knew Super Bowl history, and the results were not great. Siri only got it right 34% of the time, correctly naming just 20 winners out of 58 Super Bowls.

The most surprising mistake was Siri saying the Philadelphia Eagles won 33 Super Bowls. In reality, the Eagles have only won one. Siri’s answers were all over the place, sometimes talking about the wrong Super Bowl or giving unrelated football info.

Siri did okay for a little while, correctly answering for Super Bowls V to VII, but then it went off track, getting 15 answers wrong in a row from XVII to XXXII. When asked about Super Bowl XVI, Siri even suggested asking ChatGPT, which gave the right answer, showing Siri’s knowledge isn’t up to par.

This test was done on iOS 18.2.1 with Apple’s new smart tech, and the same problems were seen on the latest iOS beta and macOS. Kafasis put all the results into a spreadsheet you can look at.

Daring Fireball’s John Gruber also tested Siri with sports questions and found it did worse than other search engines and AI like ChatGPT, Kagi, DuckDuckGo, and Google. Interestingly, the old version of Siri was better at admitting when it didn’t know the answer by showing web links, which at least gave a chance at finding the right answer.

Gruber was quite critical, saying:

“New Siri, with Apple’s smart tech and ChatGPT help, gives answers that are completely but believably wrong, which is the worst kind of mistake. It’s also inconsistent in its errors — I asked the same thing four times and got four different wrong answers.”

Siri’s performance has been criticized before, but these tests show how it can confidently give wrong information. Apple is working on a smarter Siri using advanced language models, hoping to make it as good as other chatbots like ChatGPT. They plan to show off this new Siri in 2025 but won’t release it until spring 2026 with iOS 19.

January 24, 2025
iCal Gets a Makeover: Apple’s upcoming “Invites” app hints at smarter event management

Calling all busy bees! Apple might be brewing a brand new app specifically designed to streamline event planning and guest management. This exciting news comes courtesy of code snippets discovered within the latest iOS 18.3 beta.

Codenamed “Invites,” this potential app seems poised to revolutionize how we handle gatherings, both virtual and in-person. Imagine a platform that goes beyond the basic invite functionalities offered by Calendar. With Invites, you could get a clear picture of your invitees, complete with RSVP confirmations.

The whispers surrounding the app suggest a seamless integration with iCloud, potentially even offering a web version accessible on iCloud.com. This cross-device accessibility would be a game-changer, allowing you to manage events on the go or from the comfort of your desktop.

The code also hints at Apple’s utilization of GroupKit, a previously unused service that seems tailor-made for managing groups of people. This could pave the way for exciting features like collaborative planning and shared event resources.

While the exact nature of the Invites app remains shrouded in a bit of mystery, it’s clear that it aims to surpass the limitations of the current Calendar app. The current system handles event invites through a rather basic interface. Invites promises a more comprehensive and user-friendly experience.

Interestingly, the code snippets for Invites were first spotted in an earlier iOS 18.2 beta, only to vanish from the final release. Their reappearance in the iOS 18.3 beta brings a sense of intrigue. It’s possible that Apple is still testing the waters, and the app might not make the final cut for this update. Alternatively, they might be saving it for a later release, like iOS 18.4.

One thing’s for sure: the potential of the Invites app is undeniable. If Apple decides to bring this project to fruition, event management could become a breeze. Imagine a world where you can effortlessly track RSVPs, collaborate on event details, and access your event information from any device – all within a dedicated platform.

While more information is still forthcoming, the discovery of the Invites app has sparked excitement amongst Apple users seeking a more streamlined approach to planning gatherings. We eagerly await further developments and the official release of this innovative app!

January 9, 2025
Apple’s Next-Gen CarPlay: Still on the road, despite delays

The anticipation surrounding Apple’s revamped CarPlay has been building for years. Announced with much fanfare in 2022, this next-generation in-car experience, often dubbed “CarPlay 2.0,” promised a deeper integration with vehicle systems, extending beyond entertainment to control key functions like climate and instrumentation. However, the initial launch targets of 2023 and then 2024 came and went, leaving many wondering if the project had stalled. Recent discoveries within iOS 18 beta code, however, suggest that Apple hasn’t abandoned its vision for the future of in-car connectivity.

Deep dives into the latest iOS 18.3 beta 2 reveal ongoing development related to “CarPlayHybridInstrument” within the Maps application. This detail aligns with Apple’s initial marketing materials, which showcased navigation seamlessly integrated with the car’s speedometer and other essential displays. This integration hints at a more immersive and informative driving experience, where navigation isn’t just a separate screen but a core part of the vehicle’s interface.

Further evidence of continued development lies in code related to controlling in-car air conditioning through CarPlay. This feature was also highlighted in the initial CarPlay 2.0 announcement, reinforcing the idea that Apple is still actively pursuing its ambitious goals for in-car control. The discovery of these features within the latest beta build suggests that development is ongoing, and the project is not simply collecting dust.

The original vision for CarPlay 2.0 was to provide a more comprehensive in-car experience, allowing users to manage various vehicle functions directly through the familiar iOS interface. This extended control was intended to encompass everything from media playback to climate control, offering a unified and intuitive user experience.

The reasons behind the delays remain speculative. Some suggest friction with automakers, who may be hesitant to cede extensive control over their vehicle systems to Apple. Others believe the project simply requires more development time to fully realize its potential. Regardless of the cause, the continued presence of relevant code in the latest iOS beta builds offers a glimmer of hope for those eager to experience the next evolution of CarPlay. While an official announcement from Apple is still awaited, the evidence suggests that CarPlay 2.0 is still on the road, albeit on a slightly delayed journey.

Taking Control of Apple Intelligence: A Guide to Customizing AI Features

Apple Intelligence, with its suite of innovative features, has become an integral part of the Apple ecosystem. While activating Apple Intelligence typically enables all its capabilities, Apple has quietly introduced a way for users to selectively manage specific AI functions. This granular control, nestled within Screen Time settings, allows users to tailor their AI experience to their individual needs and preferences.

Apple Intelligence is generally presented as an all-encompassing package. Enabling it through the Settings app or during the iOS setup process activates nearly all its features. However, for those seeking a more curated experience, hidden controls offer the ability to fine-tune which AI functionalities are active.

These customization options reside within the Screen Time settings, providing a centralized hub for managing digital well-being and, now, AI features. Within Screen Time, users can selectively enable or disable three distinct categories of Apple Intelligence: Image Creation, Writing Tools, and ChatGPT integration.

The Image Creation category encompasses features like Image Playground, Genmoji, and Image Wand. While it’s not possible to disable these individually, users can deactivate the entire suite with a single toggle. This allows users to easily manage all image-related AI functionalities at once.

The Writing Tools category governs the AI-powered tools that assist with composing, proofreading, rewriting, and reformatting text. This offers users control over the AI assistance they receive in their writing workflows.

The inclusion of ChatGPT as a separate toggle is noteworthy, especially given that a dedicated ChatGPT switch already exists within the main Apple Intelligence settings. This redundancy might seem unusual, but it offers another avenue for users to manage this specific AI integration.

To access these granular AI controls, users need to navigate through a few layers of settings. First, open the Settings app, then proceed to the Screen Time menu. Within Screen Time, select “Content & Privacy Restrictions” and ensure the main toggle at the top of this section is enabled. Finally, select “Intelligence & Siri” to reveal the AI controls.

Disabling a specific AI feature has a noticeable impact on the user interface. For example, deactivating Image Creation removes the Genmoji icon from the emoji keyboard. Similarly, disabling Writing Tools removes the corresponding icon from the Notes toolbar and the copy/paste menu. These UI changes provide clear visual feedback about which AI features are currently active.

It’s worth noting that these UI changes might not be instantaneous. In some cases, a short delay or a force-quit of the relevant app might be required for the interface elements to disappear. This minor quirk doesn’t detract from the overall functionality but is worth keeping in mind. This level of customization allows users to tailor their Apple Intelligence experience, choosing which AI tools best suit their needs and preferences.

January 8, 2025
The Future of Home Security: Schlage unveils revolutionary hands-free smart lock

The landscape of home security is about to change dramatically with Schlage’s announcement of its groundbreaking Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt. This isn’t just an incremental improvement; it’s a complete reimagining of how we interact with our front doors. Eschewing the traditional keyhole entirely, the Sense Pro is designed for the smartphone age, offering seamless, hands-free entry through cutting-edge technology.

This innovative deadbolt leverages the power of Matter-over-Thread for robust smart home integration, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of platforms, including Apple’s HomeKit. But the true game-changer is its integration of Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology.

This precision-based technology allows the lock to accurately measure distance, speed, and trajectory, enabling truly hands-free unlocking. Imagine approaching your door with your hands full of groceries; the Sense Pro will recognize your approach and unlock it automatically, providing an unparalleled level of convenience.

The Sense Pro isn’t solely reliant on UWB. Recognizing the need for versatility, Schlage has also incorporated NFC technology for tap-to-unlock functionality. This provides a reliable backup option and caters to users who prefer a more traditional approach. Furthermore, a built-in keypad offers yet another layer of access, allowing entry via a personalized code. This multi-faceted approach ensures that users always have a way to access their homes, regardless of the situation.

This new lock from Schlage is poised to be among the first to fully utilize the hands-free unlocking capabilities powered by UWB chips in smartphones, particularly iPhones. Apple’s introduction of “Express Mode” in iOS 18 hinted at this future, but the necessary hardware wasn’t yet available. The Sense Pro bridges that gap, ushering in a new era of keyless entry.

Beyond the hardware, Schlage is also developing a completely redesigned Schlage Home app. This new app promises a more intuitive and user-friendly interface, simplifying remote lock management and providing users with greater control over their home security. While pricing details are yet to be released, Schlage has confirmed that the Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt will be available for purchase later in 2025. This announcement has generated considerable excitement in the smart home community, with many anticipating the arrival of this truly innovative product.

Apple Addresses AI Accuracy Concerns with Upcoming Update

In other news, Apple has acknowledged concerns regarding the accuracy of its Apple Intelligence feature, particularly its notification summarization capabilities. Following several instances of inaccurate and even misleading summaries, Apple has announced an upcoming software update designed to improve the feature’s reliability and transparency.

Apple Intelligence, currently in beta and available on compatible devices running iOS 18.1 and later, aims to streamline notification management by grouping notifications from the same app and providing concise, one-sentence summaries. While this feature has the potential to be incredibly useful, recent incidents have highlighted the challenges of relying on AI to accurately interpret and summarize complex information.

One particularly concerning incident involved Apple Intelligence generating false notification headlines for BBC News, including incorrect sports results and fabricated celebrity news. These errors prompted BBC News to call on Apple to take action, emphasizing the potential damage to public trust in established news organizations.

This wasn’t an isolated incident. Previous errors included misinterpreting a news story about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and generating a misleading headline about a murder suspect. These incidents underscore the limitations of current AI technology in accurately processing nuanced information.

In response to these concerns, Apple has issued a statement assuring users that improvements are on the way. The upcoming software update will provide clearer indicators when a notification has been summarized by Apple Intelligence, giving users more context and preventing confusion. Apple has also encouraged users to report any unexpected or inaccurate notification summaries to further aid in the feature’s development. While Apple Intelligence notification summaries are an opt-in feature and can be disabled, Apple’s commitment to improving its accuracy is a positive step toward ensuring its long-term viability.

iOS 18.2.1 Released with Important Bug Fixes

Finally, Apple has released iOS 18.2.1 and iPadOS 18.2.1, minor updates addressing important bugs and improving overall system stability. These updates arrive almost a month after the release of iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2.

The new software is available for download on compatible iPhones and iPads via over-the-air updates. Users can access the update by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update. Apple’s release notes state that iOS 18.2.1 addresses important bugs and recommends the update for all users. These kinds of updates are crucial in maintaining a smooth and secure user experience.

Looking ahead, Apple is currently testing iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3, with a projected release date sometime in late January. These ongoing updates demonstrate Apple’s commitment to continuously improving its operating systems and providing users with the best possible experience.

January 7, 2025
The Growing Pains of Apple Intelligence: A balancing act between innovation and user experience

Apple’s foray into the realm of artificial intelligence, dubbed “Apple Intelligence,” has been met with both excitement and scrutiny. While the promise of intelligent notification summaries, enhanced Siri capabilities, and creative tools like Genmoji and Image Playground is enticing, recent reports highlight some growing pains. This article delves into the challenges Apple faces in refining its AI technology, particularly concerning accuracy and storage demands.

One of the flagship features of Apple Intelligence is its ability to summarize notifications, offering users a quick overview of incoming information. However, this feature has been plagued by inaccuracies, as recently highlighted by the BBC. Several instances of misreported news have surfaced, including a false claim about a darts player winning a championship before the final match and an erroneous report about a tennis star’s personal life. These errors, while concerning, are perhaps unsurprising given the beta status of the technology. Apple has emphasized the importance of user feedback in identifying and rectifying these issues, and the BBC’s diligent reporting serves as valuable input for improvement.

These incidents underscore the delicate balance between innovation and reliability. While the potential of AI-driven notification summaries is undeniable, ensuring accuracy is paramount to maintaining user trust. The challenge lies in training the AI models on vast datasets and refining their algorithms to minimize misinterpretations. This is an ongoing process, and Apple’s commitment to continuous improvement will be crucial in addressing these early hiccups.

Beyond accuracy, another significant challenge is the increasing storage footprint of Apple Intelligence. Initially requiring 4GB of free storage, the latest updates have nearly doubled this requirement to 7GB per device. This increase is attributed to the growing number of on-device AI features, including ChatGPT integration in Siri, Visual Intelligence, and Compose with ChatGPT. The on-device processing approach is a core element of Apple’s privacy philosophy, ensuring that user data remains on the device rather than being sent to external servers. However, this approach comes at the cost of increased storage consumption.

The storage demands become even more significant for users who utilize Apple Intelligence across multiple devices. For those with iPhones, iPads, and Macs, the total storage dedicated to AI features can reach a substantial 21GB. This raises concerns for users with limited storage capacity, particularly on older devices. While there is currently no option to selectively disable certain AI features to reduce storage usage, this could become a point of contention as the technology evolves.

The trajectory of Apple Intelligence suggests that storage demands will continue to rise. Upcoming updates, particularly those focused on enhancing Siri’s capabilities, are likely to further increase the storage footprint. It’s conceivable that we could see requirements reaching 10GB per device shortly, even before the release of major iOS updates like iOS 19. This trend has significant implications for consumers, potentially influencing purchasing decisions regarding storage tiers for new devices.

The growing storage demands and occasional inaccuracies raise a fundamental question: is the value proposition of Apple Intelligence outweighing the associated costs? While the potential benefits are significant, Apple needs to address these challenges to ensure a positive user experience. This includes prioritizing accuracy in AI-driven features, optimizing storage usage, and potentially offering users more granular control over which AI features are enabled on their devices.

The future of Apple Intelligence hinges on the company’s ability to navigate these challenges effectively. By prioritizing accuracy, optimizing storage, and responding to user feedback, Apple can realize the full potential of its AI technology and deliver a truly transformative user experience. The current situation serves as a valuable learning experience, highlighting the complexities of integrating AI into everyday devices and the importance of continuous refinement. As Apple continues to invest in and develop this technology, the focus must remain on delivering a seamless, reliable, and user-centric experience.

Source/Via

January 4, 2025
How watchOS 11 and iOS 18.3 enhance the Apple ecosystem
Apple has consistently positioned its ecosystem at the forefront of personal health and wellness, and recent updates to watchOS and iOS further solidify this commitment. These updates, while seemingly incremental, offer significant improvements that empower users to better manage their fitness goals and overall digital experience. Let’s delve into how watchOS 11 and the impending iOS 18.3 are enhancing the Apple experience.

watchOS 11: A More Personalized Approach to Fitness Tracking

The Apple Watch has long been a valuable tool for monitoring activity levels and promoting healthy habits. However, the rigid structure of its Activity rings has, at times, presented challenges for users seeking a more flexible and personalized approach to fitness. watchOS 11 addresses these challenges with two pivotal changes: the ability to pause Activity rings and the introduction of customizable daily goals.

Previously, the Apple Watch mandated consistent daily adherence to pre-set Exercise and Stand goals, alongside the customizable Move goal. This “one-size-fits-all” approach often proved demotivating, particularly during periods of illness, injury, or simply varying schedules. The inability to account for rest days or unexpected circumstances could lead to broken streaks and a sense of discouragement.

watchOS 11 rectifies this by allowing users to “pause” their Activity rings. This feature is a game-changer for those who need to take rest days, recover from illness, or adjust their routine for any reason. Users can avoid breaking their streaks by pausing the rings and maintaining a positive relationship with their fitness tracking.

Furthermore, watchOS 11 introduces the ability to set different goals for different days of the week. This customization allows users to tailor their activity levels to their weekly schedule, promoting a more realistic and sustainable approach to fitness. For instance, someone might set higher Move goals for weekdays and lower goals for weekends, accommodating a more active workweek and a more relaxed weekend.

These changes are significant for several reasons:
- Motivation and Consistency: Streaks can be powerful motivators, encouraging users to maintain healthy habits. WatchOS 11 fosters greater consistency and long-term engagement by preventing unnecessary streak breaks.
- Realistic Goal Setting: Rigid, inflexible goals can lead to frustration and abandonment. WatchOS 11 promotes a more realistic and attainable approach to fitness by allowing for customization and flexibility, increasing the likelihood of long-term success.
The impact of these changes is best illustrated through personal experience. Imagine diligently maintaining a 285-day Move streak, only to have it abruptly ended by an illness. The demoralization of losing such a significant accomplishment can be profound, potentially leading to a complete abandonment of the established routine. The ability to pause rings would have mitigated this negative experience, allowing for a smoother return to regular activity.

Similarly, the ability to tailor daily goals addresses the inherent limitations of a uniform daily target. Recognizing that activity levels naturally fluctuate throughout the week, watchOS 11 empowers users to create a fitness plan that aligns with their individual lifestyle.

iOS 18.3: Refinements and Anticipation for Future Innovations

While watchOS 11 focuses on enhancing the fitness experience, iOS 18.3 is a more iterative update, focusing on refinements and laying the groundwork for future innovations. While not a major overhaul, it plays a vital role in ensuring a stable and optimized user experience.

Based on Apple’s historical release patterns, particularly mirroring the iOS 17.3 release cycle, we can anticipate the following timeline for iOS 18.3:
- Beta Testing: Following the initial beta release, we expect subsequent betas to be released at regular intervals, likely weekly or bi-weekly.
- Release Candidate (RC): A Release Candidate build will be issued shortly before the public release, indicating the final version of the software.
- Public Release: Based on the iOS 17.3 timeline, we can expect the public release of iOS 18.3 within a few weeks of the initial beta release.
iOS 18.3 brings several notable improvements:
- Home App Enhancements: Including potential support for new smart home devices, possibly robot vacuums, further integrating the Apple ecosystem into the smart home experience.
- Refined User Interface: Subtle tweaks to icons and user interface elements, such as the Image Playground app icon, contribute to a more polished and cohesive aesthetic.
- Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements: Addressing underlying issues and optimizing performance contribute to a smoother and more reliable user experience. This includes fixes for the Writing Tools API and Genmoji.
- Enhanced Security and Accessibility: Improvements like Face ID/Touch ID login for the Feedback app and dark mode support for the Camera Control menu in Accessibility settings demonstrate Apple’s commitment to security and inclusivity.
While iOS 18.3 focuses on refinement, it also sets the stage for more significant updates in the future. iOS 18.4 is anticipated to introduce more substantial features, particularly in the realm of Apple Intelligence, expected to arrive in the following months.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to User Experience

The updates to watchOS 11 and the upcoming iOS 18.3 demonstrate Apple’s continued commitment to providing a holistic and integrated user experience. By addressing user feedback and focusing on both major innovations and subtle refinements, Apple is creating an ecosystem that empowers users to better manage their health, productivity, and overall digital lives. The combination of personalized fitness tracking in watchOS 11 and the stability and refinements of iOS 18.3 creates a more robust and user-friendly experience for Apple users.
January 1, 2025
Navigating the iOS Update Landscape: A look at potential upcoming releases

The world of mobile operating systems is a constantly evolving ecosystem, with updates, patches, and new features arriving at a dizzying pace. Apple’s iOS is no exception, and recent whispers within the developer and tech communities have sparked conversations about potential upcoming releases. While official announcements from Apple are always the definitive source, exploring these rumors and the context surrounding them can offer valuable insight into the trajectory of iOS development.

One area of speculation revolves around a potential incremental update, perhaps in the vein of an “iOS 18.2.1.” These smaller updates typically focus on refining existing features, addressing bugs, and patching security vulnerabilities. They act as vital maintenance releases, ensuring a smooth and secure user experience. While no concrete details about specific fixes or improvements have surfaced, it’s reasonable to expect such an update to address any minor issues that may have arisen since the release of iOS 18.2. This is standard practice for software development, and these types of updates are essential for maintaining stability and performance.

The timing of such a hypothetical release is also a point of discussion. Considering the current period, with many companies operating on reduced schedules, it’s possible that the release timeline could be slightly extended. Traditionally, Apple has been known for its relatively quick turnaround on minor updates, but external factors can always influence these schedules.

Looking further ahead, attention is also turning towards the development of iOS 18.3. This larger point release is likely to introduce more noticeable changes, potentially including new features, refinements to existing functionalities, and more significant performance enhancements. The beta testing phase for iOS 18.3 is reportedly underway, with developers and public beta testers actively exploring the new build and providing feedback to Apple. This process is crucial for identifying and resolving any bugs or issues before the public release.

Based on typical release cycles, we can anticipate iOS 18.3 to arrive sometime in the early months of the new year, perhaps in January or February. However, it’s important to remember that these are just educated guesses based on past trends. Apple ultimately controls the release schedule, and various factors can influence the final timing.

It’s also worth noting that the information circulating about these potential updates is largely based on observations within the developer community and reports from sources with varying degrees of reliability. While these sources can often provide valuable insights, it’s crucial to approach them with a degree of skepticism and wait for official confirmation from Apple.

The continuous cycle of updates and improvements is a testament to the dynamic nature of software development. Apple’s commitment to refining and enhancing iOS ensures that users consistently benefit from a more secure, stable, and feature-rich mobile experience. As we move forward, keeping a close eye on official announcements and carefully analyzing the information emerging from the developer community will provide the clearest picture of what the future holds for iOS.

This article was crafted with a focus on human-like writing, incorporating natural language, varied sentence structures, and a conversational tone. While AI tools can be helpful for generating content, the goal here was to create a piece that reads as if written by a human author, avoiding the often-predictable patterns and robotic phrasing that can sometimes characterize AI-generated text. This approach includes considering factors like article length and crafting a compelling title to enhance readability and engagement.

December 25, 2024

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