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  • Video Calls from Space: Coming to Europe and the USA soon

    Video Calls from Space: Coming to Europe and the USA soon

    This year, people in Europe will be able to make video calls using satellite technology, thanks to a successful demonstration by Vodafone working together with AST SpaceMobile. The service will soon expand to the United States through AT&T, although it might take a little longer there.

    Just like the current satellite options for texting and calling, this new technology will work in places where there’s no regular phone signal.

    Apple Paved the Way with Satellite Messaging

    For many years, satellite communication was only possible with special equipment. However, smartphones have now caught up. Apple started this trend with its Emergency SOS via Satellite feature in 2022, which lets you contact emergency services from spots with no cell service. They’ve even updated it so you can send messages to your loved ones. Apple started with Globalstar but has now teamed up with SpaceX and T-Mobile to use Starlink’s satellite system.

    Voice and Internet from Orbit

    In 2023, AST SpaceMobile showed that regular phones could do more than just send messages via satellites; they could also make voice calls and use mobile data. They proved this by connecting a call from Maui, Hawaii, to Madrid, Spain, using their BlueWalker 3 satellite. They also managed to achieve a download speed of about 14 Mbps in another test.

    Satellite Video Calls Are Here

    Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile have now shown that video calls are possible too, using typical 4G/5G phones. They made history with the world’s first video call from space, connecting a call from a remote part of Wales where there’s never been mobile internet before. This was done by Vodafone’s engineer, Rowan Chesmer, who called Margherita Della Valle, showcasing the potential for internet access and messaging in areas without coverage.

    Vodafone plans to roll out this service across Europe by the end of 2026, although they haven’t shared how much it will cost yet. Meanwhile, AT&T is testing similar services in the US, but they’ll probably start after Europe. This new technology could change how we stay connected, especially in the most remote places.

  • Confusing iOS 18.3 Update: Why entertainment apps lost AI summary features

    Confusing iOS 18.3 Update: Why entertainment apps lost AI summary features

    This week, Apple released iOS 18.3, bringing new features but also taking one away. Specifically, they turned off AI-generated summaries for notifications in two types of apps, and one of these choices has left me puzzled.

    Why News Apps Lost Summaries

    It’s unusual for Apple to take away features in iPhone updates, but they did just that with iOS 18.3. The AI summaries for news apps were disabled because they were giving out incorrect information, which caused a stir. This made sense since people were complaining about misleading news alerts.

    The Mystery of Entertainment Apps

    The summaries for entertainment apps have also been turned off, and this is what’s confusing. If you check your iPhone settings under Notifications > Summarize Notifications, you’ll see apps like Disney+, Max, and YouTube marked as ‘Temporarily Unavailable’ for summaries.

    I looked at the App Store’s Entertainment section, which now is easy to find at the top of the Apps tab. It’s mostly streaming services, along with some music, podcast, and even drawing apps. I can’t figure out why these would need their summaries disabled unless there was some issue with podcast titles that sound like news.

    What’s Next?

    Apple has promised that these features will come back once they fix the problems with the AI. I hope they do this soon, as it would be great to have those useful summaries back. Until then, the absence of these features in entertainment apps remains a bit of a puzzle to me.

  • iPhone now works with Starlink for T-Mobile users

    iPhone now works with Starlink for T-Mobile users

    The latest iOS 18.3 update now lets T-Mobile customers with certain iPhones use Starlink satellites to send texts. This new feature was introduced without much fanfare, with Apple working alongside SpaceX and T-Mobile to bring this technology to iPhone users. You can find details about this new feature right on T-Mobile’s website.

    Back in 2022, T-Mobile teamed up with Starlink, and by December 2024, they started a test program where people could send texts using Starlink satellites if they were somewhere without regular cell service. At first, this was just for Samsung phones, leaving iPhone users out of the loop.

    Now, with the iOS 18.3 update, T-Mobile has begun inviting a select group of iPhone users to try out this satellite service. If you’re one of the chosen ones, you’ll get a message like this:

    “You’re in the T-Mobile Starlink beta. You can now stay connected by texting via satellite from virtually anywhere. To start experiencing coverage beyond, please update to iOS 18.3.”

    When you’re out of range for T-Mobile’s usual service, your iPhone will connect to Starlink satellites automatically for texting. Right now, it’s just for texts, but T-Mobile and SpaceX are planning to add voice and data options down the road.

    Apple hasn’t said much about this, but T-Mobile has hinted that this service will soon work with most new smartphones.

    If you have an iPhone 14 or newer, you can already send emergency texts via satellite thanks to Apple’s deal with Globalstar. Now with Starlink, you have another option for staying connected off the grid. Remember, both services only kick in when you’re out of regular cell range.

    The Starlink beta is still pretty exclusive, but T-Mobile aims to open it up to more people soon. If you want to get in on this, you can sign up on T-Mobile’s site. This service is currently only for folks in the U.S., and there’s no cost during the beta phase.

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  • Spotify celebrates big payouts to Music artists in 2024

    Spotify celebrates big payouts to Music artists in 2024

    Just a few days ago, Spotify tackled rumors suggesting that Apple Music was paying artists much more than they were. Right after that, Spotify shared some exciting news on their blog, revealing they’ve paid out an enormous amount to the music world in 2024.

    It might just be a coincidence, but it took about a month to gather all these figures. Spotify announced they’ve given $10 billion to the music industry last year, which is almost as much as the entire global music revenue back in 2014:

    Back then, in 2014, the music industry was at a low, with global music earnings at $13 billion. Spotify contributed about $1 billion with around 15 million subscribers paying for the service.

    Fast forward to 2024, Spotify alone has now paid out $10 billion to the music industry, summing up to nearly $60 billion since they started.

    For many, these big numbers might not mean much. Some might wonder why Spotify keeps talking about it so loudly.

    David Kaefer, Spotify’s VP of Music Business, wrote in the blog post about how Spotify makes money that supports the music industry. He explained it like a three-legged stool:

    • Making Spotify more attractive to users, so they stick around.
    • Turning free listeners into paying subscribers.
    • Expanding into new markets with prices that appeal to local users.

    There’s more good news for Spotify too. They’re helping smaller artists make a living:

    For example, in 2014, roughly 10,000 artists were making at least $10,000 a year from Spotify. Now, more than 10,000 artists are making over $100,000 a year just from Spotify. That’s pretty awesome.

    The main point here is that it’s great to see more openness about how much artists are earning. Yet, it’s clear that Spotify, along with Apple Music and other streaming platforms, are doing a good job by making it easier and more enjoyable to pay for music rather than steal it.

  • WhatsApp update allows iPhone users to use multiple accounts

    WhatsApp update allows iPhone users to use multiple accounts

    WhatsApp is now developing a feature where iPhone users can use more than one account on the same phone. According to WABetaInfo, this update is aimed at making it easier for people who have both personal and work accounts.

    WhatsApp Feature Update
    Before this, only Android users in the beta program could use multiple accounts. Now, iPhone users testing the app through TestFlight can try this out too. This means you won’t need another app like WhatsApp Business to handle a different account; you can do it all in the main WhatsApp app.

    With the latest beta version, 25.2.10.70, you can choose to make your phone the main account or connect another account by scanning a QR code to use it as a “companion” account. This way, each account keeps its own notifications, chats, backups, and settings. You can switch between accounts easily, without needing another phone.

    Instagram, which is also run by Meta, already allows switching between accounts in its app. Adding this to WhatsApp makes the apps more similar. We don’t know when everyone will get this feature, but since it’s in the testing phase, it might not be too long. There’s still no word on a WhatsApp app for iPads.

    In other news, Meta has recently linked WhatsApp with its Accounts Center, where you manage your privacy and settings across all Meta platforms. Now, you can tweak your settings all in one spot and share your status from WhatsApp to Instagram and Facebook.

  • New iPhone SE 4 model shows us what’s not included

    New iPhone SE 4 model shows us what’s not included

    As we get closer to the release of the new iPhone SE 4, fake models of the phone have appeared online, giving us a sneak peek at what to expect – or not expect.

    These fake phones, which are just for showing what the real one might look like, were posted on X by a user named Majin Bu. They shared photos and a small video to highlight the design.

    There’s been a lot of talk about whether this new iPhone SE would have a new kind of screen cutout called ‘Dynamic Island’ or just the old ‘notch’. From these models, it seems like it’s going to stick with the notch, similar to the iPhone 14. You can see the camera cutout for selfies on the front, and there’s only one camera on the back, just like we thought. The phone also has a glass back and an aluminum frame.

    Rumors about new buttons like an Action Button or a Camera Control Button don’t seem to be true, according to these models. They look a lot like earlier leaks from another leaker, Sonny Dickson.

    Apart from what you can see, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to have a new, quicker A18 processor, Apple’s own modem chip, and 8GB of RAM. This RAM amount is what’s needed for Apple’s new smart features. The camera will probably be the same 48-megapixel one used in the iPhone 16.

    Apple is likely to launch this new iPhone SE in March or April. It’s meant to be their cheapest phone, and while it might cost a bit more than before, they’re trying to keep it under $500.

  • iPadOS features you might miss but should use

    iPadOS features you might miss but should use

    I’ve shared before that my iPad Pro is my go-to device for work, even though I have a Mac Mini. The hardware is stunning, and the way it handles single apps is just perfect. With iPadOS 18, Apple introduced tons of new features that make this love affair even stronger. Let’s dive into some lesser-known but super useful features.

    1. Easy Unit Converter

    iPadOS 18 finally brought a calculator app to the iPad, but it’s the built-in converter that’s a game changer. Whether you need to change centimeters to feet, Pascals to Bar, or dollars to Rupees, it’s all there. Plus, it works offline, so no internet? No problem!

    2. Sharing Wi-Fi with a QR Code

    Sharing Wi-Fi with friends is now easier, even if they don’t have an Apple device. The new Passwords app lets you create a QR code for your Wi-Fi:

    • Open the Passwords app.
    • Click on Wi-Fi.
    • Select your network.
    • Tap ‘show QR code’.
    • Let your guest scan the code. They’re connected!

    3. Formatting Drives

    This was a big one for me. Now, you can format drives or SD cards right from the Files app:

    • Connect your SSD to your iPad.
    • Long press the drive in the Files app.
    • Tap ‘erase’.
    • Choose your format.
    • Tap “erase” again. Done!

    4. Turn Apps into Widgets

    Customizing your home screen just got easier. Now, you can turn any app into a widget directly:

    • Long press an app icon.
    • If it has a widget, you can change it right there without going into settings.

    5. Hide Unwanted Web Content

    Safari’s new feature lets you hide annoying parts of web pages:

    • Go to any page in Safari.
    • Tap the three dots in the URL bar.
    • Choose ‘Hide Unwanted Content’.
    • Tap what you want to hide.
    • Click ‘hide’. It’s gone until you decide otherwise!

    These features really make your iPad experience smoother and more tailored to your needs. Check out these hidden gems and make your iPad work even better for you.

  • Trump criticizes EU over fines on Apple and other US tech companies

    Trump criticizes EU over fines on Apple and other US tech companies

    Newly inaugurated President Donald Trump has voiced strong disapproval of the European Union (EU) for imposing hefty fines on American tech giants like Apple, Google, and Facebook.

    US President Labels EU Actions as “Taxation”

    Speaking virtually at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump accused the EU of unfairly targeting major US companies. He described the fines as a “form of taxation” against American businesses, expressing frustration with the EU’s regulatory measures.

    Trump stated, “They’ve taken $15 or $16 billion from Apple, billions from Google, and now they’re after Facebook for even more. These are American companies, and what the EU is doing is wrong. In my view, it’s just another way of taxing them. We have serious complaints about the EU.”

    The Apple case Trump referred to centers around a lengthy legal dispute over taxes in Ireland. The EU ruled that Apple’s tax arrangement with Ireland violated its laws, forcing the tech giant to pay significant back taxes.

    Trump’s Broader Criticism of the EU

    Beyond tech companies, Trump criticized the EU’s broader economic policies, highlighting trade imbalances. He remarked, “The EU treats the US very unfairly. We’re dealing with hundreds of billions in trade deficits with them. No one is happy about it, and we’re going to take action.”

    Reactions and Implications

    Critics, however, were quick to point out Trump’s inconsistent stance. While he condemned the EU for regulating American firms, his own policies often focused on tariffs and trade measures against foreign businesses.

    These remarks signal potential challenges ahead for US tech companies operating in Europe. As the EU continues to scrutinize firms like Apple, Google, and Facebook, the friction between American leadership and European regulators could intensify.

    Trump’s statements also raise questions about how his administration might approach issues like App Store regulations and other matters affecting US tech firms in global markets.

  • Music Streaming Services: How much do they pay artists?

    Music Streaming Services: How much do they pay artists?

    Not all music streaming platforms give the same amount of money to musicians, and a recent study shows just how different these payments can be. For example, Apple Music pays artists way more than Spotify does.

    The study, done by Duetti, looks at how much artists got paid in 2024 by different platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.

    One key thing they checked was how much money artists make for every 1,000 times their song is played. Here’s what they found for 2024:

    • Amazon paid $8.80 for 1,000 streams.
    • Apple Music paid $6.20.
    • YouTube paid $4.80.
    • Spotify only paid $3.00.

    This shows that Apple Music paid artists more than twice what Spotify did. One reason for Spotify’s lower payments is its free version which has lots of ads but doesn’t make much money for artists.

    While Spotify has ads like YouTube, YouTube still manages to pay artists more. Apple Music, on the other hand, only has paid subscriptions, which lets them give more money to artists.

    Another concerning point from the report is that even though Spotify has been increasing its prices, the money artists get from each stream has been going down. This is a bit troubling, especially since Spotify has been putting more effort into podcasts and audiobooks, possibly at the cost of music artists’ earnings.

  • How the Apple Watch helped a business leader quit drinking

    How the Apple Watch helped a business leader quit drinking

    The Apple Watch has become known for helping people in emergencies, but for one business leader, it offered life-changing insights.

    John Mackey, who started Whole Foods, decided to stop drinking three years ago after looking at the information his Apple Watch gave him. He told Business Insider that the decision was one of the best he’s made. “I wish I had stopped drinking 30 years ago,” Mackey said, reflecting on the years he could have felt better.

    Mackey found that his Apple Watch was key in this life change. He used it to keep track of his sleep. “Some nights I slept well, others not so much,” he observed. This led him to think about what he did differently on those bad sleep nights.

    With the help of his Apple Watch and the AutoSleep app, Mackey noticed patterns. More exercise and lighter dinners helped him sleep better. But the real eye-opener was his deep sleep, or the lack of it, when he drank.

    In a podcast last year, Mackey explained how the watch influenced his decision. “It changed my life. It helped me stop drinking over two years ago,” he said. He explained how even one drink would ruin his deep sleep, making his total sleep time decrease by about an hour.

    “I didn’t want to give up alcohol because I enjoyed it,” Mackey admitted. But the evidence was clear: alcohol meant no deep sleep. He had to choose between a good night’s sleep or a drink, and he chose sleep.

    For Mackey, better sleep has meant a better life. His experience underscores how useful the sleep tracking features on newer Apple Watch models can be, including the Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2, which can even detect signs of sleep apnea.

    This story shows how technology, in this case, the Apple Watch, can lead to significant personal improvements by providing clear insights into our daily habits.

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