Search results for: “X”

  • Netflix makes watching easier with one simple button on iPhone and iPad

    Netflix makes watching easier with one simple button on iPhone and iPad

    Good news for everyone using iPhones and iPads, Netflix has just made your streaming life a whole lot easier with the addition of a new button.

    Now, with just one tap, you can download an entire season of your favorite show. It’s something that Android users have enjoyed for a while, and now, iPhone and iPad users can enjoy this convenience too. This is a big step up for all of us.

    Here’s how it works: when you’re looking at a show’s page, you’ll see this new button right next to where you share the show. Just tap it, and all episodes from that season will begin downloading without you having to do anything more. No more downloading each episode one by one! If you want to check what’s downloading or manage which episodes you have, just go to the Downloads area in the My Netflix section.

    This update comes after Netflix raised its prices a bit, but it seems like they’re giving back with this handy new feature. Make sure to update your Netflix app from the App Store to enjoy this new way of watching. Happy streaming!

  • The New X App: Coming soon for all your money needs

    The New X App: Coming soon for all your money needs

    When Elon Musk took over Twitter, he made a big change by renaming it to X. His goal was to turn it into something called the “everything app,” similar to WeChat in China.

    WeChat began as just a messaging app but has grown to include almost everything you can think of in daily life, like paying for things, booking cabs, or even checking your health stats. It’s like having a mini-internet inside one app where you can do so much without needing to switch apps.

    Musk wants to bring this idea to the West with the new X App. He’s talked about making it a place where you can handle all your money matters. This includes using it as a mobile wallet, sending money to friends, paying bills, and linking it to your bank.

    X’s CEO, Linda Yaccarino, has shared that we’ll see this app launch this year. They’ve already teamed up with Visa as their first partner for the X Money Account. Here’s what users can expect:

    • Secure and fast money transfers straight to your X wallet with Visa Direct.
    • Link your debit card for easy person-to-person payments.
    • Quick bank transfers to move money in and out of your account.

    This is just the beginning, with more big news expected. The phrase “LFG,” meaning “Let’s F*cking Go,” shows how excited they are about this launch. The focus seems to be on making person-to-person payments easy first, with plans to add more ways to use the app for shopping and other services later.

  • WhatsApp fixes privacy issue in new iPhone update

    WhatsApp fixes privacy issue in new iPhone update

    WhatsApp has just released an update for iPhones, version 25.2.3, to fix a big privacy problem with its “View Once” option. This option lets you send photos or videos that should vanish after one view, but because of a mistake, people could see them again.

    The Problem

    This issue was only for iPhone users. It let anyone look at the photos or videos they were supposed to see just once by going into the app’s settings, checking storage details, and finding the newest files. This meant the privacy feature wasn’t working as it should.

    How It Was Found

    A security expert named Ramshath wrote about this problem on Medium, which made WhatsApp aware of it and they worked on a solution. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time; last year, they fixed a similar problem on WhatsApp Web.

    New Features

    Along with fixing this issue, the update brings some new things you can do. Now, you can make calls to numbers you haven’t saved in your contacts, and there are better ways to handle group calls.

    What to Do

    If you use WhatsApp on an iPhone, you should update the app right away from the App Store to keep your private photos and videos safe. This update makes sure that when you send something meant to be seen once, it really does disappear after one view.

  • Exciting new Apple gadgets coming soon

    Exciting new Apple gadgets coming soon

    The new year of 2025 is off to a great start with Apple ready to unveil some impressive gadgets in the coming months. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect:

    M4 MacBook Air

    Apple’s beloved MacBook Air is getting a boost with the M4 chip. This update is set to include:

    • 16GB of RAM as standard
    • A new nano-texture display option
    • A 12MP camera for better video calls
    • Support for two external displays when the laptop is open
    • Better battery life
    • Keeping the familiar 13-inch and 15-inch designs

    Look for this refreshed MacBook Air sometime in February or early March.

    iPhone SE 4

    The iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be a must-have for many:

    • It boasts an iPhone 14-like design with an OLED screen and no home button
    • Includes Face ID with a notch
    • Runs on the powerful A18 chip
    • Supports Apple Intelligence, previously only on higher-end models
    • Comes with 8GB of RAM and a 48MP camera
    • Has a USB-C port and Apple’s first self-made 5G modem
    • Priced to be affordable, expected under $499

    This new iPhone SE is slated for a March release.

    ‘HomePad’ Smart Display

    Apple is set to mix things up with the ‘HomePad’, a smart home device:

    • It will focus on voice commands through Siri, home control, and communication
    • You can use apps like Safari and Music, but there’s no App Store
    • The screen size is about that of two iPhones side by side
    • Includes speakers, a camera for FaceTime, and a battery
    • You can mount it on walls or place it on various surfaces
    • It’s designed with security in mind, including features for video and audio intercom

    Though initially expected in March, there might be a slight delay.

    11th Generation iPad

    Apple fans can look forward to the new 11th-generation iPad:

    • It’s likely to feature a new, faster A-series chip with 8GB RAM
    • Could include new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips
    • This update aims to keep the iPad accessible and up-to-date

    M3 iPad Air

    The iPad Air is also in line for an upgrade with the M3 chip:

    • Expected to support new keyboard accessories
    • Will maintain the 11-inch and 13-inch sizes

    Apple Watch SE 3

    There’s talk of a new Apple Watch SE:

    • Could be released in the spring, possibly alongside the iPhone SE 4
    • An update from the last SE model which came out in 2022

    These product launches promise a dynamic start to 2025 for Apple, setting the stage for an exciting year with more innovations expected at WWDC and the fall launch season.

  • New Update for App Store Connect: Dark mode icon and bug fixes

    New Update for App Store Connect: Dark mode icon and bug fixes

    The App Store Connect app, which helps developers manage their software on the App Store, has been updated to version 2.1. This update brings a new look with a dark mode icon, switching from the usual white background to a sleek black one.

    Here are the fixes included in this update:

    • Fixed a problem where reviews for apps only available on macOS were not showing up in the Ratings and Reviews section.
    • Corrected an issue that prevented some apps from sharing their marketing videos.
    • Fixed a glitch in the Trends section so Finance and Sales users can now see all the necessary details.
    • Other small tweaks have been made to make the app run more smoothly.

    Apple has recently added the option for dark mode icons with iOS 18. To change how your icons look, simply hold down on your Home screen, hit ‘Edit’ at the top left, then ‘Customize’, and you can choose from light, dark, automatic, or even tint the icons to your liking.

  • Apple plans to fix security holes in Safari and Chrome for new devices

    Apple plans to fix security holes in Safari and Chrome for new devices

    Students from Georgia Tech have found two new security problems in Apple’s latest chips. These issues, called SLAP and FLOP, could let someone peek into your private internet activities like browsing history, credit card details, emails, and even where you are, just by using a bad website. You don’t need to touch the device to make this happen; a harmful webpage can do the trick by getting around Apple’s safeguards.

    These flaws affect several of Apple’s newer chips:

    • Mac laptops from 2022 onwards
    • Mac desktops from 2023 onwards
    • iPads made since 2021
    • iPhones from 2021 models onwards

    These vulnerabilities were reported to Apple back in May and September of last year, but they haven’t been fixed yet. Apple has promised to patch these security issues soon.

    Apple has shared with Bleeping Computer that they haven’t fixed these problems yet, saying, “We appreciate the researchers’ teamwork as this test improves our knowledge of these risks. We think this doesn’t present an immediate threat to our users.”

    SLAP only affects the Safari browser, while FLOP can hit both Safari and Chrome. They haven’t checked if other browsers like Firefox might have the same problem. There’s no sign yet that these attacks have happened out there in the real world. For more information on how these attacks work, you can check out the dedicated website that explains everything about SLAP and FLOP.

  • How to easily update your AirPods and AirPods Max

    How to easily update your AirPods and AirPods Max

    Apple regularly updates the software inside your AirPods, making them work better. Usually, these updates happen automatically, but now, Apple has shown us how to start the update ourselves if we want to. Here’s how you can do it with easy steps:

    Updating AirPods and AirPods Pro

    • Ensure your AirPods are close to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac – Make sure they can connect through Bluetooth and that your device is connected to Wi-Fi.
    • Place your AirPods in their case and close it – This helps start the update process.
    • Connect the charger – Plug the charger into the case and then into a power source.
    • Wait with the case closed – Keep the lid shut for at least 30 minutes to give the update time to install.
    • Open the case – After waiting, open the lid to reconnect your AirPods to your device.
    • Check the firmware version – See if the update was successful.

    If it doesn’t update, Apple suggests resetting your AirPods and trying again.

    Updating AirPods Max

    • Make sure your AirPods Max are near your device – It should be within Bluetooth range, and your device should be on Wi-Fi.
    • Charge them – Plug the charger into the right earphone of your AirPods Max.
    • Give it time – Let them charge and update for at least 30 minutes.
    • Reconnect – After updating, connect them back to your device.
    • Check the version – Verify if the firmware has been updated.

    The way firmware updates work hasn’t changed much; they’ll still happen automatically for most people. But now, if you’re eager to get the latest features or fixes, you can manually update your AirPods or AirPods Max whenever Apple releases new software. This gives you a bit more control over your gadgets.

  • Apple releases iOS 18.3 with new features and fixes

    Apple releases iOS 18.3 with new features and fixes

    Apple has recently rolled out iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3, bringing new features and improvements to iPhones and iPads. This update follows six weeks after the release of iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2.

    Updating Your Device

    To get the new software, simply go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone or iPad. Apple also updated iPadOS to version 17.7.4 for older iPads that can’t handle the latest iPadOS 18.

    New Features for iPhone 16

    For those with iPhone 16 models, iOS 18.3 introduces Visual Intelligence. Now, you can add events to your Calendar just by taking a picture of a poster or flyer. Plus, it’s easier to identify plants and animals around you.

    Changes in Notifications

    This update also tweaks how notifications work. It makes notification summaries easier to manage from your Lock Screen and changes their appearance to stand out better by using italic text. However, for now, summaries for news and entertainment apps are paused to avoid sending out confusing alerts.

    Bug Fixes and Enhancements

    • The Calculator app now repeats your last calculation if you tap the equals sign again.
    • Fixed a problem where the keyboard might vanish when you start typing a request to Siri.
    • An issue where music keeps playing even after you’ve closed Apple Music has been sorted out.

    Note

    Some of these new features might not be available everywhere or on every Apple device. For more on security updates, check out Apple’s support page at:

    Apple Support

    Looking Ahead

    • We’re looking forward to iOS 18.4 beta, which is expected to bring new Apple Intelligence features for Siri, enhancing your interaction with your device even further.
  • iOS 18.4 Expected in April: Rumored features you should know

    iOS 18.4 Expected in April: Rumored features you should know

    As reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is expected to release iOS 18.4 in April. While the beta testing phase hasn’t begun yet, a few exciting updates are rumored to be part of the new version.

    Big Updates to Siri

    iOS 18.4 may introduce significant improvements to Siri, marking a new step forward with Apple Intelligence. Three key upgrades are expected:

    • Personal Context: Siri will better understand your preferences and habits.
    • On-Screen Awareness: It will respond more effectively to what’s displayed on your device.
    • App Integration: Siri could interact with apps in smarter ways to perform tasks for you.

    These changes aim to make Siri more personalized and intuitive.

    Expanded Language Support

    When iOS 18.2 launched, Apple hinted at adding new language options for Apple Intelligence in 2025. With the April update, the list may grow to include languages like Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and more. English variants for regions such as India and Singapore are also part of the plan. Additional languages will roll out throughout the year.

    New Emoji Additions

    As in previous spring updates, Apple is likely to introduce new emojis with iOS 18.4. The Unicode Consortium has already revealed this year’s batch, which includes:

    • Fingerprint
    • Face with bags under eyes
    • Harp
    • Root vegetable
    • Leafless tree
    • Splatter
    • Shovel

    These emojis will enhance communication with more creative options. While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed these updates, the anticipated features hint at a more dynamic and user-friendly experience with iOS 18.4. Stay tuned for more details as the release approaches!

  • Why Apple won’t buy TikTok: A Simpler Explanation

    Why Apple won’t buy TikTok: A Simpler Explanation

    Apple has the money to buy almost anything, but TikTok isn’t something it’s likely to acquire. This decision goes beyond just the price tag.

    Although Apple has been hugely successful in many areas, it has consistently struggled with launching social media platforms. While buying TikTok might seem like a shortcut, the challenges involved make it a risky move.

    TikTok isn’t officially on the market yet, but if it were to be sold, the buyer would need to be an American company to comply with U.S. regulations. Apple could technically buy TikTok—Bloomberg estimates its value at around $60 billion. However, purchasing it would mean starting a new division from scratch, which isn’t Apple’s strong suit.

    Apple has shown little interest or ability to thrive in the social media industry. Buying TikTok wouldn’t change the fact that the platform operates in a highly competitive space. Additionally, TikTok’s current operations already face controversies, such as limited search results on sensitive topics like abortion, seemingly to align with certain political views in the U.S. If Apple owned TikTok, it would be responsible for similar censorship decisions, potentially harming its reputation.

    Another major hurdle is the heavy moderation TikTok requires. Managing content on such a large platform is expensive and labor-intensive. While some companies, like Meta, have cut back on moderation to save money, Apple would face criticism if it followed suit. If it didn’t, the cost of moderation would still be a significant burden.

    Ultimately, Apple doesn’t need the complications that come with TikTok. The $60 billion price isn’t the issue—it’s the endless problems that would follow. Instead, Apple seems to be focusing on smaller, more manageable acquisitions, as seen with its $3 billion purchase of Beats in 2014, still its largest buy to date.

    In short, owning TikTok would bring more trouble than value to Apple.