RPRNA

Search results for: “beta”

  • Try free Starlink service on your iPhone until summer

    Try free Starlink service on your iPhone until summer

    T-Mobile has launched a public beta for its Starlink satellite service, inviting everyone in the U.S. with a compatible iPhone or Android phone to join. This is great news even if you’re not with T-Mobile, as you can test this new way to stay connected without traditional cell service.

    How to Get Involved:

    • Free Beta Access: You can sign up to use Starlink for free until July, but there are only a few spots.

    Pricing After July:

    • T-Mobile’s Go5G Next plan users and those with other eligible plans will keep using it for free.
    • If you have another T-Mobile plan, you can add Starlink for $15 a month, per phone line.
    • Users on other carriers will pay $20 a month, per line.
    • Early Bird Discount: Sign up before February ends, and you’ll get the service for just $10 per month starting in July.

    Where It Works:

    • In areas outside the usual cell service range in the U.S., your phone will link up with one of Starlink’s many satellites to send and receive texts when you’re off the grid.

    Future Features:

    • While it currently supports messaging, T-Mobile plans to add voice calls and internet data soon.

    iPhone Users, Take Note:

    • Your iPhone will show “SAT” when using this satellite service.
    • To stop using it, go to Settings, find Cellular, select your carrier, and switch off Satellite.

    What You Need:

    • An iPhone 14, 15, or 16 model.
    • The newest iOS update.
    • A compatible carrier plan.

    This isn’t the first time iPhones have used satellites; Apple already has a deal with Globalstar for emergency messaging. However, Starlink’s network is much bigger, offering smoother, automatic connections without aiming your phone.

    Remember:

    • Apple’s satellite features are currently free, but this might change.
    • The service is available in the U.S., with varying availability elsewhere.

    Starlink’s wide reach could change how we think about staying connected, making it an exciting time for smartphone users looking to stay in touch no matter where they are.

  • Apple and Starlink: What you need to know

    Apple and Starlink: What you need to know

    You might have heard on social media that Apple automatically added Elon Musk’s Starlink to all iPhones. That’s not true. Here’s the simple truth: The iPhone can connect to Starlink, but only under certain conditions. Right now, in the United States, only one carrier, T-Mobile, uses Starlink for additional coverage on the iPhone.

    Apple hasn’t directly teamed up with Starlink. T-Mobile uses its own frequency (band 25) to make this possible, and the iPhone supports this band. There’s nothing unique in iOS 18.3 related to Starlink; it just supports T-Mobile’s latest network updates.

    If you’re a T-Mobile customer and you don’t want to use Starlink, you can turn it off easily. Go to your iPhone’s Settings, then Cellular, find your carrier and switch off Satellite. Apple has also shared some info on how iPhones work with satellite services provided by carriers. This document explains how these services differ from Apple’s satellite network.

    To use these carrier satellite services, you’ll need:

    • An iPhone 14, 15, or 16
    • The newest iOS update
    • A compatible carrier
    • Possibly, a specific plan from your carrier

    When your iPhone uses these services, you’ll see “SAT” in the status bar. Remember, there might be extra charges or data limits, so check with your carrier for details.

    Starlink can provide internet like other companies such as Spectrum or Xfinity, for homes, on the go, or even on boats and planes. But with T-Mobile, it’s currently limited to sending texts when you’re out of regular network range. This is in beta, and you need to sign up on T-Mobile’s site to use it.

    In the future, T-Mobile might expand this to include more mobile data services through Starlink. But remember, Starlink isn’t a phone company; that’s why they work with T-Mobile. Don’t skip updating to iOS 18.3 just because of Starlink rumors. Updating keeps your iPhone safe and running smoothly with the latest features and fixes.

  • Connect your iPhone to Windows 11 Start Menu

    Connect your iPhone to Windows 11 Start Menu

    Microsoft has made a new update for Windows 11 that now lets iPhone users connect their phones right from the Start menu. This update brings similar features that were previously only available for Android phones.

    With this update, you can check your iPhone’s battery level, see if it’s connected to the internet, and look at your recent activities all from your Windows computer. You can also manage your messages and calls, plus share files, without switching between devices.

    Getting started is easy. Just click on the Start menu, find the “iPhone” option on the side, and follow the simple steps on your screen to link your iPhone with your PC.

    This feature is currently being introduced to users in the Windows Insider program, specifically those in the Dev and Beta testing groups. To use these new tools, you’ll need to have Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 4805 or higher if you’re in the Beta group, or Build 26120.3000 or higher if you’re in the Dev group. Make sure your Phone Link app is updated to version 1.24121.30.0 or later, and your PC supports Bluetooth Low Energy.

    However, not everyone can use this feature right away. It’s not available if you’re using the Education or Pro Education versions of Windows 11. Microsoft is rolling this out gradually, so keep an eye out for when it comes to your system.

    Source

  • When will Apple roll out the iOS 18.4 test version?

    When will Apple roll out the iOS 18.4 test version?

    Apple just released iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS Sequoia 15.3 on January 27, which means we’re all set for the next round of testing. People are excited because the upcoming betas might bring big new features to Siri with Apple Intelligence. But when can we expect this software to come out?

    How Soon Will the New Betas Come?

    Usually, Apple doesn’t wait long between updates. They might drop a new beta just one or two days after the latest software release. However, sometimes there’s a wait of a couple of weeks, especially if there are significant features like in iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4.

    Looking back at past releases can help us guess when the .4 betas might appear:

    • From iOS 17.3 to iOS 17.4 beta: 3 days
    • From iOS 16.3 to iOS 16.4 beta: 24 days
    • From iOS 15.3 to iOS 15.4 beta: 1 day
    • From iOS 14.3 to iOS 14.4 beta: 2 days
    • From iOS 13.3 to iOS 13.4 beta: 57 days

    What’s New in iOS 18.4?

    Since some Apple Intelligence features announced at WWDC in June are still pending, we can expect them in iOS 18.4. Here’s what might be included:

    • Siri Updates: Siri will get smarter with new abilities.
      • Siri’s Personal Context: Siri will remember details from your emails, messages, and photos to help you with tasks like finding files or recalling information.
      • Siri Onscreen Awareness: Siri will understand what’s on your screen, allowing you to do things like adding an address from a text to a contact or sending a photo you’re viewing.
      • Deeper App Integration: Siri will manage tasks across apps, like moving files or editing and sending photos.
    • More Countries: Apple Intelligence will expand to more languages and countries, including English (India), English (Singapore), and languages like Chinese, French, German, and more.
    • New Emoji: The update might introduce new emoji from Unicode 16, like a face with bags under eyes or a shovel.
    • EU Changes: EU iPhone users might soon choose different default navigation or translation apps, thanks to new regulations.

    iOS 18.4 Release Prediction

    After testing through March, Apple is likely to release iOS 18.4 in April 2025. This fits with Apple’s earlier mention of new language support for Apple Intelligence coming in an April update.

  • 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.

    Source

  • New update for Apple TV: tvOS 18.3 now available

    New update for Apple TV: tvOS 18.3 now available

    Apple has just rolled out tvOS 18.3, the latest update for the tvOS 18 series which was first launched in September. This update comes about a month after the release of tvOS 18.2 and is compatible with both Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD.

    To install tvOS 18.3, go to the Settings app on your Apple TV. Navigate to System, then Software Update, and follow the prompts to download and install the update. If you have automatic updates turned on, your Apple TV will update to tvOS 18.3 without any extra steps from you.

    During the beta phase of tvOS 18.3, there weren’t any big new features added, but this update does include a new alert regarding the purchase of digital movies and TV shows.

    For detailed release notes, check out Apple’s support document for tvOS, which gets updated with each new version release.

    Additionally, Apple has released HomePod Software 18.3 for both the HomePod and HomePod mini. Since HomePod software shares its roots with tvOS, this update aligns with the tvOS update in terms of version numbering and some underlying system improvements.

  • 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.
  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Apple stores set to receive new updates next week

    Apple stores set to receive new updates next week

    Apple retail stores are preparing for “merchandise and marketing updates” next week, as reported by Mark Gurman from Bloomberg. While Gurman hasn’t directly tied these updates to a specific product launch, he pointed out that this timing aligns with Apple’s yearly release of its Black Unity watch band for the Apple Watch.

    Apple has introduced a Black Unity campaign in late January for the past four years. This campaign typically includes a new Apple Watch band, a special watch face, and an iPhone wallpaper inspired by the Pan-African flag’s colors. Recent findings in the tvOS 18.3 update code, referencing “UNITY25,” suggest the Black Unity campaign will likely return in 2025. If this is the case, Apple may announce it next week.

    Apart from the Black Unity watch band, there’s no confirmation about other product releases next week. However, Apple is anticipated to unveil new MacBook Air models featuring the M4 chip in early 2025, as well as the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds. Gurman’s update, however, didn’t hint at these products being part of next week’s announcements.

    In addition, Apple is expected to roll out iOS 18.3, macOS 15.3, and other software updates after a month of beta testing. While the upcoming merchandise updates could hint at exciting news, keeping expectations in check is wise. There’s always the chance these updates are more routine than groundbreaking.

    Source

More posts