Search results for: “camera”

  • iPhone SE 4 will have a notch, not a dynamic island

    iPhone SE 4 will have a notch, not a dynamic island

    The next iPhone SE 4 is set to feature a traditional notch instead of the newer Dynamic Island, according to display expert Ross Young. He claims the phone will look much like the iPhone 14 with its notch.

    Just a few weeks ago, another source, Evan Blass, showed pictures suggesting the iPhone SE 4 would have a Dynamic Island. This was confusing because earlier rumors pointed towards a notch. Another leak from early 2024 also hinted at a Dynamic Island, but most signs point to Apple sticking with the notch for this budget phone.

    Many rumors have pointed out that the iPhone SE 4 is built similarly to the iPhone 14, which had a notch. This makes sense if Apple is using the same body design for the SE version. Plus, screen protectors rumored to be for the iPhone SE 4 show a cutout for a notch, not a Dynamic Island.

    When the iPhone SE 4 comes out, it will mark the end of Touch ID on iPhones, moving entirely to Face ID for unlocking. The phone is expected to have a 6.1-inch screen, one camera on the back, 8GB of RAM, and will run on an A17 Pro chip, which will support Apple’s smart features. Rumors are that we’ll see the iPhone SE 4 hit the market around April, in the spring.

  • Apple Calendar app gets better with iOS 18.3

    Apple Calendar app gets better with iOS 18.3

    Apple’s Calendar app has been around forever on iPhones but hasn’t changed much over the years. However, recent updates have started to make it more useful. With iOS 18.3, there’s now another cool feature that makes using Apple’s own app even more appealing.

    Big Changes in iOS 18 for Calendar

    Apple hasn’t done much with its Calendar app for a long time, which is strange because there are so many other good calendar apps out there like Google Calendar and Fantastical. But with iOS 18, Apple finally made some changes that are quite noticeable, even if they’re not huge.

    One of the best new features is that now you can manage your reminders right in the Calendar app. You can add, change, or look at your reminders without needing to switch apps. It’s a nice touch, though it would be better if you could choose which reminder lists show up in Calendar.

    Also, iOS 18 brought a new look to the app with better text and layout, plus a new way to see your month’s events all at once.

    A New Feature in iOS 18.3 for Calendar

    If you have an iPhone 16 with Camera Control, iOS 18.3 gives you a handy tool. By holding down on the Camera Control, you unlock a feature called visual intelligence, which uses AI to understand what your camera is pointed at.

    This new update lets you do something pretty neat: if you see a flyer or poster with a date on it, you can point your camera at it, and your iPhone will ask if you want to add that event to your Calendar. It’s an easy way to keep your digital calendar up to date with what’s going on around you.

    The catch is, this feature only works with Apple’s Calendar app because you can’t set another app as the default for this purpose. This small but smart update gives you one more reason to use Apple’s Calendar instead of looking elsewhere.

  • What’s new in iOS 18.3: Apple’s latest update details

    What’s new in iOS 18.3: Apple’s latest update details

    Apple has just released iOS 18.3 for everyone to download. We’ve already covered the new features, but here’s a simple breakdown of what’s new according to Apple’s official notes:

    Visual Intelligence with Camera Control (For all iPhone 16 models):

    • Add Events to Calendar: Now you can add an event to your Calendar just by snapping a picture of a poster or flyer.
    • Identify Plants and Animals: Your camera can now help you learn about nature by identifying different plants and animals.

    Notification Summaries (For iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max):

    • Manage Summaries Easily: You can now control your notification summary settings right from the lock screen.
    • New Look for Summaries: Notifications that are summarized now show up in italics and with a special icon, making them easy to spot.
    • Temporary Hold on Some Apps: Summaries for News and Entertainment apps are paused for now, but you can choose to get them back when they’re ready.

    Other Updates and Fixes:

    • Calculator: If you press equals again, it will repeat your last calculation, making quick math easier.
    • Siri: No more issues with the keyboard disappearing when you start typing a command.
    • Apple Music: Fixed a problem where music would keep playing even after you close the app.

    This update aims to make your iPhone experience smoother and more intuitive. Whether you’re organizing your schedule or just exploring the outdoors, iOS 18.3 has something to make daily tasks a bit easier.

  • Simple guide to iOS 18.3 update

    Simple guide to iOS 18.3 update

    Apple has announced that the new iOS 18.3 update will be available very soon, possibly even today. They made this known while introducing a new Black Unity Sport Loop for the Apple Watch.

    Changes in Notification Summaries

    iOS 18.3 has changed how notification summaries look and work. Now, you’ll see summaries in italic text, making them easier to spot. However, Apple has turned off news summary features for now because they weren’t always getting the stories right. They’ve promised to fix this in the next update. Also, you can now tweak your notification summary settings right from your phone’s lock screen.

    Visual Intelligence Gets Better

    If you have an iPhone 16, you’re in for a treat with iOS 18.3. It upgrades the Visual Intelligence feature which you activate with the Camera Control button. Now, you can use your camera to learn more about things around you, like adding events to your calendar from posters or identifying plants and animals. This cool feature isn’t available on older iPhones though.

    Calculator App Update

    A handy little feature has returned to the Calculator app in iOS 18.3. If you hit the equals button again, it’ll repeat the last calculation, which is great for figuring out things like compound interest without retyping everything.

    Celebrating Black History Month

    To celebrate Black History Month, Apple has released a special Black Unity Sport Loop band for the Apple Watch, along with a new Unity Rhythm watch face and matching wallpapers for your iPhone and iPad. These will come with the iOS 18.3 update.

    Bug Fixes

    iOS 18.3 also tackles some bugs. It fixes a problem where the keyboard might vanish when you’re typing to Siri, and another where music keeps playing even after you’ve closed the Apple Music app.

    Future Home App Feature

    Although not active yet, iOS 18.3’s code hints at upcoming support for robot vacuums in the Home app. Apple says this feature will be available in a future update, possibly iOS 18.4.

    So, keep an eye out for this update, which promises to make your iPhone experience smoother and more enjoyable.

  • 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.

  • Apple might rename the next iPhone SE to iPhone 16E

    Apple might rename the next iPhone SE to iPhone 16E

    Rumors have been swirling that Apple might ditch the ‘iPhone SE’ name for the next model coming this spring. Instead, it could be called the ‘iPhone 16E’. This change might sound odd, but it actually fits well with what we know about the upcoming phone.

    What’s New with the iPhone 16E?Here’s what we expect from this new model:

    • Design Inspired by iPhone 14: It will have a notch for Face ID and a 6.1-inch OLED screen.
    • Powerful A18 Chip: It will support Apple’s new AI features.
    • USB-C Charging: Replacing the old Lightning port.
    • Camera Upgrade: A single 48MP back camera, similar to those in the iPhone 15.
    • New 5G Modem: Apple’s first self-designed modem.

    This would be the most significant update to the SE series since 2020. The last SE, released in 2022, just got a new chip and 5G, but kept the same look.

    Pricing ConcernsThere’s talk of pricing the iPhone 16E at $499, which feels low considering its specs. Apple sells the iPhone 14 for $599 and the iPhone 15 for $699. How could they offer a newer phone with advanced features for less?

    • Cost-saving Components: Apple might use their own modem to cut costs, and cheaper display panels from BOE and LG instead of Samsung’s.

    But even with these savings, would Apple really price it so low?

    Why ‘iPhone 16E’ Makes SenseIf priced at $499, the iPhone 16E would undercut the iPhone 16 by $300, which includes extras like the Dynamic Island and an extra camera. Calling it the 16E could justify a $599 price, making it seem less like a budget option but more of a streamlined part of the current lineup.

    Moreover, it would highlight that the iPhone 15, which might still be sold, doesn’t have the latest features like Apple Intelligence.

    A New Name for a New EraThe ‘SE’ has always meant a smaller phone, but with a 6.1-inch screen, that’s no longer accurate. ‘iPhone 16E’ tells customers it’s part of the latest series, potentially boosting sales by clearly showing its place in the lineup.

    This naming could also help consumers understand the phone’s place in time, especially if Apple starts labeling models by year rather than generation. In summary, renaming the next iPhone SE to iPhone 16E could be Apple’s smart move to align the model with its current offerings while managing expectations around price and features.

  • iPhone 17 Dynamic Island stays the same size

    iPhone 17 Dynamic Island stays the same size

    Apple’s new iPhone 17 phones coming out this year will keep the Dynamic Island the same size, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

    Kuo shared on social media that he doesn’t think the Dynamic Island will change much on any of the iPhone 17 models. This goes against what people thought before, as there were whispers about making it smaller.

    Last year, another analyst, Jeff Pu, talked a lot about Apple using something called a “metalens” for the Face ID system in the iPhone 17 Pro, which would make the Dynamic Island thinner. But now, it seems that might not be happening.

    The Dynamic Island was first seen with the 2022 iPhones, and it hasn’t really changed since. People have been hoping Apple would make it smaller to give more space on the screen, but it looks like that’s not going to happen just yet.

    Even though the Dynamic Island isn’t changing, Apple has other plans for the iPhone 17’s design. They’re introducing a very thin model called the “iPhone 17 Air”, which will be the first big design update in a while. Both the iPhone 17 Air and the Pro versions are expected to have new camera setups arranged horizontally.

    For more details on what’s new with the iPhone 17 series, check out our summary on the iPhone 17.

  • New iPhone 17 Pro: 7 exciting updates coming soon

    New iPhone 17 Pro: 7 exciting updates coming soon

    Get ready for an exciting year for iPhone fans! Alongside the new iPhone SE 4 in spring and the sleek iPhone 17 Air in autumn, Apple’s top-tier Pro models are set to dazzle with these seven new features coming this September:

    Better Selfie Camera

    The selfie camera is getting a major upgrade. Instead of the 12MP we’ve seen, the iPhone 17 Pro will sport a 24MP front camera, bringing selfie quality much closer to the prowess of its back cameras.

    New A19 Pro Chip

    Apple is keeping its tradition of upgrading the chip alive with the A19 Pro, reserved only for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. This means the best performance will be exclusive to these models, while the iPhone 17 Air gets the standard A19.

    More Memory with 12GB RAM

    With AI becoming more central to our devices, Apple’s upping the ante by doubling the RAM to 12GB for the Pro and Pro Max models, the highest ever in an iPhone. This jump from 8GB in the previous models ensures smoother AI operations.

    Homegrown Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Chip

    Apple has been working on its own chips, and now they’re ready. The iPhone 17 Pro models will feature a new combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip. However, only the iPhone 17 Air will get Apple’s custom 5G modem, while Pro models continue with Qualcomm’s.

    Bigger Camera Bump

    The camera setup on the iPhone 17 Pro models will see a larger, rectangular bump, possibly for enhanced photography features. The design includes an aluminum top for strength and a glass bottom for wireless charging.

    Switch to Aluminum Frame

    Moving away from titanium, the iPhone 17 Pro will now feature an aluminum frame. This change from last year’s material choice is intriguing, and we’re eager to learn why Apple made this switch.

    Enhanced Cooling

    AI and high performance need good cooling, so Apple’s adding a vapor chamber and graphite sheet specifically to the iPhone 17 Pro Max to keep things cool under pressure.

    These updates make the choice tougher between sticking with the Pro for top features or going for the slim and stylish Air. Hardware might be peaking, but Apple seems determined to push the envelope further with these innovations.

  • Apple’s new Smart Home devices: upgrades that matter

    Apple’s new Smart Home devices: upgrades that matter

    Apple is bringing out three new devices for your home this year: the HomePad, a new Apple TV 4K, and the HomePod mini 2. These gadgets are set to make a big change in how smart homes work.

    A New Chip for Better Connections

    Mark Gurman has shared that the new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2 will be released later this year. While we don’t know everything about these new gadgets yet, we do know they will have a special new chip. This chip, called “Proxima,” is made by Apple and handles Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

    Here’s why this is important:

    • Energy Efficiency: Apple wants to make its devices work better together while using less power.
    • Better Connectivity: This chip helps Apple gadgets connect to the internet and pair with other devices like headphones more easily.
    • Synchronization: With this chip, your Apple devices at home can share data faster and work more closely with each other.

    What This Means for Your Smart Home
    This chip is part of Apple’s big push into smart homes. It’s like when Apple added a new type of radio to their latest iPhones, iPads, and Macs. At first, it wasn’t clear why, but now we see it was preparing for a better smart home setup with technologies like Matter.

    Even though having a new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip might not sound thrilling, it can make a lot of difference. It means all your Apple devices can work together more smoothly. HomeKit, Apple’s smart home system, sometimes has connection issues, and this new chip might help fix that.

    Looking Ahead

    Apple also plans to release its smart home gadgets like cameras and doorbells next year. For Apple to take the lead in smart homes, everything needs to work well together. This new chip is like a missing piece that could make everything work smoothly.

    I’m excited for Apple to step up its game in the smart home world, and it looks like we won’t have to wait long to see these changes.

  • How Samsung Galaxy S25 borrowed from Apple’s playbook

    How Samsung Galaxy S25 borrowed from Apple’s playbook

    Fans of both Apple and Samsung often argue about who copied whom. While Apple has faced legal challenges over design, Samsung has been quite open about taking inspiration from Apple, especially with the launch of the Galaxy S25.

    Smart Features Borrowed

    We all know Apple has been slow with its AI developments. While Samsung’s phones are packed with smart AI tools, Apple’s AI features are just starting to roll out and are pretty basic. Still, Samsung couldn’t help but notice Apple’s AI offerings.

    Apple’s AI system can work with ChatGPT and is planning to integrate with Google Gemini. Samsung followed suit, making its AI system work with external chatbots, starting with Google Gemini instead of its own Bixby.

    When you use Samsung’s Gemini, you see a text box with a bright border, much like Siri. It handles both text and voice inputs, and when you highlight text, it shows options very similar to Apple’s text editing tools, allowing you to check spelling or format as a table.

    Samsung also introduced call recording, transcription, and summarization in its phone app, features already familiar to iPhone users with iOS 18. Galaxy S25 users can now search for photos by describing them, summarize web articles, and even turn photos into drawings, much like Apple’s Image Playground.

    For privacy, Samsung’s AI can work offline, similar to Apple’s approach to limit cloud usage.

    User Interface Echoes

    During the Galaxy S25 reveal, Samsung introduced One UI 7. It features the Now Bar, which shows live updates like sports scores or timers, much like Apple’s Live Activities.

    Samsung’s camera updates mimic some iPhone features from months ago, including the ability to record in log format and tweak audio focus. They’ve also adopted a version of Apple’s Photographic Styles, giving users control over image filters and tones.

    Design Similarities

    The Galaxy S25 Ultra looks strikingly similar to the iPhone 16 Pro with its flat edges and rounded corners, moving away from Samsung’s previous curved designs. The top models now use titanium, while cheaper models stick with aluminum.

    Samsung jumped the gun on Apple’s rumored slim iPhone 17 Air with their Galaxy S25 Edge, choosing style over some features like a third camera. The protective cases for the Galaxy are almost identical to Apple’s transparent MagSafe cases.

    Moreover, Samsung’s upcoming VR headset, Project Moohan, seems inspired by Apple’s Vision Pro, even in its interface design.

    Innovation or Imitation?

    While some might see this as copying, Samsung does bring its own twist to these features. Their version of Photographic Styles, for example, allows for more creative control over image composition. However, in the tech world, where both iOS and Android offer similar functionalities, it’s clear that each company builds upon the other’s ideas to enhance user experience.

    Still, perhaps Samsung could aim for a bit more originality next time around.