Search results for: “mi 8 Pro”

  • How the Apple Watch helps NHL referees

    How the Apple Watch helps NHL referees

    The Apple Watch is making a big difference for referees in NHL hockey games. A special app called NHL Watch Comms was created just for NHL officials who work on the ice. This app will get its first outdoor test at tomorrow’s Stadium Series game in Ohio.

    The NHL announced this exciting update in a blog post recently. They said:

    For the first time in an outdoor match, referees will use the NHL Watch Comms App on their Apple Watches. This app, built by Presidio, sends live updates during the game to help officials stay on top of everything happening. Referees will feel small taps on their wrists to alert them about important moments, like how much time is left on the game clock, penalty timers, and even the jersey numbers of players sitting in the penalty box.

    This handy tool has been tested and improved over the past few seasons at indoor rinks. Now, it’s ready for its outdoor debut this Saturday. That’s when the Columbus Blue Jackets take on the Detroit Red Wings at Ohio Stadium, a famous football spot tied to The Ohio State University. Hockey games are loud and fast, which makes it tricky for referees to talk to each other. An outdoor game adds even more challenges, like wind or weather. That’s where the Apple Watch steps in to help.

    The app uses those wrist taps to keep referees in sync with the game clock—kind of like how fans might follow a live sports update on their own Apple Watches. But for refs, it’s all about doing their job better. Pretty neat, right?

    Here’s a peek at the NHL Watch Comms app, designed by Presidio for the NHL referees:

    This simple yet smart tool shows how tech can make a tough job a little easier, even in the middle of a thrilling hockey game.

  • Apple simplifies child accounts and boosts online safety

    Apple simplifies child accounts and boosts online safety

    Apple announced new tools today to keep kids safer online. These updates include a clearer age rating system, an easier way for parents to set up accounts for their children, tweaks to what kids see on the App Store, and a new tool for app makers to check a user’s age range. This ensures kids only get content that fits their age.

    The details are in a new guide called Helping Protect Kids Online, available on Apple’s developer website. The goal is simple: give parents more say over what their kids do online while keeping things private. Apple also wants to avoid broad laws that force the App Store to handle age checks for everyone.

    First, setting up accounts for kids is getting easier. When someone makes a new account, Apple will ask for their age range. This is already in the iOS 18.4 beta. For kids under 13, there’s a “Connect to Family” option. Parents need to approve the account for things like the App Store, but Apple is making this smoother. Instead of needing a credit card, parents can now use their payment history with Apple and confirm it with Face ID or Touch ID.

    Kids can start using their device right away if a parent isn’t around. Age-based limits will kick in for web browsing and messages, but app downloads will need parental approval later. Soon, parents can also fix the age on existing kid accounts if it’s wrong.

    App makers must now share if their apps have user-made content, ads, or need age checks. This info will show up on App Store pages. Apple is also updating its age groups: from 4+, 9+, 12+, and 17+ to 4+, 9+, 13+, 16+, and 18+. Each category sets rules for what’s okay—like no violence for little kids or mature themes for teens. Kids won’t see or download apps beyond their age limit, and the App Store will promote apps that match their age.

    Apple’s new tool for developers, called the Declared Age Range API, shares a user’s age range without giving exact details like birthdays. Parents decide if this info is shared, keeping privacy tight. These changes aim to balance safety and ease for families.

  • iPhone 16e modem performs well and saves power, early tests show

    iPhone 16e modem performs well and saves power, early tests show

    Early tests of the iPhone 16e’s cell signal strength reveal some exciting news. A Chinese tech site, Geekerwan, ran several 5G checks on the iPhone 16e using a fake cell tower set up in their lab. Overall, the iPhone 16e worked just as well as the iPhone 16 for staying connected, with similar speeds and dependability. Plus, Apple’s promise of better power use seems spot on. Geekerwan found that the new C1 modem in the iPhone 16e used much less energy than the Qualcomm modem in the iPhone 16.

    The best part? The iPhone 16e didn’t show any big surprises—it matched the iPhone 16’s performance nicely (though it doesn’t have mmWave support). They also tested both phones on a subway ride. Speeds went up and down, but all iPhone 16 models had about the same number of signal drops and connection quality.

    Looking at power use, the difference was clear. Apple says the C1 modem saves up to 25% more energy, and the numbers back that up. In strong signal areas, the iPhone 16 used 0.88 watts on 5G, while the 16e only needed 0.67 watts—that’s about 24% less. In weak signal spots, the 16 averaged 0.81 watts, and the 16e stayed at 0.67 watts, a 17% drop.

    For real-life battery tests, the iPhone 16e lasted 7 hours and 53 minutes streaming video on 5G. The iPhone 16 managed 7 hours, and the 16 Pro hit 6 hours and 54 minutes. So, the 16e outlasted them by nearly an hour. The bigger Plus and Pro Max models, with larger batteries, reached about 8.5 hours.

    Still, it’s tricky to know if the longer battery life comes from the C1 modem alone or the 16e’s bigger 3961mAH battery, which is 12% larger than the 16 Pro’s. It looks like Apple boosted the iPhone 16e’s staying power with both a smarter modem and a roomier battery.

  • What’s happening with WWDC 2025? here’s the scoop

    What’s happening with WWDC 2025? here’s the scoop

    Apple fans, get ready—one of the biggest events of the year is coming soon! WWDC happens every June, and it’s when Apple shows off what’s new for its software, like iOS, watchOS, and macOS. In 2025, we’ll see iOS 19, watchOS 12, macOS 16, and more.

    When Will Apple Share WWDC 2025 Plans?

    Apple usually tells us about WWDC in March. Looking back, here’s when they’ve done it before:

    • 2017: February 16
    • 2018: March 13
    • 2019: March 14
    • 2020: March 13
    • 2021: March 30
    • 2022: April 5
    • 2023: March 29
    • 2024: March 26

    Since the timing has been pretty steady lately, I’d guess WWDC 2025 will be announced in late March.

    When Is WWDC 2025 Happening?

    WWDC usually takes place in early June. Here are some past dates:

    • 2017: June 5-9
    • 2018: June 4-8
    • 2019: June 3-7
    • 2020: June 22-26
    • 2021: June 7-11
    • 2022: June 6-10
    • 2023: June 5-9
    • 2024: June 10-14

    One thing to note: Apple’s been slow with some iOS 18 features from last year. Big Siri upgrades might not come until May or June 2025 with iOS 18.5. Could that push WWDC a bit later? It’s possible!

    What’s Coming at WWDC 2025?

    This year, Apple Intelligence will steal the show. Reports say iOS 19 will bring a smarter Siri that acts more human, powered by fancy tech like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini. There’s also talk that iOS 19 might borrow some cool design ideas from visionOS, like a major update to the Camera app. Some iOS 18 features got delayed to spring 2026, so WWDC 2025 might tease a bunch of iOS 19 goodies that won’t arrive right away. Want more? Check our iOS 19 guide! Apple will also reveal:

    • iPadOS 19
    • visionOS 3
    • tvOS 19
    • macOS 16
    • watchOS 12

    Any New Gear?

    Hardware’s a maybe. The M4 MacBook Air could drop before WWDC, but the M4 Mac Studio and Mac Pro might show up at the event. Stay tuned!

  • iPhone 16e’s battery size uncovered in everyday use tests

    iPhone 16e’s battery size uncovered in everyday use tests

    When Apple introduced the iPhone 16e, they highlighted a fresh design inside that made room for a bigger battery. While Apple doesn’t share exact battery sizes, a popular YouTuber, Dave Lee from Dave2D, spilled the details in his latest review. He revealed the iPhone 16e has a 3,961 mAh battery—a solid jump of over 10% compared to the 3,561 mAh in the standard iPhone 16.

    Here’s how it stacks up:

    • iPhone 16 Pro Max: 4,685 mAh
    • iPhone 16 Pro: 3,582 mAh
    • iPhone 16 Plus: 4,674 mAh
    • iPhone 16: 3,561 mAh
    • iPhone 16e: 3,961 mAh

    Apple claims the iPhone 16e delivers the best battery life ever for a 6.1-inch iPhone, thanks partly to their new energy-saving C1 modem.

    How Does the iPhone 16e Hold Up in Real Life?

    Dave Lee tested the iPhone 16e by keeping the Reddit website running non-stop over Wi-Fi. The phone lasted an impressive 12 hours and 54 minutes. By comparison, the iPhone 16 managed 11 hours and 17 minutes in the same setup, making the 16e the champ here.

    Tom’s Guide ran their own test, mimicking regular web browsing on a cellular network. The iPhone 16e averaged 12 hours and 41 minutes—super close to the iPhone 16’s 12 hours and 43 minutes. The top scores? The 16e hit 12 hours and 49 minutes, while the iPhone 16 reached 13 hours and 19 minutes.

    CNET’s Patrick Holland shared his hands-on experience: “After six days with the 16e, I’ve charged it just three times. Using a 30-watt charger, it went from zero to 59% in half an hour. I’ve been pushing it hard—testing cameras, playing heavy games, and using smart features. It easily lasts a full day, and with lighter use, it can stretch to a day and a half.”

    In CNET’s video streaming test, the iPhone 16e stayed at 100% after an hour, while the iPhone 16 and 15 dipped to 97%. Holland noted more tests are coming, but the early signs are promising.
    Get Yours Soon Pre-orders for the iPhone 16e are open now, with the official launch this Friday. Curious for more? Check out our full iPhone 16e review summary!

  • Apple’s New 5G Chip: Which devices will get it?

    Apple’s New 5G Chip: Which devices will get it?

    Apple has introduced its own 5G chip, called the C1 modem, in the new iPhone 16e. This is different from other iPhone models that still use Qualcomm’s modems. Most people might not notice the switch, but it’s a big step for Apple, which has been working on this technology since at least 2018.

    We don’t have speed test results for the C1 modem yet, but it’s likely to be slower than Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X71 modem found in the iPhone 16. Apple wants to match or beat Qualcomm someday, though that could take a few years. For now, the C1 modem shines in another way: it uses less power. This helps the iPhone 16e have the best battery life of any 6.1-inch iPhone, even better than the regular iPhone 16. Apple’s knack for blending hardware and software shines through here.

    Apple says the C1 is just the beginning. In a recent statement about its U.S. manufacturing plans, the company hinted at putting its custom 5G modems in more gadgets soon. The C1 took years of research and teamwork from thousands of engineers. It’s part of a bigger plan to improve modems across Apple products.

    So, what’s next? Expert Ming-Chi Kuo says the super-slim iPhone 17 Air, coming later this year, will also use the C1 modem. The iPad 11, expected in March or April, could be another fit for it, especially the versions with cellular data. Looking further ahead, reports from Mark Gurman suggest Apple might add 5G to Macs and Vision Pro devices someday.

    Apple plans years for its chips—up to four years for iPhone processors—and the same goes for modems. The company is already designing C2 and C3 modems. The C2 could bring faster mmWave 5G, while the C3 might outdo Qualcomm. All iPhone 18 models and the iPad Pro could get the C2 modem. Eventually, Apple might even blend the modem into its main iPhone chip.

    Why make its own modem? Apple wants to depend less on outside companies like Qualcomm and avoid past tensions with them. Though they settled a lawsuit and agreed to work together until 2027, Apple’s goal is to stand on its own. Years ago, it tried Intel modems, but they weren’t as good as Qualcomm’s. Now, with the C1, Apple’s dream of controlling its tech is coming true. Soon, every Apple device with cellular might run on its own modem.

  • All the cool Apple Intelligence features you can use now

    All the cool Apple Intelligence features you can use now

    Apple Intelligence is the name for a bunch of smart, AI-driven tools that work on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and soon Vision Pro. These features have popped up in updates like iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, making your devices work in fresh, exciting ways. Here’s a simple rundown of what’s available now, plus a peek at what’s on the way.

    First Up: iOS 18.1 Brings Writing Help, Photo Tricks, and More

    • Writing Help: Fix mistakes, rephrase sentences, or tweak your text anywhere on your device.
    • Photo Clean-Up: Easily erase stuff you don’t want in your pictures.
    • Memory Movie Maker: Tell it what you want, and it’ll whip up a video from your photos.
    • Smart Photo Search: Find the exact pics or videos you need with better search.
    • Notification Highlights: Get short, useful summaries of your alerts.
    • Siri Boost: Siri’s smarter now—better answers, a fresh look, a smoother voice, and you can even type to it.
    • Top Emails First: Your most urgent emails jump to the top.
    • Quick Replies: Get handy reply suggestions in Mail and Messages.
    • Email and Chat Summaries: See short recaps of conversations instead of scrolling forever.
    • Focus Mode Upgrade: Block distractions but let big stuff through with smarter alerts.

    Next: iOS 18.2 Adds Fun Stuff Like Genmoji and Image Tools

    • Genmoji: Create your own emojis for any app.
    • ChatGPT with Siri: Siri teams up with ChatGPT for extra smarts, or you can ask ChatGPT directly.
    • Image Playground: Make cool AI pictures in cartoon or drawing styles.
    • Visual Smarts: Point your camera at something and get info about it.
    • Image Wand: Turn doodles into pretty artwork in Notes.
    • ChatGPT Writing: Let it write fresh text for you in any app.

    Coming in iOS 18.3: Smarter Visual Tools

    • Poster to Calendar: Snap a flyer and add the event to your schedule.
    • Nature ID: Figure out what plants or animals you’re looking at.

    Soon in iOS 18.4 and Beyond

    The iOS 18.4 beta (out in April) might tweak these, but here’s what’s testing now:

    • Key Alerts: Important notifications stand out on your Lock Screen.
    • More Image Styles: Add a sketch look to your AI-made pics.
    • Vision Pro Joins In: Apple Intelligence hits Vision Pro with visionOS 2.4.

    Final Thoughts

    Apple’s just warming up with these AI goodies. Expect more surprises at WWDC in June for iOS 19. Love it or not, these tools will keep changing how you use your gadgets as they grow smarter and blend into your daily life.

  • Apple and Indonesia agree to allow iPhone 16 sales again

    Apple and Indonesia agree to allow iPhone 16 sales again

    Apple and Indonesia have worked out a deal to end a five-month ban on selling the iPhone 16 in the country, according to insiders who shared the news with Bloomberg. The disagreement started in October when Indonesia blocked Apple’s newest iPhone because the company didn’t follow rules about making products locally. Now, that fight is over, and iPhones are coming back!

    As part of the deal, Apple promises to spend $1 billion in Indonesia—a huge jump from earlier offers of $10 million and $100 million, which the government turned down. They’ll sign an agreement soon, possibly this week, and the Industry Ministry will quickly approve permits so iPhone 16 sales can start again.

    Apple’s not just handing over money, though. They’ll also train Indonesians in tech skills like research and software design, helping locals create their own products. This was a big ask from Indonesia, which wanted Apple to set up research centers in the country.

    The plan includes building a factory on Batam island to make AirTags, those little trackers Apple sells. A company called Luxshare Precision Industry will run it, and it could handle 20% of all AirTags made worldwide. Plus, another factory in Bandung, a few hours from Jakarta, will churn out different accessories. Apple will also fund tech schools to teach students things like coding.

    Still, don’t expect iPhones to be built in Indonesia anytime soon—Apple’s keeping that part of its business elsewhere for now. This deal is a win for Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, who pushed for the $1 billion offer. Last month, the Industry Ministry surprised everyone by keeping the ban, hoping for a better deal—and it worked!

    Indonesia’s tough stance brought in big money and jobs, supporting their goal to grow local industries, not just be a place to sell stuff. For Apple, this opens the door to Indonesia’s 278 million people, many of them young and tech-loving. With sales slowing in China, this market could be a goldmine, even if Apple isn’t a top phone brand there yet.

  • iPhone 16e solves a cost confusion in Apple’s lineup

    iPhone 16e solves a cost confusion in Apple’s lineup

    When 5G arrived with the iPhone 12, Apple started a tricky pricing game. They’d advertise iPhones as “starting at $799,” but that deal only worked if you signed up with a big US carrier right away. Want one without a carrier lock? The real price jumped to $829. The iPhone 16e finally puts an end to this extra fee hassle.

    No More Activation Tricks

    Since the iPhone 12, every basic iPhone model has followed this pricing twist—yes, even the iPhone 16. The good news? The fancier Pro models never had this issue.

    It’s always bugged me when people call the iPhone 16 a “$799 phone.” That’s not the full story. If you activate it with a major carrier through Apple, sure, you get that price. But for everyone else, it’s $829. Many folks buy straight from their carrier, and even then, they’re stuck with the higher $829 cost. Some say $30 isn’t much, but it still feels sneaky.

    Apple’s C1 Modem Changes Things

    Back with the iPhone 12, Apple added 5G mmWave to all models. Big carriers like Verizon probably pushed for it. This speedy tech isn’t cheap and usually skips budget phones. The catch? It only shines in crowded spots like stadiums. In busy places like New York, you might lose the signal just by walking around a corner.

    Thankfully, the iPhone 16e uses Apple’s C1 modem, which skips mmWave. Without that costly feature, there’s no need for carrier discounts to balance things out. So, no matter your carrier, you can grab an iPhone 16e for the advertised $599. That’s a first for a regular iPhone since 2020!

    Looking ahead, Apple’s next C2 modem might bring mmWave back. But since Apple often leaves it out for iPhones sold outside the US, we’ll probably see a version without it too. For now, the iPhone 16e keeps things simple and fair.

  • Updated Mail app with simple sorting hits Mac and iPad

    Updated Mail app with simple sorting hits Mac and iPad

    Apple rolled out the first iPadOS 18.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4 betas today, bringing the refreshed Mail app to iPad and Mac users for developers to try.

    What’s New in the Mail App on Mac

    The updated Mail app now sorts your emails automatically into neat groups. The most urgent messages land in the Primary category. Other emails get split into sections like shopping orders, newsletters, special offers, and social updates.

    There’s a handy “Transactions” area that gathers receipts, order details, and delivery updates. This makes it super simple to track purchases and shipping info. Then, there’s an “Updates” section for things like newsletters, doctor appointment reminders, and subscription messages. Plus, a “Promotions” category holds emails about sales and deals.

    When you open the app after the update, this grouped view is what you’ll see first. But if you prefer the old-school style, just tap the top-right corner to switch to a basic list of all emails in order by date—no categories. If your device supports Apple Intelligence, the Primary inbox will highlight key emails so you can focus on what matters most. Time-sensitive messages from Transactions, Updates, or Promotions will also pop up in Primary.

    Apple already added this email-sorting feature to the iPhone with iOS 18.2. Now, it’s available on Mac and iPad too, making it easier to stay on top of your inbox across all your devices.