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  • CVS Trials new way to open locked cabinets with your phone

    CVS Trials new way to open locked cabinets with your phone

    CVS is trying out a cool new way to make shopping easier. Instead of calling a store worker to open locked cabinets, CVS customers can now use their smartphones to unlock them. This idea comes from a report by The Wall Street Journal, shared by The Verge.

    In many stores, items that are often stolen are kept in locked cases. This is good for stopping theft but not so good for shoppers who have to wait for help to get their items. Tilak Mandadi, who oversees technology at CVS Health, mentioned to The Wall Street Journal that customers don’t like these locked cabinets. That’s why CVS is testing this new method.

    If you have the CVS app, a CVS account, and your Bluetooth turned on, you can connect to the store’s Wi-Fi and unlock these cabinets with your iPhone or Android phone.

    Currently, this trial is happening in just three CVS locations, but they plan to grow this to between 10 to 15 stores. If it goes well, CVS wants to bring this feature to all its stores. This could make shopping much quicker and more enjoyable for everyone.

    Source

  • MacBook Pro ruined in car crash, AppleCare+ claim rejected

    MacBook Pro ruined in car crash, AppleCare+ claim rejected

    A MacBook Pro owner shared a frustrating experience on Reddit after his laptop was wrecked in a car accident. Despite having an AppleCare+ plan for accidental damage, Apple declined to replace or repair the device.

    The user explained on the platform that his MacBook was severely damaged in the crash. He was shocked to learn that Apple wouldn’t cover the repair or replacement because the damage was considered too extensive.

    “I thought I was safe with AppleCare+ for accidents,” he lamented. “But they won’t replace my MacBook because it’s too broken. It feels like my money was spent for nothing.”

    Apple’s AppleCare+ policy clearly states that it covers accidental damage from handling, which includes unexpected events like drops or spills. The policy specifies that Apple can either repair the damage using genuine parts or replace the device with one that meets their standards.

    However, the policy also lists several exclusions. Two might apply here:

    • Natural Disasters: The policy does not cover damages from events like fire, floods, or earthquakes. Interestingly, it also mentions “similar external causes,” which might be interpreted to include a car crash, although this seems like a stretch.
    • Reckless Behavior: Damage resulting from reckless, abusive, or intentional actions is also not covered. Since the driver admitted the crash was his fault, one could argue that his driving might qualify as reckless, though this interpretation seems harsh.

    The situation raises eyebrows about the application of these policy terms. Accidental damage insurance is supposed to protect against, well, accidents. Excluding coverage because the damage is “too severe” or interpreting a car accident as “reckless behavior” seems to miss the point of such insurance.

    In conclusion, this case illustrates a potential gap between consumer expectations and the fine print of insurance policies. It’s a reminder for all of us to read and understand the specifics of our coverage, especially when it comes to high-value items like electronics.

    Source

  • iPhone Calculator gets better with iOS 18.3 update

    iPhone Calculator gets better with iOS 18.3 update

    Apple has released a new update for iPhones, called iOS 18.3. This update might not have lots of big new features, but it does bring some helpful changes, especially for those who use the Calculator app a lot.

    One of the main fixes in this update is something many people have been asking for. Before, if you updated to iOS 18, you couldn’t do one simple thing anymore in the Calculator app: repeat math operations with the equals button.

    Here’s how it used to work: if you did a calculation like 2 times 2 and got 4, you could press equals again to multiply 4 by 2 again, getting 8, then press it again for 16, and so on. But when iOS 18 came out, this handy trick was gone.

    Now, with iOS 18.3, this feature is back! You can use the equals button to keep doing calculations without having to enter the numbers again each time. This makes quick calculations much easier.

    User Feedback:

    • Conrad7570 commented, “The article does not address another small issue – the ability to swipe to delete mistakes. Yes, there’s a delete button now, but swiping was much simpler and more stylish. Isn’t that what Apple is all about?”

    So, next time you grab your iPhone to do some math, remember you can now use the equals button as many times as you want to keep your calculations going. This small change might make a big difference for anyone who loves quick math on their phone.

  • Apple updates VisionOS to Version 2.3

    Apple updates VisionOS to Version 2.3

    Apple has just launched visionOS 2.3, marking the third update to the visionOS 2 software which was first introduced in September. This new version comes a little over a month after visionOS 2.2 and nearly a year since the Vision Pro headset was released.

    To update to visionOS 2.3, owners of the Vision Pro can go into the Settings menu on their device, click on General, and then select Software Update. When updating, you’ll need to take off your Vision Pro. There’s a handy progress bar on the front EyeSight display, so you can see how the update is going.

    Apple states that visionOS 2.3 brings important bug fixes and security enhancements. They recommend that everyone updates to this version for the best experience. For more details about the Vision Pro and the visionOS 2 updates, check out our detailed guide.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Apple Watch Bands are safe, says Apple, amid lawsuit

    Apple Watch Bands are safe, says Apple, amid lawsuit

    Apple has reassured consumers that its Apple Watch bands are “safe to wear,” following a lawsuit claiming some bands contain harmful “forever chemicals,” known as PFAS.

    Apple’s Statement:

    Apple Watch bands are completely safe for everyone to wear. We conduct our own tests and also involve independent labs to check our materials thoroughly, including those used in our watch bands.

    Apple also mentioned that they go beyond what the law requires to ensure their products and manufacturing processes are free from dangerous chemicals.

    Phasing Out PFAS:

    Despite confirming the safety of current bands, Apple is actively working to eliminate PFAS from all its products. In a statement from November 2022, Apple outlined their plan:

    We began by looking at the most common PFAS used in our products – fluoropolymers. Although our tests show these are safe for users, we’re expanding our efforts to include all manufacturing stages. We aim to eliminate all PFAS, understanding it’s a complex process that needs careful consideration to find effective, safe alternatives.

    This transition will take time as we catalog PFAS use, develop new materials that perform just as well, and ensure these alternatives are not harmful themselves.

    The Lawsuit:

    The lawsuit references a study which found high levels of PFAS in some smartwatch bands, suggesting these chemicals could be absorbed through the skin leading to health issues. This study included brands like Apple, Nike, Fitbit, and Google, though it didn’t name specific bands.

    When asked about which specific Apple Watch bands might contain PFAS, Apple did not provide an immediate response. The lawsuit aims to include anyone in the U.S. who bought a Sport Band, Nike Sport Band, or Ocean Band for an Apple Watch.

    The case awaits a judicial decision on whether it can proceed as a class action.

  • How much does your iPhone lose value each year?

    How much does your iPhone lose value each year?

    Buying a new smartphone, especially an iPhone, can be quite expensive. If you’re thinking about getting the newest model, trading in your old one can help lower the cost. But don’t wait too long before you trade it in because the value drops quickly.

    No Clear Pattern in Value Drop

    The data comes from Back Market, a site where you can sell your used devices or buy refurbished ones. According to their records, how much an iPhone loses value each year isn’t predictable. You might expect a steady decrease, but that’s not the case.

    For example, an iPhone from 2016 is now valued at $16, while the 2017 model, just a year newer, is worth $38. Some models lose value faster than others; the 2020 iPhone saw a 49% drop in value, compared to only a 25% drop for the 2019 model. This seems odd because the iPhone 12, released in 2020 with a new design, didn’t hold its value much better than the iPhone 11.

    On average, Back Market says an iPhone loses about 36% of its trade-in value after one year. If you’re eyeing the latest iPhone 17 series after using an iPhone 16 Pro Max, it’s wise to trade in soon rather than later.

    The Problem of Unused Devices

    When you upgrade your tech, what do you do with the old stuff? Trading in phones is straightforward, but not so much for other gadgets. Back Market found that 81% of people have at least one piece of tech they’re not using anymore, and 55% have three or more. Surprisingly, 72% of people have an old smartphone lying around.

    Not everyone knows how to go about trading in their old tech. Plus, there’s the issue of safety; stories of people getting robbed during meet-ups are common. Also, the trade-in values from companies might not seem fair compared to what you might get elsewhere. Still, it’s better than letting your devices sit unused, losing value every year.

  • Samsung’s New Galaxy S25: Borrowing over a dozen iPhone traits, claims Macworld

    Samsung’s New Galaxy S25: Borrowing over a dozen iPhone traits, claims Macworld

    Macworld argues that Samsung’s latest Galaxy S25 has taken inspiration from over a dozen iPhone features. From the phone’s sleek, straight-edged design to how its AI assistant displays, Samsung seems to have borrowed quite a bit from Apple.

    Macworld’s Mahmoud Itani highlights this, starting with the AI features. The Galaxy S25 has integrated AI similar to Apple’s, allowing users to connect with third-party chatbots like Google Gemini, just as Apple does with ChatGPT in its system. When activating Gemini on the Galaxy S25, users see a text box with a colorful, glowing border, which looks a lot like Siri’s interface on iPhones. Additionally, the text selection tool in Samsung’s phone mimics Apple’s Writing Tools, offering options to proofread or transform text into tables.

    Itani goes on to mention other features like the ability to record and summarize calls, perform natural language searches in the photo gallery, and a photo editing tool that resembles Apple’s Image Playground. There’s also a new feature similar to Apple’s Live Activities, called the Now Bar, and enhanced audio features for video recording akin to Apple’s cinematic audio.

    9to5Mac’s Viewpoint
    It’s clear that Samsung often looks to Apple for inspiration. Their strategy seems to involve quickly bringing to market features similar to those rumored or leaked for upcoming iPhones, aiming to beat Apple to the punch. However, Apple isn’t innocent of copying either, as both companies tend to adopt similar technologies once they’re mainstream.

    Ultimately, this mutual borrowing is beneficial. The competitive pressure drives each company to innovate and perfect their offerings, leading to better products for consumers.

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