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  • Apple is hiring more people to make robots for homes

    Apple is hiring more people to make robots for homes

    Apple is increasing its team of experts to work on new home robots, according to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg. The company is just starting to work on a robot that sits on a table, but they’re also thinking about making one that looks like a human down the road.

    This project is being led by two groups at Apple: the Home Labs team, which makes hardware, and another team led by Kevin Lynch, who works on special AI projects. These teams came from Apple’s old self-driving car project, which ended last year.

    In recent weeks, Apple has put out many job ads for people who know a lot about robots. They want to hire folks who will work with a small, smart group to add new features to Apple’s gadgets.

    Just last month, some Apple researchers showed off a robot that looks like a lamp, similar to the playful lamp from Pixar movies. This robot can do things like tell you about the weather, light up for taking photos with your iPhone, remind you to drink water, and even dance to music with you.

    Gurman also shared that Apple is working on a robot with a screen like an iPad, attached to a movable arm. This robot could be ready by 2027 and would mainly work with Siri. It might be able to look at you when you’re on a FaceTime call if you tell it to.

    It seems this new robot might be a fancy version of Apple’s smart home device, which is supposed to come out this year. It would be like a HomePod speaker but with a screen and a robotic arm.

    Source

  • New iOS Update Coming Soon: iOS 18.4 Beta 1

    New iOS Update Coming Soon: iOS 18.4 Beta 1

    We might see the first beta version of Apple’s next big update, iOS 18.4, as early as next week. This news comes from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg.

    What to Expect Next Week

    Next week will be action-packed with the release of Apple’s new Powerbeats with heart rate sensors and the iPhone SE 4. Despite this busy schedule, the iOS 18.4 beta could still appear on February 12 or 13. If Apple decides to wait, the update might come out on February 18, since February 17 is Presidents’ Day, a holiday in the U.S.

    Release Schedule

    Usually, Apple rolls out new betas after software updates, but there’s been a bit of a wait since iOS 18.3, which was released 11 days ago on January 27. We’ll reach the two-week mark on February 10, but Apple sometimes takes longer between updates, especially when they’re packed with new features.

    What’s New in iOS 18.4?

    Rumors are swirling that iOS 18.4 will introduce significant updates to Siri, focusing on what Apple calls “Apple Intelligence”. This includes making Siri more aware of what’s on your screen, understanding your personal context, and improving how it works within and across different apps. Given Siri’s past challenges with performance and accuracy, Apple is likely taking extra care with these enhancements.

    More Features

    Besides Siri improvements, the update might include new emojis, changes to default apps in the European Union, and the expansion of Apple Intelligence features to more languages and countries. Apple has already mentioned plans to broaden Apple Intelligence to additional countries in an April update, so we expect iOS 18.4 to be in beta testing until March, setting the stage for a full launch in April.

    This update promises to be a significant step forward for Apple’s mobile operating system, enhancing user interaction and expanding its global reach.

    Source

  • Security issues in DeepSeek app for iPhones

    Security issues in DeepSeek app for iPhones

    The DeepSeek app, which quickly became one of the top downloads on the Apple App Store, has been found to have several serious security issues.

    Past Concerns with DeepSeek

    DeepSeek caught everyone’s attention when it suddenly became the most downloaded app for iPhones. AI experts were amazed because it worked well even on phones with less powerful hardware. This led to a drop in stock prices for some big AI companies in the U.S.

    However, soon after, questions about privacy and security started to come up. Privacy regulators in Italy and Ireland began to question if the app followed European privacy laws, while U.S. officials looked into possible security risks. A major slip-up was when DeepSeek left a database unprotected, spilling over a million lines of user data, including private chats and secret codes.

    New Security Flaws in DeepSeek App

    NowSecure, a company that checks mobile app security, found that DeepSeek has turned off a key security feature on iPhones. This feature, called App Transport Security (ATS), makes sure that private information is sent safely. With ATS off, the app sends data without protection, which could be seen by anyone.

    The data might not look dangerous by itself, but when you put a lot of these pieces together, you can figure out who people are. This was shown in another case with Gravy Analytics where similar data was used to identify millions of people.

    Also, the app uses an old and weak method of hiding data, known as 3DES, which isn’t good enough to keep information secret anymore.

    Espionage Risks

    The app collects lots of little bits of information which, if combined with data from other apps, can be used to pinpoint specific users. For example, if someone is using DeepSeek on an iPad connected to a special network used by emergency services, they might become a target for spying.

    The report from NowSecure strongly suggests that the DeepSeek app for iPhones isn’t safe to use, and it warns that the version for Android phones might be even worse.

  • Apple’s New Robot Friend: A glimpse into the future by 2027

    Apple’s New Robot Friend: A glimpse into the future by 2027

    Apple’s team of clever scientists has made a little robot that looks like a lamp, with movements that feel very real. You can see all about it on their special research website. This robot, which kind of looks like the playful Luxo Jr. from Pixar, might just be a sneak peek into what Apple has planned for the future.

    In a video, we see this robot acting very much like a friend. Someone asks it about the weather, and the robot turns to look outside the window before telling them it’s a nice day for a hike. But when it hears it’s not invited, the robot seems a bit sad.

    In another scene, the robot follows the person’s hand signals, adjusting the light just right for taking photos with an iPhone. At another moment, it gently nudges a mug towards someone as a reminder to drink water.

    The robot also helps by showing a tutorial video on the wall when someone is trying to build something new, like a 3D printer. And for fun, it dances to music, making it feel like a companion rather than just a machine.

    The researchers, including Yuhan Hu, Peide Huang, Mouli Sivapurapu, and Jian Zhang, noted that making the robot move in a lifelike way really makes people want to interact with it more than if it just did simple tasks.

    According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple might be working on something similar with an iPad-screen on a robotic arm. They’re thinking about announcing this cool device maybe in 2026 or 2027. This robot would understand your voice commands, like “look at me,” especially useful during video calls.

    This robot could be a fancy version of Apple’s upcoming smart home hub, expected to come out soon and priced around $1,000, though plans might still shift. This little robot friend from Apple is not just about tech; it’s about making our daily lives a bit more fun and interactive.

  • Apple starts making its new M5 Chip

    Apple starts making its new M5 Chip

    Apple has kicked off the production of its latest M5 chip, according to reports from South Korean sources. This new chip could show up in devices as early as this year.

    The process of putting together the M5 chip began last month, as noted by ET News. This final step, called packaging, comes after the chip is made and involves protecting it and connecting it to other parts of a device.

    Apple works with a company called TSMC to make the chips on special silicon discs. After that, other companies, like Taiwan’s ASE Group, America’s Amkor, and China’s JCET, handle the packaging. Reports say ASE started first, with the others set to follow one by one.

    Right now, the focus is on making the basic M5 chip, not the more powerful versions like the M5 Pro, M5 Max, or M5 Ultra. The companies involved are also building new facilities to help produce these higher-end models later.

    The M5 chip is expected to have a better design based on ARM technology and is being made using TSMC’s advanced 3-nanometer method. Apple chose not to use an even newer 2-nanometer process, likely to keep costs down. However, the more advanced M5 versions will still be a big step up from the current M4 chips, thanks to a special stacking technique called System on Integrated Chip (SoIC).

    This stacking method layers the chips on top of each other, which helps manage heat better and reduces power loss compared to flat designs. Apple is also teaming up with TSMC on a new version of this stacking that uses a mix of materials, including carbon fiber, for even better results.

    The first device to get the M5 chip is likely to be a new iPad Pro, expected to start production in the second half of next year, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Here’s when other devices might get the M5:

    • iPad Pro: Late 2025 or early to mid-2026
    • MacBook Pro: Late 2025
    • MacBook Air: Early 2026
    • Apple Vision Pro: Fall 2025 to Spring 2026

    Hints of the M5 chip have already been found in Apple’s official code. Reports also suggest the chip’s design will help power both regular devices and Apple’s AI servers, boosting performance for both everyday users and cloud services.

    Source

  • Apple’s iPad App Letdown: Three misses in a row

    Apple’s iPad App Letdown: Three misses in a row

    Apple has been knocking it out of the park with new iPhone apps, but when it comes to supporting the iPad, they’ve been striking out.

    First in line was the Journal app, which only came out for iPhone users when iOS 17.2 was released. Even with the update to iOS and iPadOS 18, while the iPhone app got plenty of enhancements, iPad users were left out in the cold.

    Next up was Apple Sports, which made its debut on the iPhone a year ago. It’s improved a lot since then, but there’s still no iPad version. We’re all waiting to see if an iPad app or at least a widget will show up soon.

    Then there’s Apple’s new Invites app, which lets you send out invites to any device. However, if you’re using an iPad, you won’t find a dedicated app for it yet.

    On a brighter note, the iPhone versions of Sports and Invites do work on iPads, providing some relief for iPad users.

    The lack of a Journal app for iPad is particularly frustrating because, unlike other apps, it’s built into the system. This means iPad users can’t even use the iPhone version in a workaround like Stage Manager mode.

    Many thought Apple had moved past the days of iPhone-only apps, especially after finally bringing apps like Weather and Calculator to the iPad. But these new, exciting apps are still iPhone-exclusive.

    Apple’s pitching some great new apps, but when it comes to hitting home runs with iPad versions, they might need to call in a pinch hitter.

  • One Year of Apple Vision Pro: What’s coming up?

    One Year of Apple Vision Pro: What’s coming up?

    It’s been a whole year since the Apple Vision Pro, a fancy AR/VR headset that costs $3,500, was released to the public. This high-tech gadget hasn’t sold as well as expected, which isn’t surprising because of its steep price. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, called it a product for those eager to jump into future tech.

    Recent whispers suggest that Apple might stop making the current Vision Pro by the end of 2024. But don’t worry, they’ve got enough stock for now, and they’re already looking at creating a new version possibly this year.

    What’s Next for Vision Pro?

    There was talk about a second-generation Vision Pro, but those plans seem to be on hold. Instead, Apple seems more focused on bringing out a cheaper model.

    A Small Update Coming Soon?

    Instead of a major new model, we might just see a little update this year. Analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo and Mark Gurman think this update could include the new M5 chip, which would be better than the M2 in the current model. This could mean better performance, maybe even bringing the advanced Siri features from Apple’s other devices to the Vision Pro.

    However, don’t expect big changes in how it looks or other major features. Apple might just use up leftover parts from the first model. Adding 5G could be on the table, but it’s uncertain if this update will include it or if they’ll save it for a bigger release.

    A Cheaper Vision Pro?

    Apple is interested in making a less expensive version of the Vision Pro, aiming for a price closer to that of a top-end iPhone. But this won’t happen soon; the earliest we might see this is 2027. Cutting costs while keeping quality is tricky, especially with the display. They might use cheaper materials and less powerful chips, and might even skip some features like the EyeSight display.

    What About Apple Glasses?

    There was an idea for lightweight AR glasses that would work with a Mac, but that project was dropped. Apple still dreams of AR glasses that don’t need to connect to another device for power, but they’re waiting for technology to catch up before trying again.

    So, while we’ve celebrated a year with the Vision Pro, Apple is slowly steering towards making it more accessible and advanced, but patience will be key.

  • EU’s new law lets iPhones have first Adult app

    EU’s new law lets iPhones have first Adult app

    In Europe, a new law called the Digital Markets Act lets developers share iOS apps through other app stores, not just Apple’s. This means that for the first time, you can download a special adult app on your iPhone in the EU.

    The app, named Hot Tub, is available on the AltStore PAL, which is like a different app store made by developer Riley Testut. Hot Tub provides a safe and private way to watch adult videos, with no ads or tracking. It’s described as “An elegant, native porn app. Thoughtfully designed, ethically made, and free to use.” Users can look for and watch videos from places like Pornhub and Xvideos right from the app.

    Apple has strict rules against adult content in its App Store in many countries, including the U.S. and the EU. However, with the new EU law, apps like Hot Tub can exist outside of Apple’s control.

    Apple still checks these apps from other stores for harmful software, but they don’t control what kind of content is allowed. This means other types of content like hate speech or adult materials can appear in these alternative app stores.

    Phil Schiller from Apple mentioned in early 2024 that they usually try to keep certain content off the App Store or allow users to choose for themselves. But these controls don’t apply to apps in other marketplaces unless those marketplaces set their own rules.

    AltStore was among the first new app stores to appear in the EU after Apple changed its rules to follow the EU’s new law. These alternative stores have to pay a small fee for each app download, but thanks to a special grant from Epic Games, AltStore doesn’t charge users to download it anymore.

    Hot Tub might need to pay Apple a fee if it gets many downloads or makes a lot of money. It’s free to use, but there’s also a paid version. Apple’s rule from May 2024 says smaller apps don’t pay this fee for the first three years if they make less than 10 million euros annually.

    Right now, Hot Tub is in testing mode and only available in the EU. People in the U.S. can’t download it because they can’t get apps from outside Apple’s App Store.

    Source

  • New software update for iPhone 11: iOS 18.3

    New software update for iPhone 11: iOS 18.3

    Apple has just released a special update for the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. This new version of iOS 18.3 comes with the build number 22D64.

    • Getting the Update: If you own an iPhone 11, you can get this update by navigating to your phone’s settings. Simply go to Settings > General > Software Update to download and install it.
    • Why This Update?: Last week, Apple introduced iOS 18.3, but it seems there were some issues with it, especially for iPhone 11 models. This new update probably fixes those problems.
    • What’s New?: While the iPhone 11 doesn’t support all the fancy new AI features from Apple, this update still brings some useful changes:
    • Calculator Update: Now, if you press the equals sign, it will repeat the last calculation you did, making quick math easier. Apple Music Fix: There was a problem where music would keep playing even after you closed the app. That’s fixed now.

    This update ensures your iPhone 11 runs smoothly and efficiently, even if it can’t enjoy all the bells and whistles of the newer Apple Intelligence features.

  • Apple stops making AR Glasses for Mac

    Apple stops making AR Glasses for Mac

    Apple has decided to stop working on augmented reality (AR) glasses that were meant to work with the Mac, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The idea was to make glasses that look normal but could show AR images.

    Apple wanted these AR glasses to be powered by the Mac because the glasses themselves couldn’t hold the big chip needed for AR without getting too hot or heavy. The goal was to have the glasses perform like an iPhone but use much less power. But, they found out that connecting the glasses to an iPhone wasn’t practical due to battery life issues, so they tried using the Mac instead. However, Apple’s leaders didn’t think this was a good long-term plan, so they ended the project.

    These AR glasses were lighter than Apple’s Vision Pro headset, didn’t need a head strap, and didn’t show the wearer’s eyes on the front. They also had lenses that could change color depending on what the user was doing, like signaling to others whether they were busy.

    Apple has been talking about AR glasses for nearly ten years, but the technology isn’t there yet for the kind of glasses they want. Back in 2023, Gurman mentioned that the AR glasses were somewhat of a running gag among the team, working on it just to keep CEO Tim Cook satisfied. In 2017, Cook admitted that the tech for good-quality AR glasses didn’t exist, and it seems that’s still true.

    Even though they’ve stopped the glasses project, Apple is still working on new versions of the Vision Pro, hoping to return to the AR glasses idea when the tech catches up. The glasses were supposed to use tiny projectors to show images and videos to the wearer, and Apple continues to develop special microLED screens that could be used in future AR glasses.

    Meanwhile, Apple’s competitor, Meta, is making its own AR glasses called “Orion,” which are still in the early stages and very expensive to produce. They’re planning to launch them by 2027, the same year Apple had originally aimed for its now-canceled glasses.

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