The return of the facial watch-switching feature through intuitive dragging, the unveiling of the inaugural wireless chargers adhering to the Qi2 standard, a remarkable 54% enhancement in 5G download speed on the iPhone 15 compared to the iPhone 14, an artificially intelligent pin priced at $700, forthcoming lateral loading on the iPhone, and the revelation of the final contenders for the 2023 App Store Excellence Award, alongside other intriguing developments on the periphery...
WhatsApp Introduces Voice Chats for Large Groups
The WhatsApp application has introduced a new feature for group voice chats. In contrast to previous functionality, where initiating a voice call would ring all members of the group, this feature allows users to commence voice conversations without causing disturbance to everyone. Members are discreetly invited to join through a silent notification. This applies to groups with a membership ranging from 33 to 128 individuals. Non-participating group members can observe active participants in the call, and individuals can join or leave at any time. If the chat remains inactive for 60 minutes, it will automatically end. This feature is now available for iOS and Android users with the latest WhatsApp application update.
Extension of Satellite-Based Emergency Service for Another Year at No Cost
Apple has extended the SOS emergency service via satellite for current iPhone 14 users for an additional year, free of charge. Initially, new owners of iPhone 14 were granted two free years of this service upon activation, originally set to expire in November 2024. Now, the extension allows iPhone 14 users access to this service for an additional two years, starting from today or the activation date. This feature enables users to send emergency text messages via satellite when cellular and Wi-Fi networks are unavailable, and it is available on all models of iPhone 14 and iPhone 15. The service has been praised for its role in rescuing individuals stranded worldwide.
Samsung Announces 8TB Portable SSD
Samsung has unveiled a new portable SSD named T5 EVO, boasting an enormous storage capacity of up to 8 terabytes, making it the largest available storage for portable hard drives. This SSD supports USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds, enabling data transfer at a rate of up to 460 megabytes per second, faster than regular hard disk drives but slightly slower than NVME SSD drives like Samsung's T7 and T9 series.
The T5 design is rectangular with a clip that can be attached to luggage and backpacks. It features drop protection of up to six feet due to its rubberized surface. To prevent overheating, Samsung has incorporated the Dynamic Thermal Guard thermal protection technology.
In terms of dimensions, the SSD is 3.74 inches in length, 1.57 inches in width, and weighs 3.6 ounces, making it portable and suitable for travel. The 8TB version is priced at $650, and there are also 2TB and 4TB versions available for $190 and $350, respectively. You can purchase it from the Samsung website.
Demonstrations of Telegram Application on VisionOS
Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, shared a glimpse of the upcoming Telegram application designed for Apple's Vision Pro glasses. This marks one of the first third-party applications for the VisionOS system. The application features a transparent design and a side strip listing ongoing conversations and video clips for a more immersive experience, including animated emoji characters. Users can send messages using the default keyboard or Siri dictation. The Telegram icon on the main interface visually reacts when selected with eye movements and gestures. With the launch date approaching, more third-party applications for VisionOS are expected.
Apple Announces Final Nominees for the 2023 App Store Awards
Apple recently unveiled the final nominees for the 2023 App Store Awards, showcasing outstanding apps and games across various categories. These include drawing, design, video editing, education, music, time management, fitness, long-distance walking, games, and more. Phil Schiller expressed his delight at the achievements of these finalists, emphasizing their talent and effort. Winners, to be announced in a few weeks, will receive a physical App Store Award designed in the likeness of the App Store logo. The finalists for the final nominations were selected based on excellence, innovation, and technical achievement, contributing to user creativity, personal challenges, and enjoyment with family and friends.
List of Top Apps of 2023 Qualified for Final Nominations
◉ Best iPhone Apps: AllTrails, Duolingo, Flighty
◉ Best iPad Apps: Concepts, DaVinci Resolve, Prêt-à-Makeup
◉ Best Mac Apps: Linearity Curve, Photomator, Portal
◉ Best Apple TV Apps: Bugsnax, FitOn, MUBI
◉ Best Apple Watch App: Planny, SmartGym, Tide Guide
Best Games of 2023 Qualified for Final Nominations
◉ Best iPhone Games: Afterplace, Honkai: Star Rail, Vampire Survivors
◉ Best iPad Games: Eggy Party, Lost in Play, Pocket City 2
◉ Best Mac Games: ELEX II, Lies of P, Return to Monkey Island
◉ Best Apple Arcade Games: Cityscapes, Hello Kitty Island Adventure, stitch.
Best Cultural Impact Apps of 2023 Qualified for Final Nominations
◉ Balance App: Providing evidence-based information to help women become more informed, prepared, and empowered during perimenopause and menopause.
◉ Endling App: Shedding light on environmental harm and human corruption through the perspective of a last fox on this planet.
◉ Finding Hannah App: Connecting women across generations through play.
◉ Pok Pok App: Assisting children in learning, exploring, and experimenting in the digital playroom.
◉ Proloquo App: Supporting communication without speech.
◉ Rebel Girls App: Inspirational bedtime stories for women throughout history from various corners of the world.
◉ Too Good To Go App: Helping reduce food waste in restaurants, bakeries, and supermarkets.
◉ Unpacking App: Puzzle-solving application.
Nothing Announces Compatibility with iMessage through Its New App
Nothing has announced a new app called "Nothing Chats," which will be compatible with iMessage. The app, powered by Sunbird Messaging, is an Android and web application that allows users to unify the most popular messaging apps in one inbox, including iMessage, promising end-to-end encryption. Users can log in using their Apple ID to use the app, which supports individual and group chats, typing indicators, media sharing, and voice notes. Additional features like read receipts and message reactions will be added later. The app will also support RCS messaging on phones and will be available in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union starting from November 17.
Apple Receives 36% of Google's Search Revenue in Safari
Google pays a significant amount to Apple as the default search engine on Apple devices such as iPhone and iPad. The precise percentage is 36% of the revenue Google earns from search operations on the Safari browser. This agreement has been in place since 2002 and has been reviewed several times. Apple earns billions of dollars annually from this deal, significantly contributing to its profits. The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating Google for possible search monopoly, with a focus on its deal with Apple. If Google loses the antitrust lawsuit, the agreement with Apple could be terminated, giving Apple the opportunity to develop its own search engine. However, any changes resulting from the lawsuit may take several years to materialize.
Sideloading on iPhone Coming Soon
In the first half of 2024, iPhone users in the European Union will have the option to sideload apps from sources outside the Apple App Store. This change, known as sideloading, aims to comply with European Union regulations. This means that users can get apps without using the App Store, and developers won't have to pay Apple fees. This modification is expected to be implemented in the first half of 2024, introducing a "high control" system for installing apps from other sources. This move comes in response to the European Union's Digital Markets Act, which requires major companies like Apple to open their platforms. Despite concerns about privacy and security, Apple must comply with these regulations, or it could face potential fines. Other countries, including the United States, are also considering similar legislation regarding sideloading.
Praise for AI-Enhanced iOS 18 Update
Apple plans to introduce significant updates, including iOS 18, macOS 15, watchOS 11, and tvOS 18. These updates are expected to feature major changes, with a focus on generative artificial intelligence. Improvements include a smarter Siri, with a potential overhaul using large language models (LLMs) to enhance its capabilities. Apple heavily invests in artificial intelligence research, allocating one billion dollars annually and aiming to catch up with industry leaders like Google and OpenAI.
Despite ambitious plans, Apple takes a cautious approach to software development, temporarily halting work on future features to address current software issues. The initial releases of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15 have been completed, but bugs were discovered during testing, leading to a temporary halt in development.
The company is discussing how to deploy its new generative AI technology, considering options such as cloud-based, on-device, or a combination of both. The supported LLM-powered Siri is expected to be unveiled at the WWDC 2024 developers' conference, while other generative AI features may be exclusive to iPhone 16 models.
Humane Launches $700 AI-Powered Pin with "Laser Ink Display"
Tech startup Humane, led by former Apple designer Imran Chaudhri and former Apple software manager Bethany Bongiorno, has unveiled its first product, Ai Pin. Priced at $700, Ai Pin is a standalone AI-powered device designed from scratch. It attaches to clothing using a magnetic system and features a detachable and swappable battery, creating what Humane calls a "perpetual power system."
The design of Ai Pin resembles an Apple Watch, with a rectangular rounded shape, an aluminum structure, and a touch interface. It includes an "optical sensing capsule," a 3D depth sensor, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. The device lacks a traditional display but uses a "Laser Ink Display" to show information on the user's hand. Interaction with the device involves gestures such as swiping, tilting, and finger tapping, similar to Apple's double-tap feature.
The "Ai Mic" is activated through touch or voice, answering questions and assisting in retrieving information. The "Personal Amplifier" plays music, and Ai Pin, claiming proficiency in multiple languages, provides real-time translation. All functions are accessed through artificial intelligence; there are no traditional apps.
The device also features an extremely wide-angle 13-megapixel camera, capturing photos and videos viewable on the "Center" platform.
Users can inform Ai Pin about their activities and dietary goals to monitor progress and understand their energy consumption and expenditure better. Inputting a nutritional element to Ai Pin allows the device to provide nutritional information and determine if the food intake is "safe" based on the user's health goals.
Ai Pin has cellular connectivity, allowing it to answer incoming calls from trusted contacts specified by the wearer. It can intelligently prioritize, manage calls, and messages. The device requires direct user activation, ensuring default privacy by not listening or recording by default. The "Trust Light" indicator signals when the camera, phone, or microphone is in use.
Pre-orders for Ai Pin in the United States begin on November 16, priced at $700, with a $24 monthly subscription for the Humane network, supported by T-Mobile.
5G Download on iPhone 15 is 54% Faster than iPhone 14
iPhone 15 models come equipped with the Qualcomm X70 modem chip, promising faster 5G speeds compared to iPhone 14 models with the X65 chip. Ookla, an internet speed measurement company, conducted tests and found that download speeds on iPhone 15 are significantly better. The results show that iPhone 15 models support download speeds up to 54% faster than iPhone 14 models. The iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts the highest download speeds among Apple and Samsung devices, reaching up to 285 megabytes per second. It's important to note that these speeds vary based on location, carrier, and other factors. The data collected by Ookla covers the entire United States, and improvements in 5G speeds were observed in many other countries.
Miscellaneous News
◉ The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) revealed that the first wireless charging devices supporting the new Qi2 charging standard will be available during the holiday season. This technology is similar to MagSafe charging. The iPhone 15 is the first phone to support Qi2 charging, with over 100 devices from companies like Belkin and Anker currently undergoing testing. Qi2 ensures precise alignment for better efficiency and faster charging. However, it's uncertain whether the iPhone 15 will support faster charging with the new Qi2 accessories. When the iPhone 15 is placed on a Qi standard charging mat, it charges at a rate of 7.5 watts. However, when using MagSafe chargers, the charging speed increases to 15 watts. Will the iPhone charge at the same speed on Qi2 devices?
◉ Apple has halted the rollback to iOS 17.1, making it impossible to revert to this version of iOS.
◉ Apple has released the first firmware update for the new USB-C Apple Pencil that was launched last week. However, there is no information about the features, fixes, or updates included in the update, and Apple does not provide notes about these releases.
◉ Apple announced the Tap to Pay feature on the iPhone in France, allowing independent sellers, small businesses, and large retailers in the country to use the iPhone as a payment terminal.
◉ The third beta release of watchOS 10.2 reintroduces the feature to switch watch faces, which was initially removed with the upgrade to watchOS 10. You can now swipe right or left to switch the active Apple Watch face by enabling the option in the settings.
These are not all the marginal news, but we bring you the most important. It's not necessary for non-specialists to be preoccupied with every detail. There are more important things in life, so don't let devices occupy or distract you from your life and duties. Understand that technology exists to make your life easier and assist you, and if it takes away from your life and preoccupies you, there's no need for it.