News & Information http://info.owt.com
Apple
11/20/2024 Apple Insider
XProtect is Apple's Mac virus detection system which keeps your Mac safe. Here's how the protective macOS feature works.
XProtect is macOS's malware scaning tool.
Viruses and other malware are a constant threat to computers, which web surfers have to work around every time they go online.
A computer virus is a small piece of code that gets silently installed onto your computer. One where it runs or embeds itself into other software and causes havoc.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
XProtect is macOS's malware scaning tool.
Viruses and other malware are a constant threat to computers, which web surfers have to work around every time they go online.
A computer virus is a small piece of code that gets silently installed onto your computer. One where it runs or embeds itself into other software and causes havoc.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
11/20/2024 Apple Insider
Developers of two media-centric apps say Apple is not playing fair with the App Store, especially when it comes to dealing with copyright law.
TV Time and the App Store icon
As the controller of the App Store, Apple has a duty to keep the digital marketplace full of engaging apps that don't break or infringe laws. However, the amount of control Apple has over apps, and its ability to kick apps over claims of copyright infringement, has irked some developers.
According to TV Time and Musi, Apple is seemingly too eager to wield the banhammer.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
TV Time and the App Store icon
As the controller of the App Store, Apple has a duty to keep the digital marketplace full of engaging apps that don't break or infringe laws. However, the amount of control Apple has over apps, and its ability to kick apps over claims of copyright infringement, has irked some developers.
According to TV Time and Musi, Apple is seemingly too eager to wield the banhammer.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
11/20/2024 Mac Rumors
If your iPhone or iPad is full, there are several things you can do to claw back storage space. In this guide, we run through several options and methods available to free up storage on Apple's iOS and iPadOS devices. Keep reading to learn what they are.
Every new iPhone and iPad model comes with a set storage capacity ranging from 64GB to 1TB for iPhones, and 64GB to 2TB for iPads. While it's always a good idea to buy a model with the biggest storage you can afford, depending on your usage sometimes even the highest storage devices can fill up, and it can happen when you least expect it.
From the music you buy and the apps you download, to the video you shoot and the messages you receive, all of that content has to live somewhere, either on your device or in cloud storage. When your iPhone or iPad storage is full, it's not like you can increase it. What you can do, however, is free up your existing storage. Here's how.
Apple is aware that many people struggle to manage storage on their devices, which is why it has introduced more and more tools with successive versions of iOS to help users keep on top of the kinds of apps and media that often eat up precious megabytes.
Launch the Settings app and select General ➝ iPhone/iPad Storage, and the amount of storage space you've used is shown in the color-coded bar at the top. Below it, you may see a list of recommendations for optimizing storage, by reviewing and deleting large attachments, for example.
These recommendations are followed by a list of installed apps and the amount of storage each one uses. The list also tells you when you last used each app, allowing you to easily find and delete the apps that you haven't used for a while or not at all.
When you delete an app, its icon, app data, and any user-generated data is removed. That's fine if you don't intend to use the app again, however Apple also lets you offload apps, which frees up storage space, but leaves the app's icon and user data in place. If an app you use a lot is taking up a lot of space, it's worth checking if you can clear any cache associated with it.
Another option that Apple added to iOS/iPadOS not so long ago is the ability to prevent your iPhone or iPad from from automatically installing software updates. It used to be the case that new software updates were downloaded automatically in the background and then installed through an Automatic Updates feature. However, these days the Settings app includes a toggle that lets you choose whether updates are automatically downloaded or not.
The photos that you keep on your iPhone or iPad naturally take up storage space on your device, which can fill up quickly depending on the available storage capacity and how much content you have.
If you see a message that your device's storage is full, it's worth checking out a system option called Optimize Storage, which is designed to work with iCloud Photos. This feature replaces full-resolution photos on your Apple device with smaller, device-sized versions that take up a lot less storage space, while the full-resolution images remain off-device in iCloud.
Another way of pruning your photo library is checking for redundant shots taken in Burst Mode. Burst Mode refers to when the camera on your device captures a series of photos in rapid succession, at a rate of ten frames per second.
It's a great way to shoot an action scene or an unexpected event, since you're always more likely to end up with the picture you were aiming for. But it also generates a lot of unwanted images, so it's good practice to pick out the best image for safe keeping, and delete the rest to save on storage space.
If you have an older iPhone, you can also save space when shooting in HDR. On iPhone X and earlier models, when the camera takes an automatic HDR photo, it can also optionally keep the standard shot in your Photo library, which is useful for comparison or for when the HDR picture doesn't come out as expected. However, if you want, you can disable this function and thereby save yourself some storage space.
In some cases, you can find your photo library getting bigger even when you haven't been taking pictures on your device. For example, the media that people share with you over WhatsApp may be automatically saved to your iPhone's Photos app. Fortunately, you can easily prevent this default behavior by disabling Save to Photos in WhatsApp's in-app settings.
Of course, if your photo library feels like it's ballooned out of control, one solution is to start afresh and delete all the photos on your iPhone. Just make sure you've already backed any up that you want to keep, and be aware that deleting your photos with iCloud Photo Library enabled will delete your photos from ALL of your devices.
Some of the above photo tips apply to videos stored in your device's photo library. However, there are other ways to prevent video content from eating up storage space. For example, you can customize the resolution and frame rate of recorded video to reduce the file size in Settings ➝ Camera ➝ Record Video.
Elsewhere, if you regularly download Apple Fitness+ videos to your iPhone or iPad, check the recommendations in Settings ➝ General ➝ iPhone Storage and you should see them listed under Review Downloaded Videos, where you'll be able to delete them individually or in bulk.
If you have an Apple TV+ subscription, or you've rented or purchased movies, you can download videos using Apple's TV app to watch them offline. However, if you're looking to save space, go to Settings ➝ Apps ➝ TV, then under "Download Options," make sure that you've selected Fast Downloads (lower quality, uses less storage) – it means lower quality videos, but they use less storage.
WhatsApp features a built-in media management tool that can help you identify, select, and bulk delete GIFs, photos, and videos that may be filling up your phone.
The tool groups together large files and media that has been forwarded many times, sorting files by size in descending order, and provides a way to preview files before deleting them. You can also see a preview of media before selecting one or multiple files to delete. To access the storage management tool, launch the app and go to Settings ➝ Storage and Data ➝ Manage Storage.
If you're an Apple Music subscriber, you can download songs, playlists, and albums from the Apple Music catalog to your iPhone or iPad for offline listening, but this can gradually eat up your device's storage space over time.
Fortunately the Music app includes a handy feature that can spring into action whenever your device's storage space runs low, and automatically offload songs you haven't played for a while in order to make space for newer ones.
Check Settings ➝ Apps ➝ Music ➝ Optimize Storage, and make sure the Optimize Storage switch is enabled. From here, you can also choose a minimum storage amount that you want to keep for music before downloaded songs start being removed from your device. You can also monitor storage space by turning off automatic downloads in Settings ➝ Apps ➝ Music and downloading new songs manually when needed.
Of course, Apple Music users can also remove songs and whole albums in the Music app. Simply press and hold an item, select Delete From Library from the pop-up menu, and then tap Delete Album/Song when prompted.
There are several ways to trim fat from the Messages app. For example, iOS can be automated to discard old messages that have been on your device for longer than a specific period of time.
In addition, if you tap the contact bubble(s) and at the top of a Messages conversation, you can also see every file that has been sent to you in the chat thread in one easily accessible location, where you can remove them all in one fell swoop.
Other Apple apps that are worth checking include the Books app and the Voice Memos app. If you listen to a lot of audiobooks, try nixing your back catalog, and review any old Voice Memo recordings to see if you need them any more.
We've run through the main storage-saving tips for iPhone and iPad, but depending on your use case, there may be other ways that you can free up space on your device. For instance, if you do a lot of on-device file management in the Files app, consider compressing large files and folders by selecting Compress from the contextual pop-up menu.
If you're still short on space and you've exhausted all the above options, it may be worthwhile resorting to the "nuke" option – a clean install – by erasing your device and starting again. If that doesn't help, it could be time to upgrade your device.
Got any more tips we haven't mentioned here? Let us know in the comments, or Send us an email.
This article, "20+ Ways to Free Up iPhone Storage" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Every new iPhone and iPad model comes with a set storage capacity ranging from 64GB to 1TB for iPhones, and 64GB to 2TB for iPads. While it's always a good idea to buy a model with the biggest storage you can afford, depending on your usage sometimes even the highest storage devices can fill up, and it can happen when you least expect it.
From the music you buy and the apps you download, to the video you shoot and the messages you receive, all of that content has to live somewhere, either on your device or in cloud storage. When your iPhone or iPad storage is full, it's not like you can increase it. What you can do, however, is free up your existing storage. Here's how.
Basic Storage-Saving Tips
Apple is aware that many people struggle to manage storage on their devices, which is why it has introduced more and more tools with successive versions of iOS to help users keep on top of the kinds of apps and media that often eat up precious megabytes.
Launch the Settings app and select General ➝ iPhone/iPad Storage, and the amount of storage space you've used is shown in the color-coded bar at the top. Below it, you may see a list of recommendations for optimizing storage, by reviewing and deleting large attachments, for example.
These recommendations are followed by a list of installed apps and the amount of storage each one uses. The list also tells you when you last used each app, allowing you to easily find and delete the apps that you haven't used for a while or not at all.
When you delete an app, its icon, app data, and any user-generated data is removed. That's fine if you don't intend to use the app again, however Apple also lets you offload apps, which frees up storage space, but leaves the app's icon and user data in place. If an app you use a lot is taking up a lot of space, it's worth checking if you can clear any cache associated with it.
Another option that Apple added to iOS/iPadOS not so long ago is the ability to prevent your iPhone or iPad from from automatically installing software updates. It used to be the case that new software updates were downloaded automatically in the background and then installed through an Automatic Updates feature. However, these days the Settings app includes a toggle that lets you choose whether updates are automatically downloaded or not.
- How to Remove the Apps You Don't Use on Your iPhone and iPad
- How to Delete Apps on iPhone and iPad
- Prevent iPhone From Automatically Downloading Software Updates
- How to Delete Large Attachments on iPhone and iPad
- How to Clear Cache on iPhone and iPad
Reclaim Space Taken Up By Photos
The photos that you keep on your iPhone or iPad naturally take up storage space on your device, which can fill up quickly depending on the available storage capacity and how much content you have.
If you see a message that your device's storage is full, it's worth checking out a system option called Optimize Storage, which is designed to work with iCloud Photos. This feature replaces full-resolution photos on your Apple device with smaller, device-sized versions that take up a lot less storage space, while the full-resolution images remain off-device in iCloud.
Another way of pruning your photo library is checking for redundant shots taken in Burst Mode. Burst Mode refers to when the camera on your device captures a series of photos in rapid succession, at a rate of ten frames per second.
It's a great way to shoot an action scene or an unexpected event, since you're always more likely to end up with the picture you were aiming for. But it also generates a lot of unwanted images, so it's good practice to pick out the best image for safe keeping, and delete the rest to save on storage space.
If you have an older iPhone, you can also save space when shooting in HDR. On iPhone X and earlier models, when the camera takes an automatic HDR photo, it can also optionally keep the standard shot in your Photo library, which is useful for comparison or for when the HDR picture doesn't come out as expected. However, if you want, you can disable this function and thereby save yourself some storage space.
In some cases, you can find your photo library getting bigger even when you haven't been taking pictures on your device. For example, the media that people share with you over WhatsApp may be automatically saved to your iPhone's Photos app. Fortunately, you can easily prevent this default behavior by disabling Save to Photos in WhatsApp's in-app settings.
Of course, if your photo library feels like it's ballooned out of control, one solution is to start afresh and delete all the photos on your iPhone. Just make sure you've already backed any up that you want to keep, and be aware that deleting your photos with iCloud Photo Library enabled will delete your photos from ALL of your devices.
- How to Optimize Photos to Take Up Less Storage Space on iPhone and iPad
- How to Delete All Photos From Your iPhone or iPad
- How to Discard Normal Photos When Shooting in HDR
- How to Delete Redundant Burst Mode Photos on iPhone and iPad
- Stop WhatsApp Auto-Saving Media to iPhone Photos App
Reclaim Space Taken Up By Videos
Some of the above photo tips apply to videos stored in your device's photo library. However, there are other ways to prevent video content from eating up storage space. For example, you can customize the resolution and frame rate of recorded video to reduce the file size in Settings ➝ Camera ➝ Record Video.
Elsewhere, if you regularly download Apple Fitness+ videos to your iPhone or iPad, check the recommendations in Settings ➝ General ➝ iPhone Storage and you should see them listed under Review Downloaded Videos, where you'll be able to delete them individually or in bulk.
If you have an Apple TV+ subscription, or you've rented or purchased movies, you can download videos using Apple's TV app to watch them offline. However, if you're looking to save space, go to Settings ➝ Apps ➝ TV, then under "Download Options," make sure that you've selected Fast Downloads (lower quality, uses less storage) – it means lower quality videos, but they use less storage.
- How to Delete Downloaded Videos on iPhone and iPad
- How to Adjust TV App Video Download Settings on iPhone and iPad
- How to Save Storage Space When Recording Video on iPhone and iPad
Reclaim Space Taken By Other Apps/Media
WhatsApp features a built-in media management tool that can help you identify, select, and bulk delete GIFs, photos, and videos that may be filling up your phone.
The tool groups together large files and media that has been forwarded many times, sorting files by size in descending order, and provides a way to preview files before deleting them. You can also see a preview of media before selecting one or multiple files to delete. To access the storage management tool, launch the app and go to Settings ➝ Storage and Data ➝ Manage Storage.
If you're an Apple Music subscriber, you can download songs, playlists, and albums from the Apple Music catalog to your iPhone or iPad for offline listening, but this can gradually eat up your device's storage space over time.
Fortunately the Music app includes a handy feature that can spring into action whenever your device's storage space runs low, and automatically offload songs you haven't played for a while in order to make space for newer ones.
Check Settings ➝ Apps ➝ Music ➝ Optimize Storage, and make sure the Optimize Storage switch is enabled. From here, you can also choose a minimum storage amount that you want to keep for music before downloaded songs start being removed from your device. You can also monitor storage space by turning off automatic downloads in Settings ➝ Apps ➝ Music and downloading new songs manually when needed.
Of course, Apple Music users can also remove songs and whole albums in the Music app. Simply press and hold an item, select Delete From Library from the pop-up menu, and then tap Delete Album/Song when prompted.
There are several ways to trim fat from the Messages app. For example, iOS can be automated to discard old messages that have been on your device for longer than a specific period of time.
In addition, if you tap the contact bubble(s) and at the top of a Messages conversation, you can also see every file that has been sent to you in the chat thread in one easily accessible location, where you can remove them all in one fell swoop.
Other Apple apps that are worth checking include the Books app and the Voice Memos app. If you listen to a lot of audiobooks, try nixing your back catalog, and review any old Voice Memo recordings to see if you need them any more.
- How to Review and Delete WhatsApp Media
- How to Limit the Space Apple Music Takes Up on Your iPhone
- How to Remove Downloaded Apple Music Songs to Free Up Storage Space
- How to Auto-Delete Old Message Conversations on iPhone and iPad
- How to Delete Messages Attachments on iPhone and iPad
- How to Delete Downloaded Books and Audiobooks From iPhone and iPad
- How to Delete Voice Memo Recordings on iPhone and iPad
Wrapping Up
We've run through the main storage-saving tips for iPhone and iPad, but depending on your use case, there may be other ways that you can free up space on your device. For instance, if you do a lot of on-device file management in the Files app, consider compressing large files and folders by selecting Compress from the contextual pop-up menu.
If you're still short on space and you've exhausted all the above options, it may be worthwhile resorting to the "nuke" option – a clean install – by erasing your device and starting again. If that doesn't help, it could be time to upgrade your device.
Got any more tips we haven't mentioned here? Let us know in the comments, or Send us an email.
This article, "20+ Ways to Free Up iPhone Storage" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
11/20/2024 Mac Rumors
Amazon today announced the launch of two new Echo Show devices, both of which have large displays. The Echo Show 15 has a 15-inch display and is a replacement for the original Echo Show 15, while the even bigger Echo Show 21 has a 21-inch display. For those unfamiliar with the Echo Show, it is Amazon's smart home control device, serving as a way to control smart home products.
According to Amazon, the Echo Show 21 has nearly double the viewing area of the Echo Show 15. Like other Echo Show products, it can be used for video calls, watching videos, accessing news, managing family calendars, controlling smart home products, viewing photos, and more.
The Amazon Echo Show is compatible with Matter as a controller, and it can connect directly to Wi-Fi, Thread, and Zigbee devices. Amazon's personal assistant, Alexa, is also included for voice-based smart home controls.
Amazon has been making various Echo Show devices for quite some time, and next year, Apple plans to offer a competing product. Apple's smart home "command center" is expected to feature many of the same capabilities as the Echo Show.
It will include a camera for FaceTime, plus it will control HomeKit and Matter devices. Internal speakers will allow for playing music, and it will have Apple apps like Calendar, Photos, Apple News, Apple Music, and Notes. The device won't be as big as Amazon's Echo Show, though, with Apple planning for a six-inch square display.
The upcoming Apple smart home device will have integrated Siri support with Apple Intelligence, and it will have a customizable home screen with widgets that can show things like the weather, upcoming appointments, and important home controls. Built-in sensors will be able to tell when a person is near, and Apple plans to offer both desktop and wall mounting solutions. Multiple hubs could be used throughout the home as intercoms as well.
It's not clear how Apple plans to price the home hub, but Amazon's Echo Show 15 costs $300, and the Echo Show 21 costs $400. Smaller versions are priced as low as $90.
This article, "As Apple Prepares to Launch Home Hub, Amazon Debuts New Echo Show With 21-Inch Display" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
According to Amazon, the Echo Show 21 has nearly double the viewing area of the Echo Show 15. Like other Echo Show products, it can be used for video calls, watching videos, accessing news, managing family calendars, controlling smart home products, viewing photos, and more.
The Amazon Echo Show is compatible with Matter as a controller, and it can connect directly to Wi-Fi, Thread, and Zigbee devices. Amazon's personal assistant, Alexa, is also included for voice-based smart home controls.
Amazon has been making various Echo Show devices for quite some time, and next year, Apple plans to offer a competing product. Apple's smart home "command center" is expected to feature many of the same capabilities as the Echo Show.
It will include a camera for FaceTime, plus it will control HomeKit and Matter devices. Internal speakers will allow for playing music, and it will have Apple apps like Calendar, Photos, Apple News, Apple Music, and Notes. The device won't be as big as Amazon's Echo Show, though, with Apple planning for a six-inch square display.
The upcoming Apple smart home device will have integrated Siri support with Apple Intelligence, and it will have a customizable home screen with widgets that can show things like the weather, upcoming appointments, and important home controls. Built-in sensors will be able to tell when a person is near, and Apple plans to offer both desktop and wall mounting solutions. Multiple hubs could be used throughout the home as intercoms as well.
It's not clear how Apple plans to price the home hub, but Amazon's Echo Show 15 costs $300, and the Echo Show 21 costs $400. Smaller versions are priced as low as $90.
Tags: Amazon, Amazon Echo
This article, "As Apple Prepares to Launch Home Hub, Amazon Debuts New Echo Show With 21-Inch Display" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
11/20/2024 Mac Rumors
U.S. carrier T-Mobile recently managed to thwart a major network breach before customers were impacted, reports Bloomberg. Hackers were able to get into edge-routing infrastructure, breaching a router owned and operated by T-Mobile.
T-Mobile was able to detect the suspicious activity, blocking hackers from further accessing its systems. There were apparently attempts at getting deeper into the T-Mobile network, but T-Mobile was able to catch the intrusion early so no customer data was compromised. Bloomberg says that people familiar with the situation have confirmed that T-Mobile knows how its network was breached and the access point has been fixed.
It is not clear when the hack covered in Bloomberg's article took place, nor who perpetrated the attack.
In recent weeks, Chinese state-sponsored hackers breached multiple telecommunications companies to access smartphones owned by U.S. politicians. On November 15, T-Mobile did confirm that its systems were accessed by the Chinese hackers, but said that it had seen no "significant impacts to T-Mobile systems or data" and had "no evidence of impacts to or exfiltration of any customer information."
Back in 2021, T-Mobile suffered a major data breach that saw attackers access data from more than 50 million users. Data obtained included names, phone numbers, addresses, birth dates, Social Security numbers, driver's license and ID info, IMEI numbers, and IMSI numbers, and hackers put it all up for sale.
At the time, T-Mobile pledged to bolster security with a multi-year investment and long-term partnerships with cybersecurity experts at Mandiant.
The 2021 hack ended up costing T-Mobile $60 million after it was fined by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US (CFIUS) for failing to prevent or disclose unauthorized access to sensitive customer data.
This article, "T-Mobile Learns From Past Breaches, Manages to Stop New Attack" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
T-Mobile was able to detect the suspicious activity, blocking hackers from further accessing its systems. There were apparently attempts at getting deeper into the T-Mobile network, but T-Mobile was able to catch the intrusion early so no customer data was compromised. Bloomberg says that people familiar with the situation have confirmed that T-Mobile knows how its network was breached and the access point has been fixed.
It is not clear when the hack covered in Bloomberg's article took place, nor who perpetrated the attack.
In recent weeks, Chinese state-sponsored hackers breached multiple telecommunications companies to access smartphones owned by U.S. politicians. On November 15, T-Mobile did confirm that its systems were accessed by the Chinese hackers, but said that it had seen no "significant impacts to T-Mobile systems or data" and had "no evidence of impacts to or exfiltration of any customer information."
Back in 2021, T-Mobile suffered a major data breach that saw attackers access data from more than 50 million users. Data obtained included names, phone numbers, addresses, birth dates, Social Security numbers, driver's license and ID info, IMEI numbers, and IMSI numbers, and hackers put it all up for sale.
At the time, T-Mobile pledged to bolster security with a multi-year investment and long-term partnerships with cybersecurity experts at Mandiant.
The 2021 hack ended up costing T-Mobile $60 million after it was fined by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US (CFIUS) for failing to prevent or disclose unauthorized access to sensitive customer data.
Tag: T-Mobile
This article, "T-Mobile Learns From Past Breaches, Manages to Stop New Attack" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
11/20/2024 Apple Insider
You'll all pay for this, just you wait and see, says a petulant Google as the US Department of Justice is rumored to make it sell off its Chrome browser.
Google Chrome on an iPhone
Chrome is the darling of the technology industry because technical people love its customizability. But that does come with the price of your battery life, plus what Google may or may not do with your data.
Consequently, it's common when you have a problem with a website to be told to switch to Chrome. For example, our own content management system works slightly better under Chrome than it does with Safari.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Google Chrome on an iPhone
Chrome is the darling of the technology industry because technical people love its customizability. But that does come with the price of your battery life, plus what Google may or may not do with your data.
Consequently, it's common when you have a problem with a website to be told to switch to Chrome. For example, our own content management system works slightly better under Chrome than it does with Safari.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
11/20/2024 Mac Rumors
Facebook today announced several updates for its Messenger platform, introducing Siri call integration, new AI features, support for HD video calls, and audio and video voice messages.
iPhone users can now ask Siri to make a call or send a message through the Messenger app. "Hey Siri, send a message to [person] on Messenger" will now work for hands-free calls. This is a feature that Apple has offered for some time, but Messenger did not support it until now.
Facebook is also adding audio and video voice messages, mirroring a FaceTime feature that Apple introduced with iOS 17. Messenger users can leave audio or voice messages when a Messenger call isn't picked up.
Messenger now supports HD video calls, background noise suppression, and voice isolation for clearer call quality when using Messenger. HD is enabled by default for calls made on Wi-Fi, and it can be added for cellular calls as well in the Messenger settings.
In the near future, Messenger will support AI backgrounds in Messenger video calls. Creating a personalized AI background can be done by tapping on the effects icon in the sidebar of a video call and choosing the "Backgrounds" option.
More information about the new Messenger announcements can be found on Facebook's website.
This article, "Facebook Messenger Gains Siri Integration, Audio and Video Voice Messages and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
iPhone users can now ask Siri to make a call or send a message through the Messenger app. "Hey Siri, send a message to [person] on Messenger" will now work for hands-free calls. This is a feature that Apple has offered for some time, but Messenger did not support it until now.
Facebook is also adding audio and video voice messages, mirroring a FaceTime feature that Apple introduced with iOS 17. Messenger users can leave audio or voice messages when a Messenger call isn't picked up.
Messenger now supports HD video calls, background noise suppression, and voice isolation for clearer call quality when using Messenger. HD is enabled by default for calls made on Wi-Fi, and it can be added for cellular calls as well in the Messenger settings.
In the near future, Messenger will support AI backgrounds in Messenger video calls. Creating a personalized AI background can be done by tapping on the effects icon in the sidebar of a video call and choosing the "Backgrounds" option.
More information about the new Messenger announcements can be found on Facebook's website.
Tag: Facebook Messenger
This article, "Facebook Messenger Gains Siri Integration, Audio and Video Voice Messages and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
11/20/2024 MacDailyNews
In a limited time deal, Amazon has slashed price on Apple's iPad (10th Generation) by 20%, from $349 to $279…
The post Amazon slashes price on Apple iPad (10th Generation) to $279 appeared first on MacDailyNews.
11/20/2024 Mac Rumors
2024 is quickly coming to a close, but Apple still has some software updates and other remaining items on its agenda to get through. Below, we outline some of the key things to expect from Apple through the remainder of the year.
Apple's four-day Black Friday-Cyber Monday offer should return next week. In the U.S. last year, Apple offered up to a $200 gift card with select products. Keep track of our own Black Friday deals roundup for more savings on Apple products.
Apple previously announced that iOS 18.2 will be released in December. More specifically, we recently reported that the update will likely be released on Monday, December 9. Other updates should be released at the same time, including iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, visionOS 2.2, and HomePod Software 18.2.
iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 introduce additional Apple Intelligence features, including Genmoji for generating custom emoji, Image Playground for generating images, and ChatGPT integration for Siri. There is also a new Visual Intelligence feature on all iPhone 16 models that can provide information about things in your surroundings. For example, if you point your iPhone's camera at a restaurant, you will be provided with its operating hours and reviews. Apple Intelligence requires an iPhone 15 Pro or any iPhone 16, an iPad with an M-series chip or A17 Pro chip, or a Mac with an M-series chip.
On the iPhone XS and newer, iOS 18.2 also adds a new default apps section in the Settings app, an item location sharing feature in the Find My app, and more.
For the Apple TV, tvOS 18.2 adds a Snoopy screen saver and ultra-wide 21:9 projector support.
visionOS 2.2 adds an ultra-wide mode to Mac Virtual Display, the feature that lets you use the Apple Vision Pro as an external monitor for a Mac. Apple says this is equivalent to using two physical 5K displays sitting side by side on a desk.
After those updates are released, the next wave of betas should follow in December. That should include iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3, watchOS 11.3, tvOS 18.3, visionOS 2.3, and HomePod Software 18.3. Apple's point-three updates are typically minor in scale relative to other versions, and there is a pause in beta releases during the holiday season. These updates will likely be released to the public in January.
The first vehicles with next-generation CarPlay could be released before the end of the year, if Apple meets the 2024 timeframe stated on its website. It has been nearly two and a half years since Apple first previewed next-generation CarPlay at WWDC 2022, so it has been a long wait. Apple has continued to prepare for next-generation CarPlay within iOS 18.2 code. For more details about next-generation CarPlay features, read our previous story.
Apple recently revealed the most popular podcasts of 2024, and Apple Music has some Best of 2024 playlists. Expect year-end charts and award winners for apps, books, and more soon, along with Apple Music's annual Artist of the Year selection. Of course, there could always be a surprise announcement or two in store through the end of the year.
This article, "Here's What Else to Expect From Apple Before 2024 Ends" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple's four-day Black Friday-Cyber Monday offer should return next week. In the U.S. last year, Apple offered up to a $200 gift card with select products. Keep track of our own Black Friday deals roundup for more savings on Apple products.
Apple previously announced that iOS 18.2 will be released in December. More specifically, we recently reported that the update will likely be released on Monday, December 9. Other updates should be released at the same time, including iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, visionOS 2.2, and HomePod Software 18.2.
iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 introduce additional Apple Intelligence features, including Genmoji for generating custom emoji, Image Playground for generating images, and ChatGPT integration for Siri. There is also a new Visual Intelligence feature on all iPhone 16 models that can provide information about things in your surroundings. For example, if you point your iPhone's camera at a restaurant, you will be provided with its operating hours and reviews. Apple Intelligence requires an iPhone 15 Pro or any iPhone 16, an iPad with an M-series chip or A17 Pro chip, or a Mac with an M-series chip.
On the iPhone XS and newer, iOS 18.2 also adds a new default apps section in the Settings app, an item location sharing feature in the Find My app, and more.
For the Apple TV, tvOS 18.2 adds a Snoopy screen saver and ultra-wide 21:9 projector support.
visionOS 2.2 adds an ultra-wide mode to Mac Virtual Display, the feature that lets you use the Apple Vision Pro as an external monitor for a Mac. Apple says this is equivalent to using two physical 5K displays sitting side by side on a desk.
After those updates are released, the next wave of betas should follow in December. That should include iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, macOS Sequoia 15.3, watchOS 11.3, tvOS 18.3, visionOS 2.3, and HomePod Software 18.3. Apple's point-three updates are typically minor in scale relative to other versions, and there is a pause in beta releases during the holiday season. These updates will likely be released to the public in January.
The first vehicles with next-generation CarPlay could be released before the end of the year, if Apple meets the 2024 timeframe stated on its website. It has been nearly two and a half years since Apple first previewed next-generation CarPlay at WWDC 2022, so it has been a long wait. Apple has continued to prepare for next-generation CarPlay within iOS 18.2 code. For more details about next-generation CarPlay features, read our previous story.
Apple recently revealed the most popular podcasts of 2024, and Apple Music has some Best of 2024 playlists. Expect year-end charts and award winners for apps, books, and more soon, along with Apple Music's annual Artist of the Year selection. Of course, there could always be a surprise announcement or two in store through the end of the year.
This article, "Here's What Else to Expect From Apple Before 2024 Ends" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
11/20/2024 MacDailyNews
Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max the best-selling smartphones during China’s Singles’ Day
Apple's iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max were the best-selling smartphones during China’s two-week Singles’ Day sales period…
The post Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max the best-selling smartphones during China’s Singles’ Day appeared first on MacDailyNews.
11/20/2024 Apple Insider
Grab the lowest iPad 10th Generation price on record as Amazon and Best Buy compete for the best early Black Friday deals.
Grab the best iPad 10th Gen price on record
November is a great time to pick up an Apple device at a discount and iPads are no exception with one week to go before Black Friday. Take advantage of the lowest price on record on Apple's iPad 10th Generation, with prices falling to $279 at Amazon and Best Buy.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Grab the best iPad 10th Gen price on record
November is a great time to pick up an Apple device at a discount and iPads are no exception with one week to go before Black Friday. Take advantage of the lowest price on record on Apple's iPad 10th Generation, with prices falling to $279 at Amazon and Best Buy.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
11/20/2024 Mac Rumors
We're ramping up to big Black Friday deals next week, but you can still find all-time low prices on multiple products right now. Today we've already covered great discounts on M3 MacBook Air, M4 MacBook Pro, and Apple Watch Series 10, and now Amazon has a new record low price on the 10th generation iPad.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
The 64GB Wi-Fi iPad has hit $279.99 on Amazon, down from $349.00. This is the best price we've ever tracked on Amazon for the tablet, and it's available in all four colors.
Amazon also has the 256GB Wi-Fi model for the best-ever price of $429.99 ($69 off), and both cellular tablets are on sale as well. The 64GB cellular is down to $449.00 ($50 off) and the 256GB cellular tablet is available for $579.00 ($70 off). Color options for the cellular models are a bit more sparse as of writing.
We're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2024.
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
This article, "Get Apple's 10th Gen iPad for Just $279.99 on Amazon" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
The 64GB Wi-Fi iPad has hit $279.99 on Amazon, down from $349.00. This is the best price we've ever tracked on Amazon for the tablet, and it's available in all four colors.
Amazon also has the 256GB Wi-Fi model for the best-ever price of $429.99 ($69 off), and both cellular tablets are on sale as well. The 64GB cellular is down to $449.00 ($50 off) and the 256GB cellular tablet is available for $579.00 ($70 off). Color options for the cellular models are a bit more sparse as of writing.
We're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2024.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
This article, "Get Apple's 10th Gen iPad for Just $279.99 on Amazon" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
11/20/2024 MacDailyNews
Apple has released the fourth beta of macOS Sequoia 15.2, introducing new Apple Intelligence features and general system improvements…
The post macOS 15.2 beta 4 delivers new Apple Intelligence features appeared first on MacDailyNews.
11/20/2024 Mac Rumors
As spotted by Mohammad Aldarawish and others, the upcoming iOS 18.2 and watchOS 11.2 updates add new "All Rings Closed" activity awards for the Apple Watch.
Apple Watch users can earn these awards for closing all three Move, Exercise, and Stand/Roll rings for 100 days, 365 days, 500 days, and 1,000 days, and at every 250-day interval above 1,000 days. One person showed off an impressive 3,250-day award, and tomorrow will be the 3,500-day mark since the Apple Watch launched in 2015, so anyone with a perfect track record of closing their rings should unlock that one very shortly.
The awards are applied retroactively as necessary, with past dates of completion shown in the Awards section of the Fitness app on the iPhone.
iOS 18.2 and watchOS 11.2 are currently in beta testing. The software updates are expected to be released to the public in early December.
This article, "iOS 18.2 Introduces 'All Rings Closed' Activity Awards for Apple Watch" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple Watch users can earn these awards for closing all three Move, Exercise, and Stand/Roll rings for 100 days, 365 days, 500 days, and 1,000 days, and at every 250-day interval above 1,000 days. One person showed off an impressive 3,250-day award, and tomorrow will be the 3,500-day mark since the Apple Watch launched in 2015, so anyone with a perfect track record of closing their rings should unlock that one very shortly.
The awards are applied retroactively as necessary, with past dates of completion shown in the Awards section of the Fitness app on the iPhone.
iOS 18.2 and watchOS 11.2 are currently in beta testing. The software updates are expected to be released to the public in early December.
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)
This article, "iOS 18.2 Introduces 'All Rings Closed' Activity Awards for Apple Watch" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
11/20/2024 Mac Rumors
Black Friday deals continue to drop for the Apple Watch Series 10 on Amazon, with $69 off both 42mm GPS and 46mm GPS models. All of these deals have been applied automatically and do not require any coupon codes.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
You can get the 42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 10 for $329.99, down from $399.00. This one is available in multiple case colors and band styles, and it's a new record low price for the 2024 wearable.
Similarly, the 46mm GPS Apple Watch Series 10 is available for $359.99 on Amazon, down from $429.00. This one is also available in multiple case colors, band styles, and sizes at this all-time low price. There's also $69 discounts across the Series 10 cellular models.
We're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2024.
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
This article, "Apple Watch Series 10 Hits New Low Price of $329.99 on Amazon" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
You can get the 42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 10 for $329.99, down from $399.00. This one is available in multiple case colors and band styles, and it's a new record low price for the 2024 wearable.
Similarly, the 46mm GPS Apple Watch Series 10 is available for $359.99 on Amazon, down from $429.00. This one is also available in multiple case colors, band styles, and sizes at this all-time low price. There's also $69 discounts across the Series 10 cellular models.
We're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2024.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
This article, "Apple Watch Series 10 Hits New Low Price of $329.99 on Amazon" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
11/20/2024 Mac Rumors
Following a few all-time low prices on the MacBook Air this morning, Amazon is now discounting multiple M4 MacBook Pro models to new low prices ahead of Black Friday. Many of these require you to clip an on-page coupon in order to see the final deal price at checkout.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Prices start at $1,399.99 for the M4 14-inch MacBook Pro (16GB RAM/512GB), down from $1,599.00. This deal, along with a few others listed below, is a new best-ever price on the M4 MacBook Pro, and right now only Amazon is offering these discounts.
14-inch MacBook Pro
16-inch MacBook Pro
We're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2024.
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
This article, "M4 MacBook Pro Black Friday Deals Arrive Early With Up to $250 Off Select Models" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Prices start at $1,399.99 for the M4 14-inch MacBook Pro (16GB RAM/512GB), down from $1,599.00. This deal, along with a few others listed below, is a new best-ever price on the M4 MacBook Pro, and right now only Amazon is offering these discounts.
Note: You won't see the deal price until checkout.
14-inch MacBook Pro
- M4 16GB RAM/512GB - $1,399.99 with on-page coupon ($199 off)
- M4 16GB RAM/1TB - $1,599.99 with on-page coupon ($199 off)
- M4 10-core/24GB RAM/1TB - $1,799.00 ($200 off)
- M4 Pro 12-core/24GB RAM/512GB - $1,749.00 ($250 off)
16-inch MacBook Pro
- M4 Pro 24GB RAM/512GB - $2,249.00 ($250 off)
- M4 Pro 48GB RAM/512GB - $2,649.99 ($249 off)
- M4 Max 36GB RAM/1TB - $3,249.99 with on-page coupon ($250 off)
- M4 Max 48GB RAM/1TB - $3,749.00 ($250 off)
We're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2024.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
This article, "M4 MacBook Pro Black Friday Deals Arrive Early With Up to $250 Off Select Models" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
11/20/2024 Apple Insider
Apple is on its fourth round of developer betas for this generation, with new builds of iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 joined by the third build of watchOS 11.2.
Examples of Apple Intelligence at work.
The fourth round arrives after the third, which was on November 11 for iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2. That date also saw the second developer betas of tvOS 18.2 and watchOS 11.2, with visionOS 2.2's second build landing one day later on November 12.
Apple brought out the third tvOS 18.2 and visionOS 2.2 builds on November 18.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Examples of Apple Intelligence at work.
The fourth round arrives after the third, which was on November 11 for iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2. That date also saw the second developer betas of tvOS 18.2 and watchOS 11.2, with visionOS 2.2's second build landing one day later on November 12.
Apple brought out the third tvOS 18.2 and visionOS 2.2 builds on November 18.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
11/20/2024 Mac Rumors
Apple today seeded the fourth betas of upcoming iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 updates to developers for testing purposes, a week after releasing the third betas. Alongside the fourth betas of the iPhone, iPad, and Mac operating system updates, Apple has also seeded the third beta of watchOS 11.2.
With today's updates, Apple is continuing to test the next phase of Apple Intelligence, with these features available for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS:
Image Playground is Apple's image generation app, and it can create images based on prompts. You can enter a description of what you want or use the built-in suggestions and concepts that Apple provides. Apple will suggest costumes, locations, items, and more to add to an image, and these concepts are intelligent and can draw inspiration from a Messages thread or content in the Notes app.
There are options to create characters that resemble your friends and family, and you can choose a photo for Image Playground to use as inspiration to create a related image. Elements added to Image Playground creations are previewed, and there is a preview history so you can undo a change and go back to a prior version.
While Image Playground is a standalone app, it is also integrated into Messages. Image Playground does not make photorealistic images and is instead limited to animation or illustration styles.
Image Wand is an Image Playground-related feature that's available in the Notes app on iPad. You can draw a rough sketch with the Apple Pencil or circle a blank space or a key phrase in a note to have Image Wand generate an appropriate image.
Genmoji are custom emoji characters that you can create based on descriptions and phrases. Like Image Playground creations, you can base them on your friends and family, with the data pulled from the People album in Photos. You can also make characters using basic elements, and you'll get multiple Genmoji suggestions to choose from. You can create Genmoji using the emoji keyboard.
Genmoji were limited to iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 as of the second betas, but will be coming to macOS Sequoia.
Siri can integrate with ChatGPT for certain requests, but only with user approval. If Siri is unable to provide an answer to a query, Siri will hand the request over to ChatGPT. ChatGPT's answer will then be provided by Siri.
ChatGPT can be used to create content from scratch, including text and images. No account is required to use ChatGPT integration, and Apple and OpenAI do not store requests.
iPhone 16 users have access to Visual Intelligence, a feature that provides information about what's around you. If you open the camera and point it at a restaurant, for example, you'll see opening hours and reviews.
Some other Visual Intelligence capabilities include reading text out loud, detecting phone numbers and addresses to add them to Contacts, copying text, and summarizing text. There is an option to search Google for where to buy a specific item that you see, and you can also point the camera at something and then get more information about it from ChatGPT.
Apple plans to expand this feature to include more functionality over time.
Apple is enhancing the Writing Tools feature to add an option to make more open-ended changes. In iOS 18.1 and its sister updates, Writing Tools can only be used to change the tone to friendly, professional, and a more simplified version. In iOS 18.2, you can describe the tone or content change that you want to make, such as adding more action words, or turning an email into a poem.
Apple Intelligence has gained support for localized English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, and the U.K., in addition to U.S. English.
If you've already been testing Apple Intelligence and are opted in, you will have access to Writing Tools, ChatGPT integration, and Visual Intelligence automatically.
There is a secondary waiting list for early access to use Genmoji, Image Playground, and Image Wand. You can sign up to get access in Image Playground or in the areas where you access Genmoji or Image Wand.
When you request access, you are added to a wait list for all three capabilities and you'll get a notification when the features are available for you to use. Apple is rolling out access to the new image generation features over the coming weeks.
The iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 are available on all devices, but the Apple Intelligence features require a device capable of Apple Intelligence. Apple is still working on refining the new Apple Intelligence tools, and the company warns that Genmoji, Image Wand, and Image Playground can sometimes give you results you weren't expecting. Apple is collecting feedback on these experiences and will refine them over time.
Apple Intelligence requires an iPhone 15 Pro or any iPhone 16 model, an iPad with an M-series chip or an A17 Pro chip, or a Mac with an M-series chip.
Apple is expected to release the iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, and visionOS 2.2 updates in early December.
This article, "Apple Releases Fourth Betas of iOS 18.2 and More With Genmoji, Image Playground and ChatGPT Integration [Update: Public Betas Available]" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
With today's updates, Apple is continuing to test the next phase of Apple Intelligence, with these features available for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS:
Image Playground
Image Playground is Apple's image generation app, and it can create images based on prompts. You can enter a description of what you want or use the built-in suggestions and concepts that Apple provides. Apple will suggest costumes, locations, items, and more to add to an image, and these concepts are intelligent and can draw inspiration from a Messages thread or content in the Notes app.
There are options to create characters that resemble your friends and family, and you can choose a photo for Image Playground to use as inspiration to create a related image. Elements added to Image Playground creations are previewed, and there is a preview history so you can undo a change and go back to a prior version.
While Image Playground is a standalone app, it is also integrated into Messages. Image Playground does not make photorealistic images and is instead limited to animation or illustration styles.
Image Wand
Image Wand is an Image Playground-related feature that's available in the Notes app on iPad. You can draw a rough sketch with the Apple Pencil or circle a blank space or a key phrase in a note to have Image Wand generate an appropriate image.
Genmoji
Genmoji are custom emoji characters that you can create based on descriptions and phrases. Like Image Playground creations, you can base them on your friends and family, with the data pulled from the People album in Photos. You can also make characters using basic elements, and you'll get multiple Genmoji suggestions to choose from. You can create Genmoji using the emoji keyboard.
Genmoji were limited to iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 as of the second betas, but will be coming to macOS Sequoia.
Siri ChatGPT Integration
Siri can integrate with ChatGPT for certain requests, but only with user approval. If Siri is unable to provide an answer to a query, Siri will hand the request over to ChatGPT. ChatGPT's answer will then be provided by Siri.
ChatGPT can be used to create content from scratch, including text and images. No account is required to use ChatGPT integration, and Apple and OpenAI do not store requests.
Visual Intelligence
iPhone 16 users have access to Visual Intelligence, a feature that provides information about what's around you. If you open the camera and point it at a restaurant, for example, you'll see opening hours and reviews.
Some other Visual Intelligence capabilities include reading text out loud, detecting phone numbers and addresses to add them to Contacts, copying text, and summarizing text. There is an option to search Google for where to buy a specific item that you see, and you can also point the camera at something and then get more information about it from ChatGPT.
Apple plans to expand this feature to include more functionality over time.
Writing Tools
Apple is enhancing the Writing Tools feature to add an option to make more open-ended changes. In iOS 18.1 and its sister updates, Writing Tools can only be used to change the tone to friendly, professional, and a more simplified version. In iOS 18.2, you can describe the tone or content change that you want to make, such as adding more action words, or turning an email into a poem.
More Languages
Apple Intelligence has gained support for localized English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, and the U.K., in addition to U.S. English.
Wait List
If you've already been testing Apple Intelligence and are opted in, you will have access to Writing Tools, ChatGPT integration, and Visual Intelligence automatically.
There is a secondary waiting list for early access to use Genmoji, Image Playground, and Image Wand. You can sign up to get access in Image Playground or in the areas where you access Genmoji or Image Wand.
When you request access, you are added to a wait list for all three capabilities and you'll get a notification when the features are available for you to use. Apple is rolling out access to the new image generation features over the coming weeks.
Availability and Compatibility
The iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 are available on all devices, but the Apple Intelligence features require a device capable of Apple Intelligence. Apple is still working on refining the new Apple Intelligence tools, and the company warns that Genmoji, Image Wand, and Image Playground can sometimes give you results you weren't expecting. Apple is collecting feedback on these experiences and will refine them over time.
Apple Intelligence requires an iPhone 15 Pro or any iPhone 16 model, an iPad with an M-series chip or an A17 Pro chip, or a Mac with an M-series chip.
Release Date
Apple is expected to release the iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, and visionOS 2.2 updates in early December.
This article, "Apple Releases Fourth Betas of iOS 18.2 and More With Genmoji, Image Playground and ChatGPT Integration [Update: Public Betas Available]" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
11/20/2024 MacDailyNews
Apple's Chinese App Store paid out over $493 billion to developers in 2023, representing 95% of the total revenue generated…
The post Apple’s App Store in China paid over 95 percent of the $519 billion in 2023 revenue it generated to developers appeared first on MacDailyNews.
11/20/2024 Apple Insider
A new early Black Friday software deal allows Mac and PC owners to score up to 36% off a standalone license to Microsoft Office 2024.
Microsoft Office 2024 - Image credit: Microsoft
Microsoft Office 2024 includes all essential Microsoft apps, from Word for text editing, Excel for super-powered spreadsheets, PowerPoint for captivating presentations, OneNote to keep everything organized, and Outlook for email management (Outlook comes with the Home & Business version only).
Normally, users would pay $149.99 for a Home license or $249.99 if they'd prefer the Home & Business license. However, this promotion allows users to take 20% off of a Home license, dropping the price to $119.97, or 36% off of a Home & Business license, bringing the price to $159.97.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Microsoft Office 2024 - Image credit: Microsoft
Microsoft Office 2024 includes all essential Microsoft apps, from Word for text editing, Excel for super-powered spreadsheets, PowerPoint for captivating presentations, OneNote to keep everything organized, and Outlook for email management (Outlook comes with the Home & Business version only).
Normally, users would pay $149.99 for a Home license or $249.99 if they'd prefer the Home & Business license. However, this promotion allows users to take 20% off of a Home license, dropping the price to $119.97, or 36% off of a Home & Business license, bringing the price to $159.97.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
11/20/2024 MacDailyNews
Apple TV+ on Wednesday unveiled a first look at “Dope Thief,” its new, eight-episode crime drama created and executive produced by…
The post Apple TV+ reveals first look at drug ring drama series ‘Dope Thief,’ premiering March 14th appeared first on MacDailyNews.
11/20/2024 Apple Insider
Lightspeed Studios and Square Enix are bringing the critically acclaimed MMORPG "Final Fantasy XIV" to mobile, letting players embark on the epic Eorzean adventure on their iPhone.
Final Fantasy XIV
Naoki Yoshida, producer and director of Final Fantasy XIV Online, described the mobile adaptation as a "sister" game that aims to bring the core story and combat of the original to a smaller screen. Non-combat roles, like Disciples of the Land and Hand, will also be included.
Final Fantasy XIV Mobile offers both longtime fans and new players a chance to explore Eorzea in a new way. Familiar characters like Thancred, Tataru, and Nanamo Ul Namo will appear, alongside features like fishing, Triple Triad, and chocobo racing.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Final Fantasy XIV
Naoki Yoshida, producer and director of Final Fantasy XIV Online, described the mobile adaptation as a "sister" game that aims to bring the core story and combat of the original to a smaller screen. Non-combat roles, like Disciples of the Land and Hand, will also be included.
Final Fantasy XIV Mobile offers both longtime fans and new players a chance to explore Eorzea in a new way. Familiar characters like Thancred, Tataru, and Nanamo Ul Namo will appear, alongside features like fishing, Triple Triad, and chocobo racing.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
11/20/2024 MacDailyNews
Shazam has now officially surpassed over 100 billion song recognitions since it launched. This monumental milestone not only reflects how…
The post Apple’s Shazam hits 100 billion song recognitions appeared first on MacDailyNews.
11/20/2024 Apple Insider
Shazam, the wildly popular song recognition app, has reached a major milestone by identifying more than 100 billion songs — up from 70 billion songs in 2022.
Shazam Predictions 2022 playlist and new subscriber deal
On Wednesday, Apple took a moment to praise Shazam for reaching a major milestone. Since its inception in 2002, Shazam has been used to identify 100 billion songs worldwide.
To put that in perspective, Apple points out that a person would need to use Shazam to identify a song every second for 3,168 years to reach 100 billion. It's also equivalent to 12 songs identified for every person on Earth.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Shazam Predictions 2022 playlist and new subscriber deal
On Wednesday, Apple took a moment to praise Shazam for reaching a major milestone. Since its inception in 2002, Shazam has been used to identify 100 billion songs worldwide.
To put that in perspective, Apple points out that a person would need to use Shazam to identify a song every second for 3,168 years to reach 100 billion. It's also equivalent to 12 songs identified for every person on Earth.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
11/20/2024 Mac Rumors
Samsung has introduced early Black Friday deals this week, and you can find discounts on TVs, smartphones, monitors and memory, wearables, appliances, and more.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Samsung. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Notable deals this time around include multiple monitors and TVs at low prices, as well as deals on portable SSD accessories and memory. If you're shopping for the popular 27-inch ViewFinity S9 Smart Monitor, be sure to check out Amazon's price tag of $819.98 ($780 off), which is much better than Samsung's current price.
Below we've collected some deals on monitors, storage, TVs, and Galaxy products, but be sure to browse the full sale for even more Black Friday discounts at Samsung.
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
This article, "Samsung Black Friday Event Begins With Huge Savings on Monitors, TVs, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Samsung. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Notable deals this time around include multiple monitors and TVs at low prices, as well as deals on portable SSD accessories and memory. If you're shopping for the popular 27-inch ViewFinity S9 Smart Monitor, be sure to check out Amazon's price tag of $819.98 ($780 off), which is much better than Samsung's current price.
Below we've collected some deals on monitors, storage, TVs, and Galaxy products, but be sure to browse the full sale for even more Black Friday discounts at Samsung.
Monitors and Storage
- 990 EVO 5.0 NVMe SSD 2TB - $129.99, down from $239.99
- 2TB Portable SSD - $169.99, down from $284.99
- 34-inch Odyssey OLED G8 Curved Gaming Monitor - $799.99, down from $1,199.99
- 32-inch Odyssey Quantum Gaming Monitor - $799.99, down from $1,099.99
- 27-inch ViewFinity S9 Smart Monitor - $819.98 at Amazon, down from $1,599.99
- 49-inch Odyssey OLED G9 Curved Gaming Monitor - $1,078.99, down from $1,799.99
- 55-inch Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen Curved Gaming Monitor - $1,799.99, down from $2,999.99
TVs
- The Frame QLED 4K TVs - Save up to $1,300
- 55-inch Neo QLED 4K Smart TV - $1,199.99, down from $1,499.99
- 65-inch OLED S90C TV - $999.99, down from $2,599.99
- 85-inch QLED 4K TV - $1,479.99, down from $2,799.99
- 85-inch Neo QLED 4K TV - $1,799.99, down from $3,699.99
Galaxy Products
- Galaxy Z Fold6 - Save up to $1,600 with trade-in credit
- Galaxy Z Flip6 - Save up to $950 with trade-in credit
- Galaxy Watch Ultra - Save up to $410
- Galaxy Buds3 Pro - Save up to $155
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
This article, "Samsung Black Friday Event Begins With Huge Savings on Monitors, TVs, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
11/20/2024 Mac Rumors
Apple today announced that music recognition tool Shazam has identified more than 100 billion songs since it launched. Shazam started as an SMS service in the U.K. in 2002, and it became one of the first iPhone apps available on the App Store in 2008.
Apple shared some fun comparisons for this statistic:
The playlist below includes Shazam's top 100 most-identified songs, with the list currently topped by the 2019 song "Dance Monkey" by Tones and I.
This article, "Apple Announces Shazam Has Identified More Than 100 Billion Songs" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Apple shared some fun comparisons for this statistic:
- That's equivalent to 12 songs identified for every person on Earth.Apple acquired Shazam in 2018, and it now powers the Music Recognition feature built into iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Shazam is deeply integrated across Apple's software platforms, including in Control Center, Siri, as an Action button option on iPhone 15 Pro models and all iPhone 16 models, as a Smart Stack widget on the Apple Watch, and more.
- A person would need to use Shazam to identify a song every second for 3,168 years to reach 100 billion.
- That's more than 2,200x the number of identifications of Shazam's top song ever, "Dance Monkey," with over 45 million tags.
- Shazam Predictions 2023 alum Benson Boone's "Beautiful Things" was the first track released this year to hit 10 million recognitions, and the fastest, doing so in 178 days. At that pace, it would take more than 4,800 years for it to hit 100 billion.
The playlist below includes Shazam's top 100 most-identified songs, with the list currently topped by the 2019 song "Dance Monkey" by Tones and I.
Tag: Shazam
This article, "Apple Announces Shazam Has Identified More Than 100 Billion Songs" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
11/20/2024 Mac Rumors
Amazon today has knocked the price off of multiple M3 MacBook Air models, with as much as $300 off select computers. Prices start at $849.00 for the 13-inch M3 MacBook Air (16GB RAM/256GB), and also include multiple 15-inch models as well.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
All of these deals have been applied automatically and do not require an on-page coupon in order to see the final sale prices. Apple introduced the M3 MacBook Air back in March, and last month it increased the starting RAM to 16GB, from 8GB.
You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2024.
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
This article, "Amazon Takes Up to $300 Off M3 MacBook Air With New All-Time Low Prices" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
All of these deals have been applied automatically and do not require an on-page coupon in order to see the final sale prices. Apple introduced the M3 MacBook Air back in March, and last month it increased the starting RAM to 16GB, from 8GB.
13-inch M3 MacBook Air
- 16GB RAM/256GB - $849.00 ($250 off)
- 8GB RAM/512GB - $999.00 ($300 off)
- 16GB RAM/512GB - $1,049.00 ($250 off)
- 24GB RAM/512GB - $1,249.00 ($250 off)
15-inch M3 MacBook Air
- 16GB RAM/256GB - $1,044.00 ($255 off)
- 8GB RAM/512GB - $1,199.00 ($300 off)
- 16GB RAM/512GB - $1,234.00 ($265 off)
- 24GB RAM/512GB - $1,424.00 ($275 off)
You can find all the Apple Black Friday Deals currently available in our dedicated post. For everything else, we're keeping track of all of the season's best Apple-related deals in our Black Friday roundup, so be sure to check back throughout the month for an updated list of all the most notable discounts you'll find for Black Friday 2024.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about top deals as we head into the holidays? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Related Roundup: Apple Deals
This article, "Amazon Takes Up to $300 Off M3 MacBook Air With New All-Time Low Prices" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
11/20/2024 MacDailyNews
A recent research note from Barclays analyst Tom O'Malley suggests that Apple is planning to release a fourth-generation iPhone SE…
The post iPhone SE 4 with Apple-designed 5G modem to launch in March 2025 – Barclays appeared first on MacDailyNews.
11/20/2024 Mac Rumors
Uber has announced that it will be releasing a Home Screen widget for the iPhone today, allowing users to request a ride in as little as two taps.
The widget can display your saved addresses for home and work, or you can tap on the magnifying glass icon to quickly search for another address.
We do not see the widget yet. It will likely be added in an update to the Uber app later today.
The widget is one of several new features that Uber is introducing ahead of the busy travel season in the U.S., which kicks off with Thanksgiving next week. Other additions include a new UberXXL vehicle option, UberX Share at airports for discounted rides with one other passenger, and more, with complete details outlined in Uber's press release.
UberXXL lets you request a vehicle with larger trunk space for your baggage on rides to and from airports. The feature is now available at more than 60 airports across the U.S., Canada, and select other countries, and it will expand to more airports later.
This article, "Uber Adding Home Screen Widget on iPhone, UberXXL Option, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
The widget can display your saved addresses for home and work, or you can tap on the magnifying glass icon to quickly search for another address.
We do not see the widget yet. It will likely be added in an update to the Uber app later today.
The widget is one of several new features that Uber is introducing ahead of the busy travel season in the U.S., which kicks off with Thanksgiving next week. Other additions include a new UberXXL vehicle option, UberX Share at airports for discounted rides with one other passenger, and more, with complete details outlined in Uber's press release.
UberXXL lets you request a vehicle with larger trunk space for your baggage on rides to and from airports. The feature is now available at more than 60 airports across the U.S., Canada, and select other countries, and it will expand to more airports later.
Tag: Uber
This article, "Uber Adding Home Screen Widget on iPhone, UberXXL Option, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
11/20/2024 MacDailyNews
Apple will argue for the dismissal of the U.S. DOJ's antitrust lawsuit on Wednesday. The lawsuit accuses Apple of abusing its so-called…
The post Apple to urge judge to end U.S. smartphone monopoly case appeared first on MacDailyNews.
11/20/2024 Apple Insider
Apple will today present its case for why the Department of Justice's mammoth lawsuit against the iPhone maker is entirely without merit — and prosecutors will repeat their accusations.
The Department of Justice case will hang over Apple for years
The Department of Justice (DOJ), together with multiple states, is accusing Apple of monopolistic practices, over the iPhone, the App Store, and most of the company's business. Following the start of that case in March 2024, Apple filed a motion to dismiss in August.
Now according to Reuters, Apple will today ask US District Judge Julien Neals in Newark, New Jersey, to dismiss the case. Central to Apple's case is its claim that being forced to share its technology with rivals would end innovation.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
The Department of Justice case will hang over Apple for years
The Department of Justice (DOJ), together with multiple states, is accusing Apple of monopolistic practices, over the iPhone, the App Store, and most of the company's business. Following the start of that case in March 2024, Apple filed a motion to dismiss in August.
Now according to Reuters, Apple will today ask US District Judge Julien Neals in Newark, New Jersey, to dismiss the case. Central to Apple's case is its claim that being forced to share its technology with rivals would end innovation.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
11/20/2024 Mac Rumors
This article explains how to erase and factory reset your Mac if you plan to give it away, sell it, or trade it in. Apple silicon Macs and Intel Macs with a T2 security chip (2017-2020 models) have an "Erase All Content and Settings" option available in macOS Monterey and later. If you have an older pre-2017 Mac, it's a more convoluted process – follow this link instead to erase and factory reset your machine.
Traditionally, wiping a Mac and returning it to factory settings involved manually signing out of a range of services, erasing your Mac's internal drive, then reinstalling macOS. These steps are quite involved when you consider how easy it is to wipe an iPhone or iPad (Settings -> General -> Transfer or Reset iPhone -> Erase All Content and Settings).
Fortunately, Apple includes the same option on newer Macs running macOS Monterey and later. Erase All Content and Settings in macOS offers a very simple and straightforward way to erase your Mac without needing to reinstall the operating system. Thanks to the way storage is encrypted on Macs with Apple silicon or the T2 chip, the option is able to instantly and securely "erase" all user date by destroying the encryption keys.
Not only does this effectively erase all user data and user-installed apps from your Mac without reinstalling macOS, it also signs out your Apple Account from a range of services, removes any Touch ID fingerprints, purchases, and all Apple Wallet items, and turns off Find My and Activation Lock, making it far easier to restore your Mac to like-new factory settings.
The following steps show you how it's done. Whether you simply want to start fresh with your Mac or are planning to sell or gift your computer to another person, after erasing it using this option, your Mac will display the Setup Assistant and be ready to be set up like new.
This article, "How to Erase and Factory Reset Your Mac" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Traditionally, wiping a Mac and returning it to factory settings involved manually signing out of a range of services, erasing your Mac's internal drive, then reinstalling macOS. These steps are quite involved when you consider how easy it is to wipe an iPhone or iPad (Settings -> General -> Transfer or Reset iPhone -> Erase All Content and Settings).
Fortunately, Apple includes the same option on newer Macs running macOS Monterey and later. Erase All Content and Settings in macOS offers a very simple and straightforward way to erase your Mac without needing to reinstall the operating system. Thanks to the way storage is encrypted on Macs with Apple silicon or the T2 chip, the option is able to instantly and securely "erase" all user date by destroying the encryption keys.
Not only does this effectively erase all user data and user-installed apps from your Mac without reinstalling macOS, it also signs out your Apple Account from a range of services, removes any Touch ID fingerprints, purchases, and all Apple Wallet items, and turns off Find My and Activation Lock, making it far easier to restore your Mac to like-new factory settings.
The following steps show you how it's done. Whether you simply want to start fresh with your Mac or are planning to sell or gift your computer to another person, after erasing it using this option, your Mac will display the Setup Assistant and be ready to be set up like new.
- Click the Apple () symbol in the menu bar and select System Settings (System Preferences... if you're not running macOS Ventura or later).
- If you're running macOS Ventura or later, select General in the sidebar, then choose Transfer or Reset -> Erase All Content and Settings.... Otherwise, select System Preferences -> Erase All Content and Settings from the menu bar.
- Enter your admin password in the Erase Assistant dialog prompt and click OK.
- If you haven't already backed up your important data, heed the onscreen Time Machine advice. Otherwise, click Continue.
- Note all the settings, data, media, and other items that will be removed. Click Continue if you're sure.
-
- Enter the password for your Apple Account to sign out, click Continue, then click Erase All Content & Settings in the prompt to confirm.
This article, "How to Erase and Factory Reset Your Mac" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
11/20/2024 Mac Rumors
AT&T has begun displaying "Turbo" in the iPhone carrier label for customers subscribed to its premium network prioritization service, according to reports on Reddit. The new indicator seems to have started appearing after users updated to iOS 18.1.1, but that could be just coincidence.
The Turbo feature provides enhanced network performance through prioritized data access, offering improved speeds and lower latency for activities like gaming and video streaming. Previously, customers had limited ways to confirm the service was enabled beyond checking technical network settings. With the new label, Turbo subscribers can easily verify when the $7 monthly add-on is active on their line.
Some users have said they aren't too happy about the longer carrier text in their iPhone's status bar, but others don't mind it since it gives them a clear visual indicator of their premium network status. AT&T says that the icon can appear sometimes when Turbo is inactive, such as when connected to Wi-Fi or when a customer's hotspot allotment is exceeded.
This article, "AT&T Turbo Indicator Showing Up in iPhone Status Bar for Subscribers" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Image credit: Reddit user No_Highlight7476
The Turbo feature provides enhanced network performance through prioritized data access, offering improved speeds and lower latency for activities like gaming and video streaming. Previously, customers had limited ways to confirm the service was enabled beyond checking technical network settings. With the new label, Turbo subscribers can easily verify when the $7 monthly add-on is active on their line.
Some users have said they aren't too happy about the longer carrier text in their iPhone's status bar, but others don't mind it since it gives them a clear visual indicator of their premium network status. AT&T says that the icon can appear sometimes when Turbo is inactive, such as when connected to Wi-Fi or when a customer's hotspot allotment is exceeded.
Tag: AT&T
This article, "AT&T Turbo Indicator Showing Up in iPhone Status Bar for Subscribers" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
11/20/2024 Apple Insider
Analysts from Barclays bank claim to have confirmed that the iPhone SE 4 will in March 2025 as previously expected.
The prediction of a March date is far from new. However, this time Barclays is claiming that it has the date from the supply chain. The analysts even use the word "confirmed".
There does not, though, appear to be any specific basis for the claim other than that others have previously reported the same date.
Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
The prediction of a March date is far from new. However, this time Barclays is claiming that it has the date from the supply chain. The analysts even use the word "confirmed".
There does not, though, appear to be any specific basis for the claim other than that others have previously reported the same date.
Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
11/20/2024 Apple Insider
China's annual Singles Day shopping festival has again seen Apple's iPhone sales decline year over year.
iPhone 16 Pro
Singles dDay used to regularly see record-breaking sales for the iPhone, with one vendor selling 156 million of the iPhone 13 in the first two seconds of its sale in 2021. With increased competition from local brands, Apple had a disappointing 2023 with a 4% decline in sales year over year.
Now according to Counterpoint Research, it's fared even worse for the 2024 Singles Day festival. While not listing a specific figure, Counterpoint claims that Apple "declined YoY by double-digit percentages."
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
iPhone 16 Pro
Singles dDay used to regularly see record-breaking sales for the iPhone, with one vendor selling 156 million of the iPhone 13 in the first two seconds of its sale in 2021. With increased competition from local brands, Apple had a disappointing 2023 with a 4% decline in sales year over year.
Now according to Counterpoint Research, it's fared even worse for the 2024 Singles Day festival. While not listing a specific figure, Counterpoint claims that Apple "declined YoY by double-digit percentages."
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
11/20/2024 Mac Rumors
Remedy Entertainment has announced that Control Ultimate Edition will launch on Mac on February 12, 2025. The award-winning action-adventure game has garnered over 80 industry accolades since its 2019 debut, and two expansions in the intervening years have kept the franchise alive.
The Ultimate Edition includes the base game alongside its two major expansions, "The Foundation" and "AWE," plus all post-launch updates. Inspired by the new weird literary genre, the supernatural third-person action game puts players in the role of Jesse Faden as she explores the mysterious Federal Bureau of Control, wielding telekinetic powers and transforming weapons.
Remedy's announcement was spotted by Engadget during the company's Capital Markets Day presentation to investors. While specific Mac system requirements haven't been revealed, the game will presumably require an M-series chip to run effectively, given its demanding graphics and physics engine.
The developer also confirmed that work continues on Control 2, though no further details about the sequel were shared. Control Ultimate Edition previously launched on Windows PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms, so this will be its first appearance on macOS.
This article, "'Control Ultimate Edition' Coming to Mac on February 12, 2025" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
The Ultimate Edition includes the base game alongside its two major expansions, "The Foundation" and "AWE," plus all post-launch updates. Inspired by the new weird literary genre, the supernatural third-person action game puts players in the role of Jesse Faden as she explores the mysterious Federal Bureau of Control, wielding telekinetic powers and transforming weapons.
Remedy's announcement was spotted by Engadget during the company's Capital Markets Day presentation to investors. While specific Mac system requirements haven't been revealed, the game will presumably require an M-series chip to run effectively, given its demanding graphics and physics engine.
The developer also confirmed that work continues on Control 2, though no further details about the sequel were shared. Control Ultimate Edition previously launched on Windows PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms, so this will be its first appearance on macOS.
This article, "'Control Ultimate Edition' Coming to Mac on February 12, 2025" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
11/19/2024 Mac Rumors
Graykey, a forensics tool used by law enforcement officials to break into locked iPhones, has limited access to iOS 18 and iOS 18.0.1, 404 Media recently learned. The site secured documents that describe Graykey's functionality in-depth, giving us a look at what the device is capable of.
Graykey parent company Magnet Forensics does not share information about the tool, and complete details about the devices that Graykey can unlock have not surfaced before.
Most iPhones that run iOS 18 or iOS 18.0.1 are listed as eligible for a "partial" unlock, though the iPhone 11 models can seemingly be unlocked in full. Data on iOS 18.1, a newer version of iOS, isn't included in the document, but iOS 18.1 betas were listed as inaccessible.
It's not clear what "partial" access means or what data can be garnered from iPhones with that access listing, but it might mean that law enforcement are limited to unencrypted files, file size information, and folder structure. On more vulnerable devices, Graykey can unlock an iPhone with a 4-digit passcode in mere minutes, while longer passcodes can take hours.
Graykey takes advantage of iPhone vulnerabilities to unlock devices, and its capabilities can change as Apple patches security flaws. In 2018, for example, Apple disabled Graykey with an update to iOS 12, but new vulnerabilities were found that restored functionality. Eventually, Magnet Forensics may be able to find a flaw that will allow Graykey to get into iOS 18 devices as well.
Earlier this year, a leak from Israel-based mobile forensics company Cellebrite suggested that its tools are unable to unlock iPhones that are running iOS 17.4 or later, but it is now able to access devices running iOS 17.5.1.
This article, "'Graykey' Tool Used by Law Enforcement Can Only Partially Unlock iOS 18 Devices" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Graykey parent company Magnet Forensics does not share information about the tool, and complete details about the devices that Graykey can unlock have not surfaced before.
Most iPhones that run iOS 18 or iOS 18.0.1 are listed as eligible for a "partial" unlock, though the iPhone 11 models can seemingly be unlocked in full. Data on iOS 18.1, a newer version of iOS, isn't included in the document, but iOS 18.1 betas were listed as inaccessible.
It's not clear what "partial" access means or what data can be garnered from iPhones with that access listing, but it might mean that law enforcement are limited to unencrypted files, file size information, and folder structure. On more vulnerable devices, Graykey can unlock an iPhone with a 4-digit passcode in mere minutes, while longer passcodes can take hours.
Graykey takes advantage of iPhone vulnerabilities to unlock devices, and its capabilities can change as Apple patches security flaws. In 2018, for example, Apple disabled Graykey with an update to iOS 12, but new vulnerabilities were found that restored functionality. Eventually, Magnet Forensics may be able to find a flaw that will allow Graykey to get into iOS 18 devices as well.
Earlier this year, a leak from Israel-based mobile forensics company Cellebrite suggested that its tools are unable to unlock iPhones that are running iOS 17.4 or later, but it is now able to access devices running iOS 17.5.1.
This article, "'Graykey' Tool Used by Law Enforcement Can Only Partially Unlock iOS 18 Devices" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
11/19/2024 Mac Rumors
Instagram parent company Meta today said that it is testing a new tool that's designed to allow users to reset their content recommendations for "a fresh start." Using the reset tool removes prior data that's used to power Explore, Reels, and Feed recommendations.
Recommendations will start to personalize over time, providing content recommendations based on the content and accounts that users interact with. Using the reset option will provide users with an option to review the accounts they're following to unfollow content they no longer want to see, and review ad topics.
The tool is designed for teen users, but Instagram is planning to make it available to all users following the test period. The feature will roll out globally "soon."
This article, "Instagram Tests Recommendations Reset for Fresh Start" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
Recommendations will start to personalize over time, providing content recommendations based on the content and accounts that users interact with. Using the reset option will provide users with an option to review the accounts they're following to unfollow content they no longer want to see, and review ad topics.
The tool is designed for teen users, but Instagram is planning to make it available to all users following the test period. The feature will roll out globally "soon."
Tag: Instagram
This article, "Instagram Tests Recommendations Reset for Fresh Start" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
11/19/2024 Apple Insider
Apple no longer offers free repairs for MacBook models with the infamous "butterfly" keyboard, as the repair program for these machines has officially ended.
Apple no longer offers repairs for the butterfly keyboard.
The program was available for a wide variety of MacBook models sold between 2015 and 2020, including different MacBook Air and MacBook Pro configurations. With the repair program's end, however, it's now no longer possible to get these machines repaired by Apple at no cost.
This will ultimately cause frustration for some users, as they will now have to resort to third-party repair shops and have the machine repaired out of pocket. It's widely known that the butterfly keyboard has significant durability problems, with notable flaws surfacing less than a year after its introduction.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Apple no longer offers repairs for the butterfly keyboard.
The program was available for a wide variety of MacBook models sold between 2015 and 2020, including different MacBook Air and MacBook Pro configurations. With the repair program's end, however, it's now no longer possible to get these machines repaired by Apple at no cost.
This will ultimately cause frustration for some users, as they will now have to resort to third-party repair shops and have the machine repaired out of pocket. It's widely known that the butterfly keyboard has significant durability problems, with notable flaws surfacing less than a year after its introduction.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
11/19/2024 Mac Rumors
Google today revamped its Switch to Android app for the iPhone and iPad, introducing a streamlined interface, a new icon, and changing the name to Android Switch as part of a rebranding effort to lure new iPhone users.
The app is designed to make it easy for iPhone users to swap over to an Android-based device like a Google Pixel. It can transfer contacts, calendar events, photos, and videos, and it includes reminders to turn off iMessage to swap to RCS/SMS.
Google has also changed some of the wording on its Switch to Android website to reflect the new app name. The Switch to Android site walks through some of the common concerns that iPhone users might have about switching platforms, such as texting, sharing files, making video calls, and transitioning accessories.
With RCS, Google says Android users can text iPhone users with no issues, and the company recommends Google Meet as an alternative to FaceTime. There's no Android to iPhone replacement for AirDrop, but Google says that Quick Share can be used to share files with Android, ChromeOS, and Windows PC devices.
Aside from design updates and a new look for the app, the basic functionality of the Android Switch app appears to be the same as before.
This article, "Google Rebrands Switcher App to Lure iPhone Users to Android" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
The app is designed to make it easy for iPhone users to swap over to an Android-based device like a Google Pixel. It can transfer contacts, calendar events, photos, and videos, and it includes reminders to turn off iMessage to swap to RCS/SMS.
Google has also changed some of the wording on its Switch to Android website to reflect the new app name. The Switch to Android site walks through some of the common concerns that iPhone users might have about switching platforms, such as texting, sharing files, making video calls, and transitioning accessories.
With RCS, Google says Android users can text iPhone users with no issues, and the company recommends Google Meet as an alternative to FaceTime. There's no Android to iPhone replacement for AirDrop, but Google says that Quick Share can be used to share files with Android, ChromeOS, and Windows PC devices.
Aside from design updates and a new look for the app, the basic functionality of the Android Switch app appears to be the same as before.
This article, "Google Rebrands Switcher App to Lure iPhone Users to Android" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
11/19/2024 Apple Insider
The brand-new M4 Pro MacBook Pro 14-inch has hit a new record low price of $1,749, with units in stock with free expedited shipping. This pre-Black Friday Apple deal may sell out or end soon, with limited supply available at the reduced price.
Grab the best price on Apple's M4 MacBook Pro.
The $250 price cut on the standard M4 Pro MacBook Pro 14-inch knocks the price down to a new all-time low of $1,749. Equipped with a 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB unified memory and 512GB of storage, the standard model in your choice of Space Black or Silver offers a good deal of performance for the sub-$1,750 price point.
Get the $1,749 MBP deal
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Grab the best price on Apple's M4 MacBook Pro.
The $250 price cut on the standard M4 Pro MacBook Pro 14-inch knocks the price down to a new all-time low of $1,749. Equipped with a 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB unified memory and 512GB of storage, the standard model in your choice of Space Black or Silver offers a good deal of performance for the sub-$1,750 price point.
Get the $1,749 MBP deal
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
11/19/2024 MacDailyNews
Apple TV+, launched in 2019, has invested over $20 billion to create a robust library of original content featuring renowned actors and…
The post Apple has spent over $20 billion on Apple TV+ to get 0.3 percent of U.S. screen viewing time appeared first on MacDailyNews.
11/19/2024 Apple Insider
Update to Apple's latest iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS to patch known security vulnerabilities that may have been exploited on Intel-based Macs.
iPad Air 2024
The iOS 18.1.1, iPadOS 18.1.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1.1, and visionOS 2.1.1 updates fix two major security issues in the software that runs websites and apps. Hackers could use these flaws to take control of your device or steal information through malicious web content.
Apple has also confirmed that these vulnerabilities "may have been actively exploited on Intel-based Mac systems."
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
iPad Air 2024
The iOS 18.1.1, iPadOS 18.1.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1.1, and visionOS 2.1.1 updates fix two major security issues in the software that runs websites and apps. Hackers could use these flaws to take control of your device or steal information through malicious web content.
Apple has also confirmed that these vulnerabilities "may have been actively exploited on Intel-based Mac systems."
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
11/19/2024 MacDailyNews
Apple has recently released a new ad for the iPhone 16 Pro, titled "All Systems Pro," on its YouTube channels in several countries…
The post Apple’s new ‘All Systems Pro’ ad launches iPhone 16 Pro into space appeared first on MacDailyNews.
11/19/2024 Apple Insider
Action adventure game "Control Ultimate Edition" will be landing on macOS early next year, with the release set for February 12, 2025.
Control - Image credit: Remedy
Remedy Entertainment's Control Ultimate Edition is one of the major games that has repeatedly been referenced as part of Apples push for gaming on Mac. In Remedy's Capital Markets Day presentation on Tuesday, it revealed when it will ship.
The presentation to investors and analysts mentioned that Control Ultimate Edition will be released on Mac on February 12th, 2025. The news was also part of a summary on the developer's Bluesky account.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Control - Image credit: Remedy
Remedy Entertainment's Control Ultimate Edition is one of the major games that has repeatedly been referenced as part of Apples push for gaming on Mac. In Remedy's Capital Markets Day presentation on Tuesday, it revealed when it will ship.
The presentation to investors and analysts mentioned that Control Ultimate Edition will be released on Mac on February 12th, 2025. The news was also part of a summary on the developer's Bluesky account.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
11/19/2024 Apple Insider
Apple has partnered with two more merchants, ChargePoint and Booking.com, to offer 3% Daily Cash back on purchases made with Apple Card.
Apple Card partners with ChargePoint and Booking.com
Reserving a flight, hotel, car, cruise, or experience through Booking.com will net you 3% Daily Cash back, though you'll want to book through the Booking.com Apple landing page. Be sure to make the purchase on an Apple device using Apple Pay to take advantage of this promotion.
Electric vehicle owners can get Daily Cash back when using Apple Card via Apple Pay when charging their EV at a ChargePoint station. Additionally, this promotion can be used when purchasing at-home charging solutions through ChargePoint's online store.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Apple Card partners with ChargePoint and Booking.com
Reserving a flight, hotel, car, cruise, or experience through Booking.com will net you 3% Daily Cash back, though you'll want to book through the Booking.com Apple landing page. Be sure to make the purchase on an Apple device using Apple Pay to take advantage of this promotion.
Electric vehicle owners can get Daily Cash back when using Apple Card via Apple Pay when charging their EV at a ChargePoint station. Additionally, this promotion can be used when purchasing at-home charging solutions through ChargePoint's online store.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
11/19/2024 MacDailyNews
Apple on Tuesday released iOS 18.1.1, iPadOS 18.1.1, and macOS 15.1.1. iOS 18.1.1 and iPadOS 18.1.1 provide important security fixes…
The post Apple releases iOS 18.1.1, iPadOS 18.1.1, and macOS 15.1.1 appeared first on MacDailyNews.
11/19/2024 Apple Insider
Apple has issued point releases for its operating systems, including iOS 18.1.1, iPadOS 18.1.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1.1, and visionOS 2.1.1.
Currently-tested Apple Intelligence features
The updates for iOS 18.1.1, iPadOS 18.1.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1.1, and visionOS 2.1.1 have been made available on Tuesday.
The version number change indicates the updates are not ones with major feature changes. Instead, the smaller version uptick signifies smaller changes, and often includes security fixes and compatibility changes.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Currently-tested Apple Intelligence features
The updates for iOS 18.1.1, iPadOS 18.1.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1.1, and visionOS 2.1.1 have been made available on Tuesday.
The version number change indicates the updates are not ones with major feature changes. Instead, the smaller version uptick signifies smaller changes, and often includes security fixes and compatibility changes.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
11/19/2024 MacDailyNews
Apple Original Films on Tuesday announced the definitive new documentary on rock royalty Fleetwood Mac. The fully authorized documentary…
The post Apple Original Films announces Fleetwood Mac authorized documentary appeared first on MacDailyNews.
11/19/2024 MacDailyNews
Apple TV+ on Tuesday unveiled a glimpse at its highly anticipated upcoming comedy “The Studio,” and announced the new 10-episode…
The post Apple TV+ debuts teaser for ‘The Studio’ series starring Seth Rogen; premieres March 26th appeared first on MacDailyNews.
11/19/2024 Apple Insider
Apple has started to sell advertising on Apple News by itself, a report claims, with the company handling ad inventory sales for the service on its own.
Apple News on an iPhone
Advertising in Apple Services isn't entirely new, as it has done so for Apple News and the App Store for quite a while. However, it has apparently recently changed tactic when it comes to Apple News ad spots.
While it has previously used third-party ad vendors to sell Apple News ads, sources of Axios claim that Apple is instead handling that task for itself.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Apple News on an iPhone
Advertising in Apple Services isn't entirely new, as it has done so for Apple News and the App Store for quite a while. However, it has apparently recently changed tactic when it comes to Apple News ad spots.
While it has previously used third-party ad vendors to sell Apple News ads, sources of Axios claim that Apple is instead handling that task for itself.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
11/19/2024 Apple Insider
Leaked documents reveal the secrets behind Graykey, the covert forensic tool used to unlock modern smartphones, exposing its struggles with Apple's latest iOS updates.
iPhone 15
Graykey is a forensic tool designed to unlock mobile devices and extract data, primarily used by law enforcement agencies and digital forensics experts. Developed by the secretive company Grayshift — now owned by Magnet Forensics — Graykey has earned a reputation for its ability to bypass smartphone security measures.
The tool helps law enforcement and forensic professionals in accessing locked mobile devices during criminal investigations. It breaks device encryption and security features to retrieve personal data like messages, photos, app data, and metadata.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
iPhone 15
Graykey is a forensic tool designed to unlock mobile devices and extract data, primarily used by law enforcement agencies and digital forensics experts. Developed by the secretive company Grayshift — now owned by Magnet Forensics — Graykey has earned a reputation for its ability to bypass smartphone security measures.
The tool helps law enforcement and forensic professionals in accessing locked mobile devices during criminal investigations. It breaks device encryption and security features to retrieve personal data like messages, photos, app data, and metadata.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
11/19/2024 Apple Insider
An AirTag price war has erupted just over a week before Black Friday, making it a perfect time to pick one up for holiday travel or as an affordable stocking stuffer.
AirTag dips to new record low price leading up to Black Friday. - Image credit: Apple
The $19.99 price at Amazon and Best Buy reflects a 33% discount off retail and delivers a new record low price on the single pack. Both Amazon and Best Buy have units in stock, which is perfect timing if you're about to embark on a holiday trip and want to add one to your luggage or laptop bag.
Get AirTag for $19.99
Continue Reading on AppleInsider
AirTag dips to new record low price leading up to Black Friday. - Image credit: Apple
The $19.99 price at Amazon and Best Buy reflects a 33% discount off retail and delivers a new record low price on the single pack. Both Amazon and Best Buy have units in stock, which is perfect timing if you're about to embark on a holiday trip and want to add one to your luggage or laptop bag.
Get AirTag for $19.99
Continue Reading on AppleInsider
11/19/2024 MacDailyNews
Apple has hired an executive to license its Apple Original Films' movies to other companies with the intent to not only increase returns…
The post Apple TV+ to license its movies to other services appeared first on MacDailyNews.
11/19/2024 MacDailyNews
Apple on Tuesday shared the most popular podcasts of 2024, with year-end charts localized for listeners in nearly 100 countries and regions…
The post These are Apple Podcasts’ most popular U.S. podcasts of 2024 appeared first on MacDailyNews.
11/19/2024 MacDailyNews
Apple has increased its offer to invest in Indonesia by almost tenfold in the company’s latest bid to persuade the government to lift its…
The post Apple offers $100 million to cancel Indonesia’s iPhone 16 ban appeared first on MacDailyNews.
11/18/2024 MacDailyNews
A recent research note suggests that Apple's upcoming "iPhone 17 Air" model may be significantly thinner than previous generations…
The post Rumored ‘iPhone 17 Air’ would be thinnest iPhone ever appeared first on MacDailyNews.
11/18/2024 MacDailyNews
Apple CEO and other top company executives were probably relieved when former President Donald Trump won reelection this month…
The post Apple CEO Cook ‘probably relieved’ when President Trump won re-election – Gurman appeared first on MacDailyNews.
11/18/2024 MacDailyNews
Apple TV+ on Monday announced it will expand its award-winning original series slate with a series order for “Cape Fear,” a new series that…
The post Apple TV+ greenlights new Cape Fear’ series from Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese appeared first on MacDailyNews.
11/18/2024 MacDailyNews
It appears that Apple is discontinuing the Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter that's been around since the release of the iPhone 7…
The post Apple looks to be discontinuing Lightning adapter for iPhones and wired headphones appeared first on MacDailyNews.