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iOS 26.2 Enhancements Improve Liquid Glass Appearance and User Satisfaction

The developer beta of iOS 26.6 released earlier today introduces some animation and interface adjustments, indicating that Apple continues to refine the balance between usability and its initial vision for Liquid Glass. Here’s what’s been altered.

### Apple is still adjusting Liquid Glass effects

Liquid Glass has undergone significant changes since Apple first unveiled the new visual language at WWDC last June.

After an initial backlash and a substantial reduction in the Liquid Glass effect across the system during the early betas, Apple slowly restored the transparency and distortion effects leading up to the release of iOS 26.

Nevertheless, Apple persisted in enhancing the appearance, introducing a Settings option that allows users to select between Clear and Tinted interface choices in iOS 26.1, along with a slider for modifying the Lock Screen clock in the first developer beta of iOS 26.2.

With the release of the second iOS 26.2 beta today, Apple adjusted the menu opening animation, aligning it more closely with what was showcased at WWDC.

For context, here’s a side-by-side between Apple’s initial announcement at WWDC and the current animation in iOS 26.1.

Today’s beta also appears to have made slight adjustments to the “X,” “Show more,” and “Clear All Notifications” buttons located above notification groups on the Lock Screen, incorporating the Liquid Glass effect into these interface components as well.

What are your thoughts on the new animations and effects? Share with us in the comments.

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New Enhancements and Modifications in iOS 26.2 Beta 2

Apple is still evaluating the forthcoming iPhone software update with the release of iOS 26.2 beta 2 today. The pre-release iPhone software update comes with an unexpected range of adjustments and improvements. Here’s a summary of the new features so far:

### Games App Navigation
The Games app now introduces sorting and filtering options for the library, controller navigation, and live score updates during gameplay.

### Measure Redesign
The Level tool in the Measure app showcases a new Liquid Glass aesthetic, boosting its visual appeal.

### Messages CarPlay Update
Users can now disable pinned conversations for Messages in CarPlay Settings, offering them greater control over their messaging experience while on the road.

### More Enhancements
– The animations for tapping buttons to open menus are significantly smoother.
– Notes likely gains support for Logitech Muse for Apple Vision Pro.

### Edge Light Feature on macOS 26 Tahoe
Apple is rolling out a new integrated feature for Mac named Edge Light, which utilizes the Mac’s display to create a virtual ring light, improving lighting for video calls.

### Sleep Score Changes
Apple is revising how Sleep Score functions for sleep monitoring. “Very High” takes the place of “Excellent” as the top tier, and the thresholds for each tier have been modified based on user input.

### Apple Podcasts App Enhancements
Apple is leveraging AI to enhance the experience of the Apple Podcasts app. The app can now automatically generate chapters, link to referenced podcasts, and gather show links.

### Apple News Design
iOS 26.2 further polishes the News app experience with quick access links to popular sections within the app, improving user navigation.

### AirPods Live Translation in EU
Apple announces that AirPods Live Translation will be available in European Union countries starting in December, aligning with the anticipated launch of iOS 26.2.

### Liquid Glass Lock Screen Slider
A new Liquid Glass slider has been introduced to modify the level of translucency on the Lock Screen clock, now functional with every font option.

### Reminders Adds Alarms and Timers
iOS 26.2 adds the capability to activate an alarm when a critical reminder is due, presenting a more efficient notification system that can alert users even during Focus modes.

These updates build upon what was noted in iOS 26.2 beta 1, highlighting Apple’s dedication to improving user experience across its devices.

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First Teaser Unveiled for the Closing Installment of Apple TV’s WondLa

**WondLa: The Grand Finale of Apple’s Animated Adventure Saga**

Apple’s animated adventure saga, *WondLa*, is poised to make its return with the final segment on November 26, 2024, featuring a climactic season consisting of six episodes. This series, a joint effort between Apple and John Lasseter’s Skydance Animation, follows the success of *Luck*, one of Apple’s first animated feature films.

The story of *WondLa* has enthralled viewers since its debut, and the excitement for the third season is palpable, especially after the second season released just this past April. The forthcoming season promises to present a gripping tale, as detailed by Apple:

> “In the grand final season of ‘WondLa,’ conflict ignites between humans and aliens. With the fate of Orbona at stake, Eva must undertake her most perilous quest yet: reclaiming the stolen Heart of the Forest. Along her journey, she assembles both old friends and unexpected allies for one last battle. However, to rescue Orbona, Eva must achieve more than just locating the Heart — she must unite two fractured worlds and demonstrate the ultimate truth: ‘There is no ‘them.’ There is only us.'”

The voice cast of *WondLa* features an impressive team, including Jeanine Mason, Brad Garrett, Gary Anthony Williams, Alan Tudyk, John Ratzenberger, and Peter Gallagher. Joining them in the new season is Shohreh Aghdashloo, who voices a character in the trailer.

Fans can catch a sneak peek of the action and emotion that awaits in the final season by viewing the trailer available on Apple TV.

For those eager to experience the series, *WondLa* will be streamable on Apple TV, marking the conclusion of an adventurous voyage that has struck a chord with audiences of all ages.

To watch *WondLa* and remain informed about its release, visit

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Samsung’s Anticipated Trifold Smartphone Likely to Include Bigger Battery Compared to Galaxy Z Fold 7

Samsung has been developing a trifold smartphone – popularly referred to as the Galaxy G Fold 7 to match the naming scheme of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 — for some time now. Nevertheless, precise information about the device has emerged sporadically. Currently, it appears that additional details have surfaced, which may provide us with insight into the expected battery for Samsung’s inaugural trifold gadget.

As per a recent report from Chosun, the Galaxy Z Trifold — it will be quite exciting when Samsung finally officially names this device — is set to launch with a considerably large battery. The report suggests that it will feature a 5,600 mAh battery, indicating that it will have a more substantial battery than the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which has garnered much acclaim for Samsung in recent months.

Furthermore, the speculations regarding Samsung’s trifold having a 6.5-inch screen externally and an expansive 10-inch display once opened appear to be corroborated here, in addition to insights about the pricing of the new trifolding phone, anticipated to be around $3,000. This positions it at a significantly higher price point than Samsung’s other foldables, and it remains uncertain if the device will even be available in the US at this time.

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Google’s Initiatives to Tackle SMS Fraud

text message phishing scams. Scam texts have been bothersome for quite some time, but they have surged in prevalence in recent years. Whether it’s a deceptive message regarding a missed toll road charge or a notification about a package sent to the incorrect location, fraudsters are perpetually targeting unsuspecting individuals with shrewd phishing tactics.

In response, Google announced this week that it has initiated legal action aimed at dismantling a company responsible for a significant number of texting scams. Specifically, Google disclosed that it is suing Lighthouse, a notably large operation purportedly offering tools for customers to establish their own tailored phishing schemes. Overall, Google estimates that scams linked to Lighthouse in the U.S. have compromised between 12.7 million and 115 million credit cards.

“Malicious entities created Lighthouse as a phishing-as-a-service toolkit to orchestrate and execute extensive SMS phishing campaigns,” Google remarks. “These campaigns manipulate recognized brands such as E-Z Pass to hijack people’s financial data.”

Google’s legal action is assertive

1Password Unveils Auto-Unlock Functionality for Vaults During Mac Login

**1Password Unveils New Unlock Features for Improved User Experience**

Today, 1Password revealed a major update to its desktop application, introducing a new “unlock with device” option that enables the app to auto-unlock when users unlock their Mac. This improvement is aimed at enhancing the user experience while ensuring strong security protocols.

### Three New Settings for Varied Security Preferences

1Password is introducing an updated “unlock experience” that allows users to set the app to unlock using several secure methods, such as Face ID, Touch ID, a PIN, or a password. The company highlights that this new feature is crafted to expedite the unlocking process while safeguarding security.

According to 1Password, the innovation is rooted in how the app acknowledges trust. When a device authenticates a user via a secure method, like biometric login or system password, 1Password validates that authentication, enabling straightforward access to credentials. This allows users to avoid entering their master password every time they need to reach their vault.

### Unlocking Experience Alternatives

With this update, users can select from three different unlocking configurations:

– **Convenient:** 1Password locks and unlocks automatically with the device.
– **Balanced:** Users unlock 1Password once every 8 hours, after which it unlocks automatically with the device.
– **Strict:** 1Password locks itself whenever not in use, requiring users to unlock it every time they return.

In addition, 1Password provides a preview changes toggle that lets users further personalize their unlocking experience. Choices include unlocking with the device password rather than Touch ID, automatic unlocking when the device is unlocked, or remaining signed in until the user opts out.

### Key Considerations

Users selecting the more adaptable unlock options or turning off regular password confirmations will be prompted to generate a recovery code. It’s crucial to note that this feature is not currently available for Business accounts, and the presets do not synchronize across devices. A similar unlocking feature is already present on mobile platforms.

For additional details about 1Password’s new unlocking options, visit the official

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Comparison of Galaxy Watch 8 Classic LTE and Pixel Watch 4 LTE: Which Provides Superior Value?

Essentially, you can obtain the Classic LTE upgrade for the same cost as the Bluetooth variant on Amazon, making it more affordable than the Pixel Watch 4 45mm LTE.

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

In the realm of top LTE smartwatches, Samsung, Google, and Apple each offer distinct advantages. Apple Watches boast 5G capability, while the Pixel Watch 4 LTE features satellite SOS assistance; Samsung’s benefit is that it typically charges significantly less than its competitors for the cellular upgrade.

At this moment, you can effectively secure the 4G LTE upgrade for the Watch 8 Classic at no cost. On Amazon, the standard Bluetooth Watch 8 Classic is <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=169923&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FSamsung-Bluetooth-Smartwatch-Rotating-Coaching%2Fdp%2FB0F7Q5RB96%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dac-gb-1334375686016238180-20" data-url="https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Bluetooth-Smartwatch-Rotating-Coaching/dp/B0F7Q5RB96" target="_blank" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" rel="sponsored noopener" data-hl-processed="hawklinks" data-google-interstitial="false" data-placeholder-url="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=169923&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FSamsung-Bluetooth-Smartwatch-Rotating-Coaching%2Fdp%2FB0F7Q5RB96%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-merchant-name="Amazon US" data-merchant-id="1471" data-merchant-network="Amazonus" data-merchant-url="amazon.com" data-m

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iOS 26.2 Beta 2 Launched for Developers Featuring Fresh Updates and Bug Corrections

released by mid-December, Apple is still evaluating the forthcoming iOS 26.2 update with beta 2. We’re in the process of uncovering the new elements introduced in today’s build, but it seems the company will persist in refining the initial features rolled out in the previous beta while incorporating several additional features and fixes along the way.

For instance, Apple has already announced that Live Translation will be introduced in the European Union as part of iOS 26.2. Initially postponed due to concerns regarding the Digital Markets Act, Apple indicates that this Apple Intelligence feature will be accessible to users in the EU in December.

Live Translation enables AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4 users with an iPhone 15 Pro or later to hear a real-time translation of what someone is communicating to them, and respond vocally in their own language with a translation shown on the iPhone’s display. It’s among the more fascinating inclusions of iOS 26, and now it’s set to reach a broader user base. However, that’s merely one component of the iOS 26.2 beta narrative.

Features and modifications in the iOS 26.2 beta

Secure Ways to Dispose of Old Smartphones

when purchasing a new smartphone: Will you opt for the latest iPhone, or bypass the iOS for an Android option? You might also be considering changing your carrier. However, if you’re not trading in your previous phone to help with the cost of the new one, you’ll need to address how to responsibly discard your original mobile device.

Indeed, your old iPhone could simply sit in a drawer gathering dust indefinitely, but it’s important to back up any personal information on the device that you wish to retain. First of all, if someone comes into possession of your old phone, your personal data could become compromised. Secondly, eventually, your old phone’s battery might naturally deteriorate, making it unusable. And as a word of caution, if you ever face a home intrusion, you certainly wouldn’t want your old phone’s

Luckily, safeguarding and erasing your smartphone data is quite an easy task. To accomplish this, we suggest utilizing a cloud backup solution such as iCloud or Google One to save those old bits and bytes remotely. Additionally, ensure that you disconnect any accounts linked to your old phone. After you’ve thoroughly reviewed your device, the final step should be conducting a factory reset to eliminate any leftover information.

Secure it, erase it