Month: June 2025

    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Improved Mac and iPhone Connectivity with macOS Tahoe
    Improved Mac and iPhone Connectivity with macOS Tahoe

    macOS Tahoe: Advancing Mac and iPhone Synergy

    Apple’s forthcoming macOS Tahoe update is set to transform the way Mac users engage with their devices, especially regarding integration with iPhones. This release unveils numerous features designed to create a more fluid Mac and iPhone experience, minimizing the necessity to alternate between devices.

    A major feature of macOS Tahoe is the revamped Liquid Design interface. This update guarantees a cohesive experience across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, showcasing similar icons and a uniform user interface. This design refresh supports effortless transitions between devices, enriching the overall user experience.

    One of the impressive features from earlier updates, iPhone Mirroring, has seen enhancements in macOS Tahoe. Users can now drag and drop content between their iPhone and Mac with ease, utilizing their iPhone directly on their Mac. This integration is augmented by support for Live Activities, enabling users to observe their iPhone’s Live Activities through animations near the Control Center on their Mac. Whether monitoring an Uber, accessing ChatGPT, or tracking a game, users can remain informed without departing from their Mac.

    The Phone app in macOS Tahoe introduces additional integration, suggesting the potential for cellular Macs in the future. Users are able to make and receive calls directly from their Mac, as long as their iPhone is in proximity, providing an experience reminiscent of using the phone directly.

    In summary, macOS Tahoe boosts the Continuity features between Mac and iPhone, allowing users to engage with apps, check notifications, and manage tasks without needing to grab their iPhone. This update furthers Apple’s initiative of merging its products while preserving their distinct qualities, resulting in a more cohesive and effective user experience.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Meta and Oakley Introduce Innovative Smart Glasses: Essential Information Before Friday’s Announcement
    Meta and Oakley Introduce Innovative Smart Glasses: Essential Information Before Friday’s Announcement

    A Fresh Generation of Intelligent Eyewear: Upcoming Announcement from Oakley and Meta

    The tech industry is filled with excitement as Oakley and Meta get ready to launch their latest joint venture in intelligent eyewear. Slated for an announcement on Friday, June 20, this fresh generation of smart glasses aims to combine state-of-the-art technology with Oakley’s distinctive athletic flair.

    What We Know Thus Far

    1. **Oakley Meta Collaboration**: The alliance between Oakley and Meta was hinted at on social media, with a dedicated Instagram profile teasing the forthcoming product line. This collaboration is anticipated to build on the success of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.

    2. **Design and Specifications**: The upcoming Oakley Meta smart glasses are rumored to have a centrally located camera on frames akin to Oakley’s Sphaera models. In contrast to the Ray-Ban Metas, which feature a camera on the left side, these glasses are expected to cater more to sports fans.

    3. **Athletic Orientation**: Leaks indicate that the Oakley Meta glasses will be designed with sports in mind, potentially providing a superior fit for athletes compared to the Ray-Ban Metas. This design aims to accommodate activities like running, cycling, and other sports.

    4. **Tech Integration**: While these glasses are not anticipated to have a display like some other smart eyewear, they are likely tailored for streaming and capturing footage. The electronics, including the battery, are expected to be situated in the arms of the glasses.

    5. **Market Anticipations**: With over 2 million units of the Ray-Ban Metas sold, the Oakley Meta glasses are expected to emerge as a substantial competitor in the intelligent eyewear sector. Their athletic design and enhanced features could draw in a new group of users.

    As the announcement date nears, both tech aficionados and athletes are excited to discover how the collaboration between Oakley and Meta will transform the smart glasses arena. Stay tuned for further updates following the official disclosure on June 20.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on One UI 8 Beta Debuts on Galaxy Watches, Facilitating Better Health Choices for Android Users
    One UI 8 Beta Debuts on Galaxy Watches, Facilitating Better Health Choices for Android Users

    From sleep support to marathon preparation, One UI 8 encompasses everything.

    Essential details:
    – The One UI 8 Watch beta introduces features such as Bedtime Support, Vascular Load assessment, Marathon Trainer, and Antioxidant Meter to foster healthier lifestyles.
    – Bedtime Support evaluates sleep behaviors and circadian cycles to suggest ideal sleep times, while Marathon Trainer offers tailored marathon training regimens.
    – The Antioxidant Meter employs an innovative sensor to gauge carotenoid concentrations, indicative of dietary choices, and Vascular Load offers insights on cardiovascular strain during sleep.

    After the Galaxy S25 lineup began receiving the second One UI 8 betas earlier this month, the company is rolling out the One UI 8 Watch in beta form, bringing an array of new functionalities to assist smartwatch users in developing “healthier habits.” This latest beta includes features like Bedtime Support, Vascular Load, Marathon Trainer, and Antioxidant Meter.

    Bedtime Support & Vascular Load:
    Bedtime Support expands on Samsung’s existing sleep-centric tools, now featuring additional resources aimed at improving sleep quality. It suggests ideal sleeping hours based on personal lifestyle and sleep patterns, along with reminders to assist Galaxy Watch users in maintaining consistency, as mentioned in the announcement post.

    This feature also reviews user sleep data from the past three days to assess sleep patterns and circadian rhythms, aiming to propose a “bedtime that enhances alertness the following day.” The goal is to aid individuals in achieving better rest. If users experience inconsistent sleep for several days, Bedtime Support evaluates this and helps users secure adequate recuperation.

    Conversely, the Vascular Load feature aspires to provide users with insights regarding their vascular load and cardiovascular stress while they sleep. Furthermore, users can monitor other factors such as sleep and physical activity to ensure they are engaging in healthier practices and forming positive habits.

    Marathon Trainer:
    Marathon Trainer is a tool specifically crafted for Galaxy Watch users training for marathons, promoting safe practices. It features optimized intensity and injury-prevention routines, making it suitable for novices as well.

    In addition, it supplies motivation, real-time advice, and a customized training regimen according to the user’s fitness level. Moreover, Galaxy Watch users can obtain a performance assessment and a running level score after just 12 minutes of running while wearing the smartwatch. Subsequently, a thorough training plan is expected to be generated, aiding users in preparing for their chosen marathons.

    Antioxidant Meter:
    Ultimately, the Antioxidant Meter feature on Galaxy Watch can measure carotenoids — “antioxidants present in green and orange fruits and vegetables — stored in the skin.” It reportedly employs an industry-first method to evaluate carotenoid levels in roughly five seconds, supported by an advanced, light-activated BioActive sensor.

    All these insights are thought to reflect lifestyle changes. The purpose of the feature is to combat free radicals within the body resulting from behavioral factors like alcohol intake and smoking. Antioxidants, in contrast, help neutralize those free radicals to avert chronic diseases. Therefore, the ability to measure carotenoid antioxidants empowers Galaxy Watch users to embrace healthier habits.

    Galaxy Watch 5 series and beyond:
    These enhanced features are accessible for Galaxy Watch users interested in trying the One UI 8 Watch beta. However, certain functionalities like Vascular Load are exclusive to the Galaxy Watch Ultra and the forthcoming Galaxy Watch 8 models. The beta is currently available for users located in Korea and the U.S., and it has been launched for the Galaxy Watch 5 series and later.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on iOS 26 Launches Capability to Duplicate Segments of Text Messages within Messages App
    iOS 26 Launches Capability to Duplicate Segments of Text Messages within Messages App

    ### A Minor but Long-Awaited Enhancement in iOS 26 Messages

    With the forthcoming launch of iOS 26, Apple is rolling out a long-desired quality-of-life enhancement for Messages: the capability to copy only a portion of a message rather than the whole message bubble. This functionality addresses a considerable restriction that users have experienced up to this point.

    #### How It Works Currently

    Previously, copying text in iMessage on an iPhone required users to capture the entire message bubble, with no option to highlight or extract a particular section. This limitation often resulted in tedious workarounds. Users would drag the complete message into the compose field to manually select the required text or would take screenshots and employ OCR tools to retrieve the relevant fragment.

    With iOS 26, the procedure is about to change. To take advantage of the new feature, users can long-press on a message, then select “Select” from the pop-up menu. This permits highlighting precisely the part of the text they wish to copy. Users can then opt for functions such as Copy, Look up, or Translate. Furthermore, tapping the arrow offers additional choices, including Search the web, Speak, and Share the highlighted segment.

    This update brings iMessage in line with other well-known messaging applications like Telegram and WhatsApp, which have already integrated similar functionalities. The ability to copy specific parts of messages is especially beneficial for longer texts that include lists or detailed instructions, allowing users to extract only the information they require.

    Apple has declared that the official rollout of iOS 26 is anticipated this fall, with the initial public beta scheduled to launch in July. This small yet significant improvement is certain to enhance the messaging experience for iPhone users.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple Music Executive Evaluates Spotify’s Free Tier as a Significant Error for the Music Sector, Underscores Music as an Artistic Expression
    Apple Music Executive Evaluates Spotify’s Free Tier as a Significant Error for the Music Sector, Underscores Music as an Artistic Expression

    **Apple’s Position on Music Streaming: Advocating for Paid Models**

    In a recent discussion with David Israelite, president of the National Music Publishers’ Association, Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president, conveyed his views on the current landscape of the music industry, especially concerning the dominance of free music streaming platforms. Schusser, who oversees Apple Music, TV+, and sports content endeavors, articulated his conviction that providing music for free represents a major error that devalues music as an artistic expression.

    Schusser’s remarks capture a wider apprehension within the music sector regarding the effects of ad-supported free tiers offered by rivals like Spotify and Amazon Music. He remarked, “I think it’s insane that 20 years in, we still provide music at no cost. It’s a grave mistake … As a company, we perceive music as art, and we would never wish to distribute art for free.” This viewpoint highlights the necessity of treating music with the same regard as other artistic mediums, which generally entail payment for access.

    Apple Music sets itself apart by not providing a free tier, a choice Schusser credits not to financial motives but to a dedication to valuing music. He observed, “we’re the sole service that lacks a free tier, and that’s not due to monetary reasons or anything. We do not have a free service and we will not introduce one. We have no intentions of offering one.” This position resonates with Apple’s overarching business strategy, which has traditionally emphasized premium products and services over advertising revenue.

    Drawing an analogy to Apple TV+, Schusser pointed out the success of the series “Severance,” which necessitated payment for access. He contended that the presence of free music services commodifies music and reduces its artistic significance, a sentiment that struck a chord with the audience of music publishers who have been outspoken about dwindling royalties from streaming services.

    While Schusser’s statements were warmly received by music publishers, they also mirror Apple’s strategic focus. The company has faced challenges with advertising-driven business models, making a case for paid subscriptions increasingly attractive. Conversely, Spotify supports its free tier by asserting it introduces new listeners to music, ultimately converting these audiences to paid subscribers. They claim to compensate artists billions, more than any other platform, spotlighting a differing method of monetizing music.

    As the dialogue around free versus paid music streaming persists, Schusser’s comments illuminate a vital discussion regarding the worth of music and the industry’s sustainability. The conversation is poised to develop as streaming services respond to shifting consumer preferences and the persistent issues surrounding artist compensation.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple Improves One-Time Code Autofill Functionality in iOS 26
    Apple Improves One-Time Code Autofill Functionality in iOS 26

    Apple is perpetually refining its software, with one of the prominent features that has become indispensable for users being the autofill capability for two-factor authentication (2FA) codes. This functionality is poised for further enhancement with the impending launches of iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe this autumn.

    ### Autofill Extending to External Messaging, Email, and Browser Applications

    Apple’s autofill function for one-time verification codes has revolutionized the landscape, particularly as a growing number of websites and applications adopt two-factor authentication for improved security. The ease of autofilling these codes has prompted higher usage among Apple device users.

    At present, the autofill capability can extract SMS codes from Apple’s Messages application and accommodates 2FA codes within Apple Mail. These codes conveniently show up above the iOS keyboard and are automatically erased post-use. On the Mac, this feature is accessible through Text Message Forwarding, though it is confined to Safari.

    With the rollout of iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe, Apple is broadening this functionality to external applications, representing a notable upgrade. The initial betas of these operating systems showcase three key advancements:

    1. **Recognition of SMS Codes in External Messaging Applications**: Users can now autofill SMS codes obtained from third-party messaging applications, extending beyond just Apple’s Messages.

    2. **Compatibility with Third-Party Email Applications**: The autofill feature will also cover 2FA codes received in widely used email applications like Gmail, simplifying secure logins for users.

    3. **Autofill in External Browsers on Mac**: Users will have the ability to utilize the autofill feature in third-party browsers such as Chrome and Firefox, which was previously limited to Safari.

    These enhancements are anticipated to considerably bolster user experience, especially the capacity to autofill codes from Gmail and other prevalent messaging applications on iPhones. The macOS Tahoe update is especially significant, as it permits the autofill function to operate in browsers outside of Safari, a preference for many users.

    As Apple persists in its innovative efforts, the extension of the autofill feature to encompass third-party applications in iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe is a promising advancement. Users can anticipate a more fluid and secure login process across diverse platforms.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Couple Effectively Reclaims Stolen Jaguar with AirTag Tracking Technology
    Couple Effectively Reclaims Stolen Jaguar with AirTag Tracking Technology

    In an extraordinary tale, a pair in England utilized an AirTag to find and reclaim their stolen vehicle. As noted by the BBC, Mia Forbes Pirie and Mark Simpson realized their Jaguar was gone. Thankfully, they had an AirTag inside the car, enabling them to track its location. Despite possible dangers, they alerted local authorities about their intentions and successfully located the car stationed on a peaceful street.

    This successful retrieval is rare, as the majority of stolen vehicle incidents in the UK remain unresolved. Curiously, the National Insurance Crime Bureau indicates a 17% decline in car thefts across the US in 2024, marking the most significant reduction in forty years, credited to enhanced security protocols.

    Speculations indicate that AirTag 2 could be launched shortly, featuring improvements such as better security and a more sophisticated ultra-wideband chip for enhanced location precision. The updated version might also include a more tamper-proof speaker. Apple first introduced the original AirTag in April 2021, suggesting that an update is likely overdue.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Ultra-Slim 70W GaN Charger Boasts Dual USB-C Ports
    Ultra-Slim 70W GaN Charger Boasts Dual USB-C Ports

    EZQuest’s UltraSlim 70W stands out as a unique travel charger.

    (Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

    GaN chargers are exceptional for providing dependable charging — reaching up to 140W — in a compact form. The tiniest charger I’ve ever tested is the OPPO mini SuperVOOC model; it is incredibly slender and still offers 50W charging. Unfortunately, this charger is restricted to China, making it challenging to acquire outside the nation.

    (Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

    EZQuest is now attempting to replicate this approach, but its charger presents a clear benefit — the UltraSlim can reach up to 70W overall and features two USB-C charging ports. Most importantly, it is accessible worldwide; the UltraSlim 70W <a data-analytics-id="inline-link

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Signs of Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE Appear Online, Suggesting Upcoming Release
    Signs of Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE Appear Online, Suggesting Upcoming Release

    Samsung’s Fan Edition Foldable Might Finally Make Its Debut

    Samsung is gearing up to unveil its next generation of foldable smartphones, and among the highly anticipated models, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE is creating considerable excitement. Recent discoveries on various certification platforms, such as NBTC, FCC, and BIS, indicate that the introduction of this Fan Edition foldable is on the horizon. The device has been recognized with model numbers SM-F761B and SM-F761U, serving different markets.

    The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE is projected to boast a 6.7-inch foldable screen, driven by the Exynos 2400e chip, with up to 8GB of RAM. Photography lovers can anticipate a 50MP main camera. These features position the Z Flip 7 FE as an appealing choice for those looking for a mix of performance and cost-effectiveness.

    The NBTC certification from Thailand has verified the model number SM-F761B for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE. In parallel, the FCC certification in the United States has recognized the device with the model number SM-F761U, signaling an upcoming launch in the American market. Likewise, the BIS certification in India has cataloged the device under the SM-F761B model number.

    The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE is expected to feature a 120Hz foldable display, a 3.4-inch cover screen, and a 4000mAh battery. It will probably operate on One UI 8, built on Android 16. Alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, Samsung intends to reveal the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and the Galaxy Watch 8 series at the forthcoming Galaxy Unpacked event, likely occurring in early July.

    These advancements represent a notable progression for Samsung, as the Fan Edition foldable has been a subject of speculation for the past two years. With the certifications now finalized, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE is set to make its entrance, providing a more budget-friendly option in the foldable smartphone arena.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on iOS 18.6 Beta Launch Anticipated Soon After Build Number Disclosure
    iOS 18.6 Beta Launch Anticipated Soon After Build Number Disclosure

    ### iOS 18.6 Expected to be the Last Significant Update Before iOS 26 Launches

    Apple has recently redirected its attention towards iOS 26, which was unveiled during WWDC. However, prior to the arrival of the next major release, there are signs that iOS 18 will see one last impactful update: iOS 18.6. A trustworthy source from a private X account has hinted that the initial beta version of iOS 18.6 is anticipated to be launched shortly, with the build number 22G5054d.

    Although a specific release date for the iOS 18.6 beta has yet to be revealed, the track record of the source indicates that it could happen very soon. Like many updates towards the end of an operating system’s life cycle, the emphasis will likely be on fixing bugs and improving performance rather than rolling out innovative new features.

    One rumored addition is the introduction of Apple Intelligence support in China. Earlier reports suggested that this feature was delayed due to trade issues between the U.S. and China, but it seems that regulatory obstacles may have been cleared, enabling Apple to proceed.

    While users can expect stability and slight advancements, significant changes are not anticipated in this update. Once the iOS 18.6 beta is released, users on iOS 18.5 will have the option to either try the new beta or upgrade to the upcoming iOS 26.

    As excitement builds for the iOS 18.6 beta, numerous users are left pondering whether they will take part in testing this update.

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