Day: August 9, 2025

One Year Evaluation: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Surpasses Rivals in Surprising Manner

At times, it only requires a single feature to completely win your heart.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)
Beyond the Alphabet

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Beyond the Alphabet is a weekly series that delves into the technology landscape both within and outside of Mountain View.

Time passes quickly when you’re enjoying yourself, doesn’t it? Well, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold made me see that Google is serious about the foldable form-factor, even if it hasn’t explored the flip-style yet. So with the <a data-analytics

Read More
Forthcoming Apple TV 4K: Four Expected Features Debuting This Year

Apple TV+ has a significant year ahead, but the Apple TV 4K streaming device is still due for its first update since 2022—and that enhancement is on the horizon. Here are four features to anticipate when the new Apple TV 4K launches later this year.

## #1: A17 Pro or A18 chip enhancement

The existing Apple TV 4K model debuted in late 2022 and contained a relatively modern chip at the time: the A15 Bionic. However, Apple’s advances in silicon continue to reach new levels, and demanding applications such as Apple Intelligence and the latest games necessitate an improved chip. The A17 Pro or A18 chips are the most probable candidates for the upcoming Apple TV 4K. Either choice can facilitate AI capabilities and provide a significant gaming enhancement just in time for the new Games app.

## #2: Support for Apple Intelligence

This comes as no shock, as Apple has been progressively integrating AI into its entire range of products. Although Apple Intelligence initially supported only iPhones, iPads, and Macs, Vision Pro received it this spring, and watchOS 26 extends it to the Apple Watch. Anticipate AI capabilities in the new Apple TV 4K as well. What can AI bring to the viewing experience? Earlier this year, Amazon showcased its AI-driven Alexa+ assistant on Fire TV, offering examples such as:
– Receiving tailored TV suggestions based on your current mood
– Navigating to different scenes with just a brief description
– Obtaining information about music from any moment of a show or movie

## #3: Apple’s inaugural Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip

Apple generated significant excitement with its new C1 modem in the iPhone 16e. C1 took years to develop and offers several enhancements over Qualcomm’s modems. However, Apple has another long-term connectivity initiative nearly ready for launch: its proprietary Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip. This new chip will be incorporated into the upgraded Apple TV 4K. Mark Gurman indicates it will result in several upgrades:
– “Apple’s aim is to create a comprehensive wireless solution that is closely integrated with its other components and more energy-efficient”
– “With a custom wireless chip in Apple’s smart home devices, the products will synchronize more effectively and possibly share data more rapidly”

## #4: Wildcard: Integrated camera

This alteration seems somewhat uncertain, but last year, during discussions about Apple’s smart home goals, Mark Gurman noted that the company was considering adding a camera to its next Apple TV 4K. He states:

> “It has discussed…providing a redesigned Apple TV set-top box featuring a built-in camera for FaceTime video calls and gesture controls. This technology will work seamlessly with both the iPhone and Vision Pro.”

In this AI age, speculation suggests several new Apple devices will soon include cameras—such as AirPods and smart glasses. Incorporating a camera into the Apple TV 4K not only makes sense for potential AI applications but also for the two functions Gurman mentions: video calls and gesture controls. FaceTime is already a feature of tvOS, but currently, utilizing your iPhone’s Continuity Camera feature is needed for FaceTime. tvOS 26 includes FaceTime updates that imply a built-in camera may be on the way, further supporting the likelihood of this feature’s implementation.

## New Apple TV 4K features: conclusion

The anticipated features above are merely a glimpse of what Apple might be preparing for its new Apple TV 4K. As the device typically experiences several years between updates, Apple usually includes numerous new features with each hardware revision. What functionalities do you hope to see in a new Apple TV 4K? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Read More
Microsoft is Set to Phaze Out PDF Scanner Application Soon

**Microsoft Lens: PDF Scanner App to Be Retired**

Microsoft has revealed plans to retire its Lens: PDF Scanner app for both iOS and Android, initiating a phased withdrawal beginning September 15, 2025. Users are encouraged to migrate to the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, which provides comparable features.

### Discontinuation Timeline

– **Mid-October 2025**: New downloads of the Microsoft Lens app will be halted.
– **Mid-November 2025**: The app will be removed from both the App Store and Google Play Store.
– **December 2025**: Users will be unable to create new scans, though access to previous scans in the MyScans folder will continue.

### Migration to Microsoft 365 Copilot

Microsoft advocates for the 365 Copilot app as a substitute for the Lens app. Users can retrieve scans stored in OneDrive via the MyCreations section within the Copilot app. Nonetheless, the transition comes with certain restrictions.

### Limitations of Microsoft 365 Copilot

Although the Copilot app encompasses numerous features from Microsoft Lens, it presently does not offer:

– The capability to directly save scans to OneNote, Word, or PowerPoint.
– The ability to scan business cards into OneNote.
– Text-to-speech features and Immersive Reader support.

Microsoft is dedicated to improving the Copilot app by adding new functionalities in the future.

### Final Thoughts

With the impending discontinuation of the Microsoft Lens: PDF Scanner app, users should consider alternatives and get ready for the shift to Microsoft 365 Copilot. Input regarding the app’s retirement and possible alternatives is appreciated.

Read More