Month: September 2025

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Five Extremely Helpful USB-C Additions for Your iPhone
    Five Extremely Helpful USB-C Additions for Your iPhone

    KYY 15.6-inch Portable Display, priced at $69.99 on Amazon. This lightweight, travel-ready screen links to your iPhone using only a USB-C cable, eliminating the need for apps or adapters. Simply connect it and transform your phone into a compact workstation, streaming hub, or presentation device. Featuring a full HD screen, broad viewing angles, and HDR compatibility, it’s ideal for watching Netflix or meticulously editing your iPhone photos.

    Ideal for travelers, this monitor weighs under 2 pounds

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Five Reasons to Steer Clear of Buying the iPhone Air
    Five Reasons to Steer Clear of Buying the iPhone Air

    After months of speculation, Apple unveiled the all-new iPhone Air on September 9. This sleek device redefines the traditional iPhone design by integrating all components beneath a new camera plateau. This fascinating feat of engineering condenses vital elements into a compact format, allowing Apple to enhance battery performance not only for this model, but for the Pro variants as well.

    Featuring a titanium finish, incorporating the same display technologies as an iPhone 17 Pro, and equipped with a Ceramic Shield on both sides, it’s clear that many Apple enthusiasts will be eager to purchase the iPhone Air on September 19. Yet, despite its remarkable features and specifications, there are some drawbacks and concerns that might cause potential buyers to hesitate before spending $999 on this ultra-slim device.

    The iPhone Air boasts many excellent attributes, but its absence of significant features could lead some to consider passing on it for at least this generation. Here are the main reasons to opt out of the iPhone Air and prefer a regular or Pro model instead.

    Reasons to pass on the initial iPhone Air

    Even though Apple has included the A19 Pro chip in the iPhone Air, it has one less GPU core compared to the same chip in the iPhone 17 Pro models. While this shouldn’t considerably affect performance, it won’t match the iPhone 17 Pro’s capabilities, especially since it lacks the vapor chamber designed solely for Pro models.

    Apple has also worked diligently to ensure the iPhone Air’s battery life is satisfactory. However, to achieve the same efficiency as the iPhone 17 Pro Max, users will need to invest an additional $100 in the MagSafe Battery Pack, which somewhat undermines the purpose of acquiring the thinnest iPhone ever created.

    It’s now 2026, and a smartphone priced at $999 shouldn’t feature just a single main camera. Apple asserts that the Fusion Main camera is “four lenses in one camera,” yet users can capture up to 12-megapixel images with a 2x “optical” zoom, and that’s the extent of it. Photos taken with this device may look fantastic, but users will miss out on Pro attributes such as enhanced zoom, macro photography, spatial video, and Cinematic mode.

    Further concerns regarding the iPhone Air

    Delving deeper into the iPhone Air’s features, it’s important to point out that it lacks the fast charging abilities of the other iPhone 17 models, meaning it won’t reach 50% charge in 20 minutes. iPhone Air users will need to wait 30 minutes instead. Additionally, its USB-C port only supports USB 2 speeds, resulting in slower data transfers via cable.

    Moreover, due to its thin design, Apple omitted a speaker on the bottom, resulting in the iPhone Air offering only mono sound capabilities without headphones. Still, the iPhone Air is undeniably an impressive accomplishment by Apple. Nonetheless, it comes across more as a preview of technologies being developed for the anticipated iPhone Fold than a leading smartphone.

    These compromises may be acceptable for some consumers, but they are important to consider regardless. Fortunately, we won’t have to wait much longer to experience it, as the iPhone Air will be available for preorder on September 12 and will begin shipping on September 19.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on IDC Report: Apple Grows Wearables Market Share Even With Reduced Sales Relative to Rivals in Q2
    IDC Report: Apple Grows Wearables Market Share Even With Reduced Sales Relative to Rivals in Q2

    ### IDC Report on Global Wrist-Worn Devices Q2 2025

    IDC has published its findings on global wrist-worn devices for the second quarter of 2025, showcasing a competitive arena among leading brands, with particular emphasis on the Apple Watch’s performance.

    #### Xiaomi Tops Growth, While Samsung Falls Behind

    In the second quarter of last year, Apple dispatched 5.7 million Apple Watch units, just behind Xiaomi’s 5.9 million and well behind Huawei’s 8.9 million units. This pattern was evident in market share, where Huawei led at 20.3%, followed by Xiaomi at 13.5%, and Apple at 13.1%.

    The latest IDC findings reveal that Xiaomi has boosted its lead over Apple, delivering 9.5 million units against Apple’s 7.4 million. Huawei continues to lead with 9.9 million units shipped. This change highlights Xiaomi’s robust growth, achieving a notable 61% year-over-year increase, while Apple also saw healthy growth at 28.8%. Collectively, the wrist-worn device market experienced a 12.3% rise in shipments, reaching 49.2 million units.

    In contrast, Samsung was the sole brand in the top five to see a decrease in market share, falling from 3.3% to 3.2%, and reported a negative growth of -2.1% in shipped units.

    For Apple, the second quarter is generally less eventful, as it does not align with new product launches. Typically, new introductions take place towards the end of Q3 and the start of Q4, indicating that Apple may enjoy better shipment figures in the forthcoming reports.

    #### Conclusion

    The IDC report underscores the competitive landscape in the wrist-worn device sector, with Xiaomi leading in growth while Apple remains strong despite a quieter quarter. Samsung’s downturn raises concerns regarding its future strategies in the wearables market. As the market progresses, forthcoming product launches from Apple could significantly influence its performance in the second half of the year.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple TV+ Renowned Sci-Fi Show Renewed for Another Season
    Apple TV+ Renowned Sci-Fi Show Renewed for Another Season

    The Foundation series on Apple TV+ has been increasingly recognized as one of the platform’s finest offerings. Despite considerable ambiguity regarding the show’s future, Apple has just revealed uplifting news: Foundation will be renewed for a fourth season.

    ## Foundation officially confirmed for season 4 on Apple TV+

    Foundation is on the brink of its season 3 finale, concluding what’s been dubbed “one of the top shows of the year and an essential watch for every sci-fi enthusiast.” Until today, there were numerous queries about the show’s continuation. However, Apple has now confirmed that Foundation season 4 is underway.

    “*There is no series quite like ‘Foundation,’ and we feel privileged and honored to be moving forward as co-showrunners into season four,*” state co-showrunners and executive producers Ian Goldberg and David Kob. “*We are eager to continue the grand, emotional storytelling that characterized the first three seasons of the series and to collaborate with some of the most talented, passionate creative partners in the industry.*”

    One significant factor contributing to season 4’s unpredictability—aside from the show’s allegedly high production costs—was the exit of former showrunner David S. Goyer after season 3. Thankfully, Goyer remains involved as an executive producer, and the introduction of new showrunners might bring a revitalizing wave of creativity for the upcoming season.

    Here’s what Apple’s head of programming shared about the renewal: “*It’s been remarkable to witness ‘Foundation’ grow into such a global sensation, with fans tuning in from every part of the globe,*” stated Matt Cherniss, head of programming, Apple TV+. “*With each new season, the anticipation surrounding this groundbreaking sci-fi epic continues to escalate, thanks to the daring storytelling and collective artistry of this exceptionally talented cast and creative team. We’re thrilled to keep exploring this universe together in season four.*”

    Apple notes that production for season 4 will commence in early 2026. It is uncommon for the company to indicate such precise timing in its Apple TV+ renewal announcements. Perhaps Apple aims to convey that viewers may not face an extended wait for new episodes this time. Season 3 debuted this summer after a lengthy two-year gap. We might get to witness Foundation season 4 as early as late 2026—even a release in early 2027 would be an improvement.

    In related Apple TV+ updates, the medical drama Berlin ER has also been renewed today, with season 2 now in development.

    Apple TV+ is priced at $12.99 per month and features popular TV shows and films such as Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, Silo, and Shrinking.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on AirPods Pro 3: Improved Features and Factors to Consider When Upgrading from AirPods Pro 2
    AirPods Pro 3: Improved Features and Factors to Consider When Upgrading from AirPods Pro 2

    One of Apple’s most sought-after devices has just received an enhancement. This Monday, Apple unveiled the completely revamped AirPods Pro 3. While there are several significant upgrades from the prior version, they don’t represent as substantial a leap as the transition from the first to the second generation. That being said, if you’re currently using Lightning or USB-C AirPods Pro 2 with great battery performance, switching to these new ones may not be simple.

    To begin with, Apple is not rolling out a new audio chip. Consequently, the audio quality will stay consistent. Nevertheless, if you decide to move to these new earbuds, Apple asserts that the Active Noise Cancellation is significantly improved compared to the previous iteration. This enhancement results from a redesign of the earbuds, making them smaller and introducing a new foam tip that enhances the fit in the ear canal.

    It’s always enticing to switch to the newest model of a gadget, but this one isn’t entirely straightforward. Below, we’ll explore some reasons to consider upgrading to AirPods Pro 3, as well as some reasons to pass on this generation.

    Advantages and disadvantages of AirPods Pro 3

    While the standout feature of AirPods Pro 3 is the new heart rate sensor and its connection with the Apple Fitness app, this functionality will only be available for those working out without an Apple Watch. That means if you regularly wear your Apple Watch, you may never take full advantage of the AirPods Pro 3 heart rate monitor. That’s something to think about prior to purchasing these earbuds.

    Another advantage of these earbuds, longer battery duration while utilizing ANC or Transparency Mode, has a drawback as well. Although you can achieve up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, these earbuds only provide a maximum of 24 hours of listening time with the charging case, while the previous generation provided 6 hours on a single charge, but allowed for up to 30 hours in total with the case.

    Finally, the new Live Translation feature, which is an incredibly thrilling development, will also be accessible to owners of AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 once watchOS 26 is released. You don’t necessarily need to upgrade your device to utilize this feature.

    Should you purchase AirPods Pro 3?

    Speculation indicates that Apple is planning a more substantial AirPods update for next year. While this could imply an entirely new series of AirPods (perhaps an Ultra model?), the latest generation of AirPods Pro does come with a few features that aren’t available elsewhere. For instance, the charging case is equipped with the second generation ultra-wide band chip, which Apple designates as U2.

    With that, this will be the first device from Apple apart from the iPhone and Apple Watch to possess a broader range of discovery. Apple has also enhanced the water resistance of these earbuds with an IP57 rating. Previously, they were merely resistant to splashes, but the AirPods Pro 3 can be submerged in a meter of water for up to 30 minutes without concern.

    Consumers will receive all of this for the same price of $249 as the AirPods Pro 2. AirPods Pro 3 offer a better fit, improved ANC, longer battery life, and an innovative heart rate monitor. However, they still utilize the same H2 chip, meaning they will offer a different feel while maintaining the same sound quality.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Google Ridicules Apple’s iPhone 17 AI Capabilities with Chickens and Turtles
    Google Ridicules Apple’s iPhone 17 AI Capabilities with Chickens and Turtles

    After the recent event held by Apple, Google is enjoying itself, taking jabs at its rival over its AI issues.

    The newest episode of Google’s #BestPhonesForever, titled “Generational Gap,” mocked Apple’s AI capabilities concerning the iPhone 17 series. In the episode, the iPhone was shown attempting to teach chickens to sing and turtles how to run a bank, but Google Pixel pointed out that those videos were produced by Gemini. Users are still waiting for the promises made by Apple Intelligence to fully materialize, and a year later, it seems iPhone users will continue to be kept in the dark.

    Apple’s iPhone 17 event took place this week, and Google has already moved on to another chapter of #BestPhonesForever. The Made by Google X account shared the company’s latest installment of #BestPhonesForever, “Generation Gap,” which ridiculed Apple’s artificial intelligence. As if in a carnival, Apple’s iPhone was discovered by Google Pixel in a pile of chicken feed, with adorable chicks scurrying around in the background. The iPhone ended up stating that it was not only training its chickens to sing but also teaching turtles to manage a bank.

    Google’s Pixel found both plans somewhat familiar, showcasing clips of videos produced by Gemini. It was something the iPhone assumed Google Pixel was actually capable of, not something generated by its own AI.

    The iPhone was compelled to return to the planning stages, which subtly critiques the ongoing challenges faced by Apple in real life. Google’s tagline further taunts, saying, “When iPhone’s plans run afoul, Pixel promptly generates some helpful advice.”

    Apple’s AI challenges

    Apple introduced its iPhone 17 series earlier this week, but its AI software wasn’t prominently featured as it might have preferred. Apple Intelligence had taken a bit of a back seat, offering minor upgrades compared to what users currently have at their disposal (though not all features are fully available). Apple showcased the new Liquid Glass design, Live Translations for audio and text, among other features.

    Here’s the reality: it has already been a year since Apple launched its AI intelligence for iPhone users, and they still haven’t received all that was promised. In fact, many of those functionalities remain on hold. This delay is likely to set things back for yet another year. It’s not that Apple lacks a robust, clear vision for its AI intelligence—it certainly does. However, the ongoing delays and hurdles have led some to ponder if Apple should just concede to Gemini.

    This #BestPhonesForever series on YouTube by Google serves as its way of having “fun” at Apple’s expense, much like in its response to rumors about the design of the iPhone 17. We have since witnessed that the iPhone 17 series, particularly the Pro and Pro Max models, embraced that bar design for its cameras. Several elements that Apple “borrowed” from Android were also noticeable during its event.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Google Unveils Integrated ‘Purchases’ Tab in Gmail for Festive Shopping
    Google Unveils Integrated ‘Purchases’ Tab in Gmail for Festive Shopping

    Are those sleigh bells ringing for you yet… or is it too early?

    (Image credit: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)
    Disclaimer

    Like our content? Be sure to make Android Central your go-to source in Google Search to keep up with the latest news, reviews, features, and more.

    Essential Information

    • Google is launching an update for Gmail that introduces a new “Purchases” tab just in time for the festive season.
    • This new tab will exclusively show your purchases/orders along with tracking details, featuring the “Arriving Soon” section at the top like your inbox.
    • Gmail is also refreshing its Promotions tab, providing users a method to access what’s most essential and “timely” offers more swiftly.

    Google is beginning to implement an update for Gmail that could simplify the management of those packages this festive season.

    Two features are incoming in this update, as Google announced

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Main Distinctions Between iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air
    Main Distinctions Between iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air

    # iPhone 17 Pro vs. iPhone Air: An In-Depth Comparison

    iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone Air? This year, many iPhone purchasers face a tougher choice than ever before. Here’s a thorough comparison of Apple’s latest premium models, emphasizing the critical differences.

    ## Displays

    For the first time, Apple has provided ProMotion support to non-Pro iPhone models. Both iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro models come with the same ProMotion features, such as a 120Hz variable refresh rate and an always-on display. The Super Retina XDR displays share identical specifications, with the sole distinction being their screen size:

    – **iPhone Air**: 6.5 inches
    – **iPhone 17 Pro**: 6.3 inches
    – **iPhone 17 Pro Max**: 6.9 inches

    All models also enable the option to disable PWM if it induces any discomfort.

    ## Size and Weight

    Size and weight represent key distinctions between the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro models:

    | Feature | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
    |—————-|———————|———————|———————|
    | Height | 6.15 in (156.2 mm) | 5.91 in (150.0 mm) | 6.43 in (163.4 mm) |
    | Width | 2.94 in (74.7 mm) | 2.83 in (71.9 mm) | 3.07 in (78.0 mm) |
    | Depth | 0.22 in (5.64 mm) | 0.34 in (8.75 mm) | 0.34 in (8.75 mm) |
    | Weight | 5.82 oz (165 g) | 7.27 oz (206 g) | 8.22 oz (233 g) |

    The iPhone Air features a newly designed ultra-slim and lightweight aesthetic, while the 17 Pro line has seen an increase in size and heft compared to past models.

    ## Battery Life

    The variations in size and weight have a notable effect on battery life:

    – **iPhone Air**: Up to 27 hours of video playback
    – **iPhone 17 Pro**: Up to 33 hours of video playback
    – **iPhone 17 Pro Max**: Up to 39 hours of video playback

    The iPhone Air’s 27 hours of playback equals that of the iPhone 16 Pro and exceeds the entry-level iPhone 16’s 22 hours, yet it lags behind the 17 Pro models.

    ## Camera Systems

    Camera systems could be a decisive factor for prospective buyers. The iPhone 17 Pro showcases three rear cameras, whereas the iPhone Air includes just one. Both boast a 48MP Fusion Main camera, but the Air lacks the Telephoto and Ultra Wide cameras, leading to the following absent features:

    – No Macro photos or video
    – No Spatial photos or video
    – No ProRAW photos or video
    – No Cinematic Mode for video
    – No studio-quality four-mic array
    – No LiDAR Scanner
    – No Pro-focused video functions like Genlock or Apple Log 2

    Additional camera features include:

    | Feature | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro |
    |———————–|——————–|———————|
    | Optical zoom | 1x, 2x | 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x |
    | 4K Dolby Vision | 60 fps | 120 fps |
    | Slow-mo video | 1080p | 4K Dolby Vision |
    | Flash | True Tone | Adaptive True Tone |
    | OIS | Sensor-shift OIS | 2nd gen sensor-shift OIS |

    The new Center Stage front camera is featured on both devices.

    ## Performance

    Both iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air come equipped with the A19 Pro chip and 12GB of RAM. Nonetheless, the 17 Pro models surpass the iPhone Air due to:

    1. A 6-core GPU versus the 5-core in the iPhone Air.
    2. The incorporation of a newly designed Apple vapor chamber for cooling in the Pro models, enabling enhanced sustained performance.

    ## Design and Colors

    The iPhone 17 Pro showcases a fresh aluminum unibody design, which has received varied responses. Available colors include:

    – Cosmic Orange
    – Deep Blue
    – Silver

    In contrast, the iPhone Air maintains a titanium chassis, providing a refined look. Available colors include:

    – Sky Blue
    – Light Gold
    – Cloud White

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    Reasons Vessels Utilize Knots Rather Than Miles Per Hour for Speed Assessment

    When traversing land, speed is quantified in either miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (km/h). These units are clear-cut since stationary landmarks allow for easy estimation of distance and speed. However, out on the water, landmarks are frequently absent, making it unfeasible for ships to depend on the same travel systems used on land. This is the reason vessels adopt knots in place of miles per hour for speed measurement.

    A knot is characterized as one nautical mile per hour, and a nautical mile is marginally longer than a conventional mile. More specifically, a nautical mile equals 1.1508 miles (1,852 meters), and it is grounded in the Earth’s geometry; one nautical mile equates to one minute of latitude on the globe. This framework renders nautical miles and knots more advantageous for navigation as they correspond with global coordinates utilized on nautical charts.

    The origin of the term “knot” can be traced back hundreds of years. Sailors historically gauged speed with a rope that had evenly spaced knots tied into it. The rope was cast overboard, and as the ship advanced, sailors would tally how many knots passed through their fingers within a specific timeframe, hence the term “knots” to describe speed at sea.

    By utilizing knots, mariners acquire a practical, universally recognized measure of speed that is directly tied to navigation and chart plotting, an advantage that miles per hour cannot provide in vast oceanic environments.

    The origins of knots can be traced back to as early as the 15th century

    <source media="(min-width: 429px)"

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on All Existing iPhone Models Now Embrace Apple Intelligence
    All Existing iPhone Models Now Embrace Apple Intelligence

    iPhone 17 preorders will commence on Friday, yet the four new models aren’t the sole iPhones offered by Apple. As is customary, Apple has reduced prices on some of the previous-generation models, providing a standard $100 markdown from the original prices both online and in Apple retail locations. The good news is that, in contrast to last year, every iPhone currently available from Apple comes with Apple Intelligence support right out of the box. Apple has resolved the Apple Intelligence fragmentation “issue” that emerged with the iOS 18 update, removing older iPhone models that lack Apple Intelligence capability from its offerings.

    iPhone purchasers interested in a new device, whether it’s one of the four iPhone 17 variants or a more economical iPhone 16, can proceed with confidence that Apple Intelligence functionalities will be accessible from the moment they activate the phone. While Apple Intelligence still lags behind ChatGPT and Google Gemini in terms of features, Apple is actively working to bridge that gap in the coming months and years. For the time being, Apple has confirmed that all iPhone models available in its stores will be compatible with Apple Intelligence features provided in iOS 26 and future updates.

    Which iPhones did Apple discontinue?

    Apple introduced Apple Intelligence with iOS 18 in June 2024, outlining the hardware prerequisites for its exclusive suite of AI tools. Apple specified that Apple Intelligence would be operational on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max at a time when the iPhone 15 series was the newest generation available in stores. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus would not be compatible with Apple Intelligence. The iPhone 14 models that Apple continued to sell also did not support Apple’s AI.

    Apple launched the iPhone 16 series in September 2024, and all four variants came with enhanced specs that guaranteed support for Apple Intelligence out of the box. Nonetheless, <a href="https://www.bgr.com/tech/apple-2024-iphone-prices-everything-you-need-to-know-about-iphone-16-the-older-iphones-without

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