In a federal courtroom in California on Thursday, Elon Musk testified that his own AI startup, xAI, has used OpenAI’s models to improve its own. The matter at question is model distillation, a common industry practice by which one larger AI model acts as a “teacher” of sorts to pass on knowledge to a smaller […]
Apple Launches Firmware Upgrade for AirPods Pro 3
Apple has recently introduced completely new firmware for AirPods Pro 3 users. Below are the specifics.
## New AirPods Pro 3 firmware being released now
Apple has today unveiled a new firmware update for AirPods, marking the first significant enhancement since the release of version 8B39 last month.
The most recent firmware for AirPods Pro 3 is build **8B40**. This update arrives ahead of the impending launch of iOS 26.5 in the coming weeks.
Apple maintains a webpage that details release notes for AirPods firmware updates, although the page has not yet been refreshed for 8B40.
At this moment, the firmware is exclusively available for AirPods Pro 3, but it could soon be available for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 as well. For context, all three models received the 8B39 update last month.
Typically, AirPods firmware updates generally state “Bug fixes and other improvements” according to Apple’s release notes, so it is likely this update follows suit.
We will inform you if there are any significant changes in the update once Apple releases the official notes.
Currently, there is no method to manually initiate an AirPods firmware installation. Nevertheless, you can follow Apple’s guidelines regarding the prerequisites needed for the firmware to be downloaded and installed.
Are your AirPods operating with the latest 8B40 firmware update? Have you observed any differences? Share your thoughts in the comments.
### Top AirPods Pro offers and accessories
iOS 26 Improves Apple’s Home Screen Widgets with Two Significant Enhancements
### iOS 26.4: Upgrades to the Photos Widget on iPhone
With the launch of iOS 26.4, Apple has rolled out thrilling new functionalities for the Home Screen of the iPhone, featuring entirely new widgets. Among these, the Photos widget emerges as one of the most cherished selections for users. While numerous widgets offer utility, the Photos widget introduces a distinctive aspect of surprise and joy that elevates the user experience.
#### New Features in the Photos Widget
In iOS 26, Apple has enhanced the Photos widget with two significant options:
1. **Spatial Scenes**
2. **Full Color**
**Spatial Scenes** represents a revolutionary feature that enables users to perceive their photos in an innovative dimension. This functionality generates a parallax effect, allowing users to navigate around their images and observe them react to motion, providing a sensation of depth. This effect is particularly captivating when employed as a Lock Screen wallpaper, but it is also accessible for the Home Screen widget, contributing a dynamic visual aspect.
The second upgrade, the **Always Display in Full Color** toggle, caters to the aesthetic tastes of users who prefer Clear or Tinted appearances for their Home Screen icons. By default, the Photos widget would show images in a Clear or Tinted style to complement the Home Screen’s overarching theme. However, with the introduction of this new toggle, users can opt to exhibit their photos in their authentic, vibrant hues, ensuring the splendor of their images is maintained.
#### Customizing Your Photos Widget
To leverage these new functionalities, users can effortlessly tailor their Photos widgets. By long-pressing the widget and choosing ‘Edit Widget,’ users can gain access to the new settings and customize their widget experience.
#### Conclusion
The enhancements to the Photos widget in iOS 26.4 establish it as a remarkable feature for iPhone users. With the debut of Spatial Scenes and the Full Color toggle, Apple remains committed to enhancing user experience and customization. As the Photos widget continues to be a preferred choice among iPhone users, these updates are guaranteed to please those who value their memories captured in photographs.
What are some of your favorite iPhone Home Screen widgets? Do they feature the Photos widget? Share your opinions in the comments!
FDA Approval, Fundraising, and the Reality of Building in Healthcare: Insights from BioticsAI Founder
BioticsAI CEO Robhy Bustami joined Isabelle Johannessen on Build Mode to discuss how the company has navigated a highly regulated space and kept the team motivated while cutting through all the red tape.
Elon Musk claims xAI used OpenAI models to train Grok
“Distillation” is a hot topic as frontier labs try to prevent smaller competitors from copying their models.
OpenAI Unveils Enhanced Security for ChatGPT Accounts in Partnership with Yubico
OpenAI is launching additional opt-in protections for ChatGPT accounts. The new security initiative includes a new partnership with security key provider Yubico.
“Netflix’s Six-Episode Cult Thriller Show Provides Captivating Watching Experience”
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Unreleased Microsoft Surface Laptop Appears in Benchmark Listings: Key Revelations
An unreleased Microsoft Surface Laptop 8th Edition with an Intel Panther Lake chip appeared in two Geekbench 6 listings this week.
TikTok Scams Targeting Taylor Swift and Rihanna Fans Are on the Rise
A growing number of celebrity deepfake videos are trying to scam TikTok users into giving up personal information.
The TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro: A $199 Smartphone That Surpasses Higher-Priced Devices
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