Author: Richard

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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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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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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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

Apple Games App in iOS 26.2 Unveils Three New Upgrades

**Apple Games Receives Multiple Upgrades in iOS 26.2**

iOS 26.2 is scheduled for release next month, with the developer beta 2 just unveiled, highlighting numerous improvements for Apple’s Games app. This update comes on the heels of iOS 26, which introduced two new system applications, one of which is Apple Games, a unified hub for gaming activities on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

### Features of Apple Games

The Apple Games app encompasses various features aimed at enhancing the gaming experience:

– **Live Events and Updates**: Users can view the most recent events and updates in the games they are currently engaged in.
– **Game Discovery**: The app enables users to find new games that their friends are playing and upcoming titles on the horizon.
– **Game Library Access**: Users can conveniently access their entire game collection, including previous downloads, with sorting and filtering functionalities.
– **Friend Challenges**: The app allows users to invite friends to partake in challenges and real-time multiplayer sessions.
– **Score Notifications**: Users receive alerts when friends achieve higher scores, fostering friendly rivalry.

### New Updates in iOS 26.2

With the launch of iOS 26.2, Apple brings forth several updates to the Games app:

1. **Enhanced Library Filtering**: Users can now refine their game library based on titles their friends are playing, those that allow challenges, and game size.
2. **Improved Controller Compatibility**: The app now features enhanced compatibility with controllers, enabling users to navigate without needing to switch to touch input.
3. **Real-Time Score Updates**: Challenge scores will now refresh in real time during gameplay.

These updates prioritize enhancing the user experience over attracting new users, reflecting Apple’s dedication to optimizing the app based on user input.

### Conclusion

The upgrades in iOS 26.2 demonstrate Apple’s attentiveness to user demands, striving to deliver a more enjoyable experience for current users of the Apple Games app. As the release date draws near, gamers can anticipate these quality-of-life enhancements.

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iOS 26.2 Brings Option to Turn Off New CarPlay Functionality in Messages

### Key Changes in iOS 26: Upgrades to CarPlay and Messages Application

The launch of iOS 26 has brought important modifications to CarPlay, improving the user experience with a fresh Liquid Glass design, widgets, Live Activities, and more. Among these modifications, the Messages application has also benefited from enhancements, including the inclusion of Tapbacks and pinned chats, making communication more effective and visually attractive.

#### iOS 26.2: A Fresh Toggle for Pinned Chats

With the latest update of iOS 26.2, Apple has incorporated a new function that enables users to refine the Messages application within CarPlay. Previously, users lacked the ability to manage pinned chats in CarPlay; the interface merely duplicated the iPhone’s configuration. If pinned chats were activated on the iPhone, they would automatically appear in CarPlay.

The introduction of a new toggle in iOS 26.2 permits users to completely disable pinned chats in CarPlay. This function can be located in the Settings application under CarPlay. Users can scroll down to find the “Pinned Conversations” toggle and turn it off, resulting in a more streamlined list of conversation threads in the CarPlay Messages application.

#### User Experience and Input

While the new toggle presents a more straightforward interface, some users indicate a wish for additional customization choices. The existing arrangement offers an all-or-nothing option, which may not accommodate every user’s preferences. For example, while some users might wish to retain specific group chats pinned on their iPhones, they could prefer having only crucial conversations, like those with immediate family, pinned in CarPlay.

#### Summary

The enhancements in iOS 26 and the following iOS 26.2 update demonstrate Apple’s persistent dedication to improving user experience in CarPlay and the Messages application. The new features and customization alternatives grant users greater control over their messaging environment while driving. As always, user input will be vital in influencing future updates, and it will be intriguing to observe how Apple continues to develop these features based on user desires.

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macOS 26.2 Brings ‘Edge Light’ Functionality to Improve Video Call Clarity

### macOS 26.2 Introduces Edge Light Feature

macOS Tahoe 26.2 unveils a groundbreaking feature named Edge Light, aimed at improving video quality during video calls, especially in dimly lit settings. This functionality mimics the effect of a ring light by creating a virtual glow around the perimeter of your Mac’s screen, effectively illuminating your face during conversations.

#### How Edge Light Functions

Edge Light employs cutting-edge technology to deliver a lighting solution that surpasses conventional ring lights. By utilizing the Neural Engine within Apple’s hardware, it detects your face, size, and placement within the frame, facilitating accurate lighting modifications. The Image Signal Processor adjusts the brightness of the Edge Light to blend seamlessly with the ambient environment.

A notable aspect of Edge Light is its smart design; when your Mac’s cursor nears the edge of the screen, the virtual illumination will retract, ensuring you have clear access to your content.

#### Compatibility and Availability

Edge Light is integrated with a variety of video conferencing platforms, such as FaceTime, WebEx, and Zoom, making it a flexible tool for users on diverse systems. It is compatible with all Mac models that feature Apple Silicon. For Macs released in 2024 or later, users can activate an automatic feature that turns on Edge Light when the system identifies low surrounding light levels. Moreover, Edge Light works with the Studio Display when linked to an Apple Silicon-based Mac and can also be utilized with external cameras.

This innovative feature marks a notable upgrade for individuals who regularly participate in video calls, offering a practical and efficient way to enhance their appearance in suboptimal lighting conditions.

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Apple Unveils Beta 2 of iOS 26.2 for iPhone Users

**Apple Unveils Second iOS 26.2 Beta for iPhone: Key Features and Enhancements**

Apple has introduced the second beta version of iOS 26.2 for iPhone, now accessible as an over-the-air update for developers starting today. This update brings several new functionalities and improvements designed to enhance user experience across different applications.

One of the significant alterations in iOS 26.2 is the update to the Sleep Score system. The highest rating has been renamed from “Excellent” to “Very High,” along with recalibrated thresholds for all categories. This change responds to user feedback suggesting that the earlier scoring system was seen as too generous.

Besides the Sleep Score modifications, the Apple Podcasts app has undergone notable enhancements with the integration of AI technology. The app now autonomously generates chapters, provides links to mentioned podcasts, and organizes associated content, making it simpler for users to explore and enjoy their preferred shows.

The Apple News app also sees a refined layout in this version. Users will encounter quick links to popular sections, improving the overall design and usability of the app as part of Apple’s ongoing initiative to enhance its software interfaces.

Another intriguing function is the extension of AirPods Live Translation, which will now be accessible in European Union nations. This capability allows users to interact more effectively across language barriers, increasing the versatility of AirPods.

iOS 26.2 presents a new Liquid Glass Lock Screen slider, offering users more accurate control over the transparency of the clock across various font styles. This customization feature allows for a more tailored aesthetic on the lock screen.

Moreover, the Reminders app has been enhanced to include the capability to trigger alarms and timers for urgent tasks. This function allows notifications to bypass Focus modes, maximizing visibility for crucial reminders.

The official release of iOS 26.2 is expected in December, with additional updates likely as the beta testing moves forward. Users can anticipate these enhancements that aim to elevate the iPhone experience.

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iPadOS 26.2 Beta 2 Now Released: Essential Features and Improvements to Expect

Apple has recently unveiled iPadOS 26.2 developer beta 2, which comes roughly a week after developers were given access to the initial beta version. Here’s what’s new up to this point.

## New Features of iPadOS 26.2 So Far

iPadOS 26.2 represents the upcoming significant software update for iPad. Based on the initial beta, it appears to be a release loaded with features.

Last week’s iPadOS 26.2 beta 1 introduced a variety of new functionalities, and today’s update is anticipated to bring even additional modifications, as we are still early in the beta phase. Apple generally rolls out new features and enhancements during the initial betas of a software version, then shifts its focus to stability and performance in subsequent betas.

We will keep you informed about any new discoveries in today’s beta 2 update.

If you are operating the developer beta, you should find iPadOS 26.2 beta 2 within Settings ⇾ General ⇾ Software Update on your iPad.

Public beta users do not have any new updates to install today, but it is likely that Apple will release public beta 2 within the next day or so.

Have you found anything new in iPadOS 26.2 beta 2? Share your thoughts in the comments.

### Top iPad Accessories

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