Author: Richard

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16: Main Distinctions and Fresh Features
    iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16: Main Distinctions and Fresh Features

    On Tuesday, Apple unveiled the latest iPhone 17, along with the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air. Here’s a rundown of all the new features in the iPhone 17!

    ## New Colors

    The iPhone 17 is available in **Lavender, Sage, Mist Blue, White, and Black**, moving away from the iPhone 16’s Pink, Teal, Ultramarine, White, and Black. The Black variant is lighter, and the White variant is brighter than its predecessor.

    ## ProMotion Display

    For the first instance in a non-Pro iPhone, the iPhone 17 incorporates ProMotion, which includes:

    – Adaptive refresh rates ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz for a smoother display and enhanced battery longevity.
    – Always-On display for showing time, Widgets, and notifications while the device is asleep.

    The display size has expanded to 6.3″, increased from 6.1″, due to slimmer bezels.

    ## Ceramic Shield 2

    The iPhone 17 introduces Ceramic Shield 2, which provides:

    – 3x improved scratch resistance.
    – A new 7-layer anti-reflective coating to minimize glare.

    All new models offer a peak brightness of 3000 nits outdoors, enhanced from 2000 nits, delivering 2x better contrast.

    ## A19 Chip

    The A19 chip boosts performance, emphasizing AI capabilities with new Neural Accelerators for enhanced machine learning tasks. It offers “MacBook Pro-levels” of power and a 20% performance increase in GPU compared to A18.

    ## Improved Battery Life and Charging

    The iPhone 17 features notable battery life enhancements:

    – Up to 30 hours of downloaded video playback (an increase from 22 hours).
    – Up to 27 hours of streamed video playback (up from 18 hours).

    It supports Qi2.2 with fast charging at up to 25W and 40W fast charging, achieving a 50% charge in just 20 minutes.

    ## New 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide Camera

    The iPhone 17 incorporates a 48MP ultra wide “Fusion” camera, a 4x upgrade from the previous model. It enables full-resolution 12MP Macro photos and 24MP ultra wide photos by default.

    ## All-New Center Stage Front Camera

    The upgraded front camera utilizes a square image sensor, allowing smooth transitions between portrait and landscape photos. It boasts an 18MP resolution and features Center Stage for video calls, automatically adjusting the frame. A dual capture mode permits simultaneous recording from both front and back cameras.

    ## New N1 Wireless Networking Chip

    The iPhone 17 marks the introduction of Apple’s inaugural in-house wireless chip, enhancing overall wireless performance. It now supports Bluetooth 6 and precision dual-frequency GPS, along with NavIC support in India.

    ## Physical Size and Thickness

    The iPhone 17 is marginally heavier and thicker:

    – 7.95 mm thick (up from 7.80 mm).
    – 177 g (up from 170 g).

    It is also slightly taller and narrower:

    – 5.89 in tall (increased from 5.81 in).
    – 2.81 in wide (decreased from 2.82 in).

    ## Pricing and Availability

    The iPhone 17 begins at 256 GB of storage for $799, down from $899. The 512 GB version is now priced at $999 instead of $1099. There is no iPhone 17 Plus for this year.

    Preorders will commence at 5:00 AM PT on September 12, with in-store availability on September 19.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Expected Features and Updates from Meta Connect 2025
    Expected Features and Updates from Meta Connect 2025

    Numerous smart eyewear, updates from Meta AI, and potentially a new virtual reality headset are on the horizon.

    (Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
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    AC thVRsday

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    • Comments Off on Apple’s A19 iPhone Range Unveils Unmatched Capabilities
    Apple’s A19 iPhone Range Unveils Unmatched Capabilities

    ### A19 Chip is Available in Three Variants for iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17 Pro

    Each year, one of the standout features of Apple’s latest iPhones is the introduction of a new A-series chip. This year, with the launch of the A19, Apple is implementing a major shift in its iPhone variety by providing three unique variants of the chip across several models.

    #### A Fresh Take on Chip Variants

    In contrast to recent years, when iPhone upgrades seemed more evolutionary, Apple has unveiled an intriguing set of announcements with its newest iPhones. The inclusion of the iPhone Air has redirected attention, yet the A19 chip continues to be a vital part of the updated range.

    For the first time, Apple is offering three distinct versions of its A-series chip for the iPhone range:

    – **iPhone 17:** A19 chip
    – **iPhone Air:** A19 Pro chip featuring a 5-core GPU
    – **iPhone 17 Pro:** A19 Pro chip equipped with a 6-core GPU

    This signifies a break from earlier models, where normally only two variants were on offer. The only exception was seen with iPad variations that were released subsequently.

    #### Performance and Efficiency

    Apple asserts that the A19 Pro chip is superior in both speed and efficiency when compared to the standard A19 chip. Moreover, it is anticipated that the A19 Pro will incorporate 12GB of RAM, unlike the 8GB present in the non-Pro variant. Although Apple has not officially verified this, it is thought that the chip in the iPhone Air is a binned variant of the one used in the iPhone 17 Pro.

    The disparity in GPU cores between the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro—5 cores compared to 6 cores—might not greatly affect most users. However, for those pursuing maximum performance, the iPhone 17 Pro, with its complete 6-core GPU and sophisticated vapor chamber cooling technology, emerges as the standout option.

    #### Future Implications

    The launch of three A-series chips is expected to establish a benchmark for upcoming iPhone iterations. As Apple persists in its innovations, the subsequent generation, the A20 chip, may also feature multiple variants, particularly with the anticipated debut of the iPhone Fold and modifications to the iPhone 18 lineup.

    In summary, while the variations among the A19 chips may not be significant for every user, they signify a major shift in Apple’s strategy regarding its iPhone range, paving the way for more diverse and powerful devices ahead.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple’s Embracing Method to Wellness Functions: Two Essential Tactics
    Apple’s Embracing Method to Wellness Functions: Two Essential Tactics

    Apple is occasionally criticized for intentionally restricting new features from older devices without any valid justification. For instance, there was significant concern when dual capture video recording was limited to the iPhone 17, despite the fact that this feature has been compatible with third-party applications since the iPhone 11, indicating it is clearly unrelated to hardware limitations.

    However, regarding the newest health features, the company is sensibly adopting a much more inclusive stance.

    ### Hypertension Alerts

    The main new health feature of the Apple Watch models is hypertension notifications, which inform users about indications of chronic high blood pressure. Hypertension is an extremely grave health issue characterized by the consistent high force of blood against artery walls, placing individuals at substantial risk for heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure. The World Health Organization estimates that hypertension leads to approximately 7.5 million fatalities each year, representing nearly 13% of all deaths. In the United States, the CDC ranks it as the 13th leading cause of death, accounting for over 42,000 fatalities annually.

    Although launched with the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3, the company is also extending this feature to three prior models:
    – Apple Watch Ultra 2
    – Apple Watch Series 10
    – Apple Watch Series 9

    ### Sleep Scores

    Another feature debuting with the latest Apple Watches, yet also accessible on older models, is Sleep Score. This feature offers users insightful information regarding their sleep habits. Users have mentioned that sleep data can be comforting, particularly during episodes of insomnia, as it provides actual sleep cycles and disruptions, helping to reduce concerns about sleep quality.

    Sleep score is available with watchOS 26 for Apple Watch Series 6 or newer, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) or newer, and all Apple Watch Ultra models, connected to iPhone 11 or newer, operating iOS 26. Furthermore, any device supporting sleep tracking can be utilized by an iPhone to create a sleep score in the Apple Health app.

    Both choices to incorporate these health features into older models are prudent. While individuals may express dissatisfaction concerning the company retaining optional features like multi-camera video recording on the iPhone, it’s an entirely different situation to withhold health features known to have the capacity to save lives.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on The $799 iPhone 17 Rises as Leading Preorder Selection This Friday
    The $799 iPhone 17 Rises as Leading Preorder Selection This Friday

    The iPhone 17 lineup officially launches on Friday, September 19, with preorders kicking off a week earlier on Friday, September 12. Selecting one among the four available models is more challenging this year due to the introduction of the ultra-slim iPhone Air. Priced at $999, customers receive Apple’s slimmest iPhone yet, designed to provide performance equivalent to the iPhone 17 Pro variants. Nonetheless, the iPhone Air has several trade-offs to achieve that slender form factor. This is precisely why the standard iPhone 17 could be a more suitable option than the Air, as it delivers a more adaptable camera experience, superior audio, enhanced battery life, and even a physical SIM slot in various international regions.

    The entry-level iPhone 17 is priced at $799 ($829 without a carrier promotion) and features 256GB of storage. This is double the capacity of the base model of last year’s iPhone 16. In addition to the increased storage, numerous new features such as a high-end display and an updated selfie camera place the base iPhone 17 nearly in the Pro category — making it the top value iPhone this year. A significant drawback of the baseline iPhones over the years has been their 60Hz display. That changes with the iPhone 17. Both the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air possess the same display technology as the pricier iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro boast a shared 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display. Both devices come with the same 2622 x 1206 resolution, a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and can achieve up to 3000 nits of peak brightness.

    The standout feature, of course, is that the standard iPhone 17 now supports the 120Hz ProMotion display and Always-On display — capabilities that were previously exclusive to the Pro models. When compared to last year’s iPhone 16 Pro, the iPhone 17 display provides enhanced peak brightness (3000 nits versus 2000 nits) and includes a seven-layer anti-reflective coating technology that minimizes glare. Apple has also bolstered the durability of the displays in the iPhone 17 series by incorporating a Ceramic Shield 2 screen coating that is twice as resistant to scratches and drops compared to the iPhone 16 series. This makes the $799 iPhone 17 more resilient than last year’s iPhone 16 Pro models.

    It’s not solely the display technology that aligns the iPhone 17 with the iPhone 17 Pro. The $799 iPhone offers nearly the same camera capabilities. The device features two 48-megapixel cameras (main and ultra-wide) along with the new 18-megapixel Center Stage selfie camera. A quick look at Apple’s website highlights the primary advantages of the iPhone 17 Pro over the standard model. The Pro versions include a third 48-megapixel telephoto camera for improved zoom, and offer several modes like ProRaw photography, ProRes RAW video recording, Apple Log 2, etc., that creatives will appreciate. If these enhancements are not significant to you, the $799 iPhone 17 is the better option.

    Another crucial aspect when selecting a new smartphone is battery endurance. Apple has significantly enhanced the iPhone 17’s battery life compared to the previous year’s model. Here’s how the iPhone 17 measures up against the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 16, and iPhone 16 Pro, according to Apple:

    Video playback:
    – iPhone 17 – Up to 30 hours
    – iPhone 17 Pro – Up to 33 hours
    – iPhone 16 – Up to 22 hours
    – iPhone 16 Pro – Up to 27 hours

    Video playback (streamed):
    – iPhone 17 – Up to 27 hours
    – iPhone 17 Pro – Up to 30 hours
    – iPhone 16 – Up to 18 hours
    – iPhone 16 Pro – Up to 22 hours

    Both the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro enable faster wired charging. A 40W power adapter charges the battery to 50% in just 20 minutes. The zoom camera, professional shooting modes, and enhanced battery longevity are three of the primary advantages of the $1,099 iPhone 17 Pro over the $799 iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 Pro is also equipped with a more robust chip — the A19 Pro instead of the A19 — so if you enjoy playing intensive games or editing videos on your smartphone, you will notice the performance boost. Additionally, it includes vapor chamber cooling to support that performance, a first for the iPhone. The bottom line is straightforward: The $799 iPhone 17 stands out as the best option for budget-conscious buyers searching for a new device.

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    • Comments Off on How Google Integrated Satellite SOS into the Pixel Watch 4
    How Google Integrated Satellite SOS into the Pixel Watch 4

    The company explores the challenges it needed to address to bring the satellite SOS feature to life.

    Google elaborated on its reasoning and the challenges faced in developing the satellite SOS functionality for the Pixel Watch 4. The company states that the Pixel Watch 4 will automatically switch to satellite SOS if conventional cell networks are unavailable. Users must respond to a questionnaire that will be sent to emergency services regarding their situation. Additional emergency/safety features comprise Crash Detection and Fall Detection.

    Satellite connectivity has been implemented to ensure you remain connected even in the absence of a reliable cell network, which Google has incorporated into its watch.

    Google launched Satellite SOS on the Pixel Watch 4 (LTE), and the company’s recent Keyword post clarifies how it all came together. To create a user-friendly satellite SOS—especially in scenarios where the screen cannot be utilized, as noted by Google’s Sharath Ananth—the company had to assess “positioning interface, audio signals, and haptic feedback.” Some of these signals are even available during the initial launch phase of satellite SOS, along with a guide on how to orient the device.

    From the outset, Google acknowledged a limitation of the Pixel Watch 4: its lack of antennas compared to a typical phone. In essence, Google explains that the device cannot connect to all networks at once, so the Pixel Watch 4 has been designed to switch over if terrestrial networks fail.

    The device is reported to provide a satellite option to maintain connectivity when attempting to contact emergency services. If users choose to participate, Google asserts that the Watch 4 will present a questionnaire to gather all pertinent information before transmitting it.

    Sharath Ananth, Google’s lead engineer for the Pixel Watch, notes that the satellite SOS mode effectively keeps you engaged until help arrives. Ananth states, “…emergencies can be overwhelming, so we aimed to simplify the process of obtaining assistance.” Once 911 has responded, users can tap “help has arrived” or “I don’t need help anymore” to resume full access to their Pixel Watch 4 with apps and additional features.

    Maintaining communication

    Assisting individuals during emergencies is fundamental to a feature like satellite SOS. Ananth mentions that this capability is not only for adventurers on treks but also for everyone else, saying, “I think about getting stranded anywhere, and if your phone isn’t operational or if you’re injured, this allows you to still initiate satellite SOS from your wrist.”

    While Google has invested significant effort behind the scenes, including testing in U.S. National Parks to perfect this, it is also utilizing Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 2. Upon the chip’s announcement, it was indicated that the Pixel Watch 4 is the first smartwatch to integrate this new wearable SoC. Although its performance is just adequate, this chip enables support for Skylo’s Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Network (NB-NTN), facilitating satellite messaging.

    Additional emergency/safety functionalities on the Pixel Watch 4 include Crash Detection and Fall Detection.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on “OS 4.0: An Enhanced and Reimagined Update Arriving Shortly”
    “OS 4.0: An Enhanced and Reimagined Update Arriving Shortly”

    The Tease Displays Design Features Such as App Icons and Fresh Fonts

    In a recent teaser, Nothing has revealed some thrilling design features for its upcoming Nothing OS 4, which aims to enhance the user experience through visual enhancements. The teaser presents new circular app icons and fonts, signaling a polished user interface. These design modifications are part of Nothing’s initiative to refine the current Android 16 software, delivering a refreshed appearance while preserving the company’s distinctive design ethos.

    Essential Information

    • Nothing OS 4 brings visual enhancements with new circular icons for an improved user experience.
    • AI integration is set to provide smarter functionalities and tailored user recommendations.
    • The launch will commence with the flagship Phone 3, followed by other models shortly thereafter.

    Earlier this year, Nothing introduced its Phone 3 featuring Nothing OS 3, which is based on Android 15. CEO Carl Pei announced that Nothing OS 4, equipped with Android 16, would be launched in the fall. As the release nears, Nothing teased the update with a video highlighting the design enhancements, promoting a “Refined. Redefined.” tagline.

    The teaser video emphasizes revamped circular icons for quick settings, echoing Material 3 Expressive’s “bubble” design approach. Key updates include a circular torch icon with a red illumination, circular icons for Bluetooth and Dark Mode toggles, as well as new icons for temperature control, brightness adjustment, a to-do list widget, and a pill-shaped toggle.

    Additionally, Nothing has incorporated a new yellow hue into its existing monochromatic red color scheme, which is evident in icons for Essential Space. The company aspires to deliver the native functionalities of Android 16 while developing a solid design structure for a unified UI.

    AI and Gemini integration in Nothing OS 4 will upgrade the Nothing Phone 3 with enhanced search capabilities and personalized suggestions, rendering the software more user-friendly. The update will also introduce customizable widgets, native applications, and heightened security.

    The rollout is anticipated to commence shortly, initiating with the Phone 3, followed by the Nothing Phone (2a) series, Nothing Phone (2), and CMF phones.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Indian Brand Introduces 10,000mAh Magnetic Power Bank with Distinctive Attribute
    Indian Brand Introduces 10,000mAh Magnetic Power Bank with Distinctive Attribute

    With Stuffcool’s Click Trio, you can charge both your phone and Apple Watch.

    (Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

    Stuffcool stands out as my preferred charging brand from India, and the company continuously introduces innovative products. I’ve utilized most of their power banks throughout the years, and they’ve performed admirably. Similar to worldwide brands, Stuffcool is strongly focusing on magnetic power banks, which is understandable due to their enhanced convenience and portability.

    The Click Trio was launched in July, featuring the standard 10,000mAh battery along with the capability to wirelessly charge your phone using the Qi standard at 15W. While these specs are common, it also offers some unique features: it comes with an integrated USB-C cable, a USB-C charging port, and a built-in kickstand.

    (Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Android Identity Verification Made Easy with Nearby Watch Connectivity
    Android Identity Verification Made Easy with Nearby Watch Connectivity

    This minor update appears to finally allow those alternative credentials to stand out a bit more.

    (Image credit: Android Central / Google)
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    What you should know

    • Mishaal Rahman found new code strings in Android 16 indicating that an update to Identity Check might be on the way.
    • This update would utilize your connected Pixel Watch 3 or 4 to allow users to confirm their identity using a PIN, password, or pattern.
    • At present, Identity Check requires Biometric sign-in to access sensitive information on your device.
    • It was previously reported that Google planned to extend Identity Check to more devices, including those from OnePlus.

    Identity Check is a feature on Android that helps keep the content on your phone secure, and it appears Google is working on improving that experience.

    Following a thorough investigation of the latest Android 16 QPR beta, Mishaal Rahman (<a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.androidauthority.com/

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Summary of iPhone 17 Pro Camera Upgrades for This Year
    Summary of iPhone 17 Pro Camera Upgrades for This Year

    It’s that season again — Apple has unveiled the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max models featuring a redesigned aluminum unibody, enhanced durability against falls and scratches, an upgraded processor, and an entirely new camera system. Whether you’re a content creator, a media figure, or simply someone who loves capturing stunning photos and videos, the iPhone 17 Pro presents numerous advancements over its predecessors.

    If you’re considering upgrading to these latest iPhone models or are just intrigued by the new features Apple has introduced this year, it’s important to note that the iPhone 17 Pro’s camera system showcases the finest lenses on an iPhone to date. In this article, we’ve compiled all the new aspects of the iPhone cameras relative to the prior generation, emphasizing the revamped lenses, focal length variations, and higher-resolution sensors. Photography aficionados will undoubtedly appreciate the enhancements Apple has brought to the iPhone 17’s camera capabilities this year.

    6 new camera features included with the iPhone 17 Pro

    Enhanced photo processing: The main and ultra-wide cameras on the iPhone 17 Pro remain unchanged from the previous year. Nevertheless, Apple asserts that it has refined photo processing compared to the iPhone 16 Pro, thanks to the updated chip and algorithm adjustments.

    Brand new telephoto camera: Apple has substituted the older 12MP 5X telephoto lenses with a new 48MP 4X sensor. This larger sensor captures significantly more detail and delivers improved low-light performance, thanks to a wider aperture.

    Improved in-sensor cropping: The new 48MP 4X camera enables Apple to crop into the sensor for an 8X output that is nearly lossless. When zooming digitally, the maximum level has increased to 40X, compared to 25X on the iPhone 16 Pro.

    Dual Capture: Capture video with both the main and selfie cameras simultaneously. Apple claims it can record up to 4K with Dolby Vision HDR at 30 fps.

    ProRes RAW: This iPhone 17 Pro is compatible with Apple’s video format that merges RAW image data with ProRes compression.

    Genlock support: With Final Cut Camera 2 and appropriate equipment, iPhone 17 Pro users are able to synchronize multiple video sources to a common reference signal, ensuring precise alignment of frame timing.

    iPhone 17 Pro’s Center Stage camera introduces a brand-new experience

    Apple has finally overhauled the front-facing camera on the iPhone 17 Pro with a new Center Stage camera. Featuring a square sensor, the iPhone 17 Pro now captures 18MP selfies, but that’s just the beginning. The key benefit of a square sensor is that users no longer need to rotate their iPhones to landscape orientation when taking group selfies with more participants. The Center Stage feature utilizes AI to automatically widen the field of view and frame while the phone stays in portrait orientation.

    Additionally, Apple provides ultra-stabilized video in 4K HDR, which complements the new Dual Capture feature perfectly. According to the company, it is designed for occasions when you wish to address the camera while simultaneously recording behind-the-scenes moments. For FaceTime and video calls, the iPhone 17 Pro camera ensures users remain steady and centered in the frame. In summary, these enhancements make the iPhone experience one of the most polished to date.

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