Author: Richard

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Transforming Apple Intelligence into an Independent AI Chatbot Without Utilizing ChatGPT
    Transforming Apple Intelligence into an Independent AI Chatbot Without Utilizing ChatGPT

    With WWDC 2025 now concluded, numerous Apple enthusiasts found themselves disheartened by the absence of newer Apple Intelligence features. Although Cupertino is introducing some fresh AI functionalities to the platform, the most eagerly awaited one remains uncertain.

    This is the reason Apple executives have discussed in several interviews why the new Siri has yet to be launched. While it was first anticipated to debut alongside iOS 18.4, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman now indicates that Apple is targeting an iOS 26.4 release.

    While this may be even more disheartening for users (especially since OpenAI and other rivals continue to advance their AI models at an unprecedented pace), there is an opportunity to utilize Apple Intelligence as a genuine AI chatbot (and I’m not referring to using ChatGPT for this purpose).

    This feature is still only accessible as part of the new capabilities arriving with iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe, which are presently in the initial stages of beta testing.

    An Apple Intelligence chatbot is concealed within iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe

    As highlighted by my good friend and MacWorld journalist Filipe Espósito on Threads, it is possible to operate your own Apple Intelligence chatbot if you have the iOS 26 or macOS Tahoe beta installed on your devices.

    The Apple Intelligence chatbot can be fueled by Apple’s AI features within the new Shortcuts app. As explained by Espósito, you can select between the on-device model, which is less potent, or the Private Cloud Compute option, which functions online and performs quite well as a chatbot.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on “Pebble Smartwatch is Set to Relaunch Next Month Featuring an Enhanced App”
    “Pebble Smartwatch is Set to Relaunch Next Month Featuring an Enhanced App”

    The Pebble rejuvenation project, led by original creator Eric Migicovsky, aims to bring smartwatches back to users through the RePebble initiative. The endeavor is approaching a crucial landmark, with the Core 2 Duo watches getting ready for mass production, and pre-orders are slated to ship in July and August. Core Devices, the fresh company behind this initiative, is also unveiling a companion app for iOS and Android, which will be compatible with both new and previous Pebble watches.

    Pebble, previously celebrated for its budget-friendly and durable smartwatches, is being revitalized by Migicovsky under Core Devices. The Core 2 Duo watch is on the verge of mass production, with 200 units already completed. Pre-orders are set to be fulfilled by the end of summer, with some beta testers possibly receiving their watches sooner. Furthermore, the Core Time 2 watch is advancing toward production, with engineering samples anticipated shortly.

    The RePebble initiative gains from Google’s choice to open-source PebbleOS, enabling both new purchasers and current Pebble users to explore the software. This action could revitalize older Pebble devices, as enthusiasts can find PebbleOS on GitHub.

    Migicovsky invites involvement in the beta testing of the new app, which works with older Pebble models. Interested participants can register for the beta test, although Migicovsky notes that the project is most suitable for those willing to give comprehensive feedback without public criticism.

    For individuals who have placed pre-orders for the Core 2 Duo, an email confirmation will be dispatched soon to finalize shipping information, including payment of any applicable duties or taxes. The Pebble revival is nearing completion, and new Core Devices watches are available for pre-order now.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on T-Mobile Provides Complimentary Motorola Razr Plus Without the Need for Trade-In
    T-Mobile Provides Complimentary Motorola Razr Plus Without the Need for Trade-In

    Add a line, receive the phone.

    (Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

    T-Mobile offers a variety of fantastic deals, but there’s one exclusive offer that allows you to obtain a new Motorola Razr Plus (2025) at no cost. Just visit the carrier and add a line under the Experience More, Experience Beyond, Go5G Plus, or Go5G Next plan, and you’ll qualify for up to $1,000 in promotional credits over 24 months when you purchase any Motorola Razr (2025) model.

    This amount can fully cover the cost of the standard Razr and Razr Plus, or if you prefer the premium Motorola Razr Ultra (2025), the price will be reduced to just $299.99. Regardless of the model you select, you’ll be getting one of the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/motorola/the-best-motorola-razr-razr-plus-razr-ultra-2025-deals" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/motorola/the-best-motorola-razr-razr-plus-razr-ultra-2025

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple Unveils iOS 26 Beta 1 Build for Developers
    Apple Unveils iOS 26 Beta 1 Build for Developers

    Apple has recently introduced iOS 26, rolling out the initial developer beta along with an updated build for certain iPhone models just days following the first release. This quick succession of beta versions is rather atypical for a significant OS upgrade, reflecting Apple’s proactive stance on tackling potential challenges.

    The inaugural version of iOS 26 beta 1 was marked by the version number 23A5260n. The newly launched build, 23A5260u, exhibits only a minor change in its version number, implying that there might not be any considerable changes for users. It is rumored that Apple might have discovered a serious bug, security issue, or unintended code related to upcoming products, which has led to the issuance of this revised build.

    At present, the updated version of iOS 26 beta is available solely for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 models, meaning that users with older iPhone variants will not benefit from this update. As testing progresses, additional information and modifications within the iOS 26 beta will be reported as they develop.

    For users contemplating the installation of the iOS 26 beta, expert advice is accessible regarding the potential hazards and advantages of utilizing beta software on primary devices. Users who have already implemented the beta are encouraged to share their feedback, aiding the community in comprehending the new operating system.

    Alongside the beta update, conversations about the finest iPhone accessories persist as a point of interest among users, enriching the overall iPhone experience.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Google AI Summaries Under Fire Following Air India Accident
    Google AI Summaries Under Fire Following Air India Accident

    Google’s AI Summaries: A Double-Edged Sword in Search

    At I/O 2025, Google showcased the appeal of AI Summaries among users, but this excitement is not universal. Detractors contend that Google is integrating AI results into search queries more to showcase capabilities than to meet user needs. AI Summaries, though cutting-edge, have suffered from accuracy problems, resulting in notable occurrences such as the notorious “glue-on-pizza” hallucination. Even with advancements, AI-driven search results can still misfire, illustrated by the recent misinformation regarding the Air India crash, where an AI Summary mistakenly identified the aircraft involved. Such inaccuracies, particularly in delicate situations, can propagate false information and lead to significant consequences. The discussion persists on whether Google should persist with AI Summaries or adjust its strategy to mitigate misleading content.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on New ‘Intelligent Display Zoom’ Function Introduced to CarPlay in iOS 26 [Gallery]
    New ‘Intelligent Display Zoom’ Function Introduced to CarPlay in iOS 26 [Gallery]

    # CarPlay in iOS 26: Features and Improvements

    iOS 26 is poised to deliver numerous upgrades for CarPlay enthusiasts, presenting a revamped Liquid Glass aesthetic, widget support, and an innovative “AirPlay video in the car” feature that developers and vehicle manufacturers can incorporate. Among these advancements, a significant new element is the Smart Display Zoom functionality, engineered to enhance the CarPlay experience across assorted screen sizes and configurations found in vehicles.

    ## Smart Display Zoom

    The Smart Display Zoom capability enables drivers to modify the display size of their CarPlay applications, improving usability on various infotainment screens. As stated by Apple, this feature can be adjusted within the CarPlay settings, allowing apps to automatically resize to match the new display scale once activated. Nonetheless, it is critical to mention that Smart Display Zoom is set to off by default in the initial iOS 26 beta and may not function on all automobiles, as its effectiveness is contingent on the size of the car’s infotainment screen.

    ### Availability and Configuration

    Currently, Smart Display Zoom is still under development, and its definitive rollout may differ by the time iOS 26 is publicly accessible later this fall. Users can anticipate a more customized CarPlay experience as they adapt to the individual screen dimensions of their vehicles.

    ## Visual Comparisons

    The subsequent sections offer visual comparisons of numerous CarPlay interface components with and without Smart Display Zoom activated. These screenshots were taken on a 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E, illustrating how the interface adjusts to varying display settings.

    ### CarPlay Dashboard

    – **Default Zoom:**
    ![Default Zoom Dashboard](#)

    – **Smart Display Zoom:**
    ![Smart Display Zoom Dashboard](#)

    ### App Grid

    – **Default Zoom:**
    ![Default Zoom App Grid](#)

    – **Smart Display Zoom:**
    ![Smart Display Zoom App Grid](#)

    ### Messages App

    – **Default Zoom:**
    ![Default Zoom Messages](#)

    – **Smart Display Zoom:**
    ![Smart Display Zoom Messages](#)

    ### Now Playing in Music

    – **Default Zoom:**
    ![Default Zoom Now Playing Music](#)

    – **Smart Display Zoom:**
    ![Smart Display Zoom Now Playing Music](#)

    ### Home Tab in Music

    – **Default Zoom:**
    ![Default Zoom Home Tab Music](#)

    – **Smart Display Zoom:**
    ![Smart Display Zoom Home Tab Music](#)

    ### Now Playing in Podcasts

    – **Default Zoom:**
    ![Default Zoom Now Playing Podcasts](#)

    – **Smart Display Zoom:**
    ![Smart Display Zoom Now Playing Podcasts](#)

    ### Apple News App

    – **Default Zoom:**
    ![Default Zoom Apple News](#)

    – **Smart Display Zoom:**
    ![Smart Display Zoom Apple News](#)

    ### Apple Maps Route Picker

    – **Default Zoom:**
    ![Default Zoom Apple Maps Route Picker](#)

    – **Smart Display Zoom:**
    ![Smart Display Zoom Apple Maps Route Picker](#)

    ### Apple Maps Navigation

    – **Default Zoom:**
    ![Default Zoom Apple Maps Navigation](#)

    – **Smart Display Zoom:**
    ![Smart Display Zoom Apple Maps Navigation](#)

    ### Apple Maps Search

    – **Default Zoom:**
    ![Default Zoom Apple Maps Search](#)

    – **Smart Display Zoom:**
    ![Smart Display Zoom Apple Maps Search](#)

    ### Settings App

    – **Default Zoom:**
    ![Default Zoom Settings](#)

    – **Smart Display Zoom:**
    !

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold Encounters Pivotal Year for Achievement
    Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold Encounters Pivotal Year for Achievement

    Samsung has been more vocal than usual.

    (Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)
    Beyond the Alphabet

    (Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

    Beyond the Alphabet is a weekly feature that examines the tech landscape both within and beyond Mountain View.

    In the past week, Samsung has increased its promotional efforts ahead of the upcoming Unpacked event. Here, we can expect to see the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Galaxy Watch 8, and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/gaming/virtual-reality/samsung-project-moohan-hands-on-apple-vision-pro-rival" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.androidcentral.com

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on The Greatest Google Pixel 9 Offer Yet Enhanced, Despite a Slight Problem
    The Greatest Google Pixel 9 Offer Yet Enhanced, Despite a Slight Problem

    Unlimited Free, anyone?

    (Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

    I’ve discussed numerous Google Pixel 9 promotions since the flagship lineup was unveiled the previous year, but Mint Mobile’s deals have often been the standout. Purchasing the standard Pixel 9 via the MVNO with a one-year Unlimited plan, for example, means you’ll benefit from over 50% off the device and receive an extra year of wireless service completely free.

    In essence, you’re acquiring two entire years of T-Mobile-supported wireless service along with a highly-rated Android smartphone for $80 less than simply buying it unlocked. You might also opt to complete the purchase through Affirm, spreading the cost to $30 a month for the phone-and-service package. Compare this to your existing phone bill and let me know it isn’t appealing.

    <div data-image="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Y8nScb7AAtxK4j2d2EnxjV-200-100.jpg" data-link="https://mint-mobile.pxf.io/c/221109/444520/7915?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mintmobile.com%2Fdevices%2Fgoogle-pixel-9%

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on The Crucial Component the iPad Requires to Completely Substitute Laptops
    The Crucial Component the iPad Requires to Completely Substitute Laptops

    iPadOS 26: A Significant Step Towards a Computer-Like Experience

    iPad users have plenty to anticipate with the arrival of iPadOS 26 this autumn. After a considerable wait, Apple is at last unlocking the complete capabilities of its tablets, making them more akin to a computer experience. The latest update brings a window tiling system and additional Mac-like functionalities, such as window controls, a menu bar, an enhanced Files app, and swift folder access from the dock.

    These enhancements represent a crucial advancement in making the iPad resemble a computer while preserving its touch-oriented design. The arrival of the Liquid Glass UI further augments this experience, creating a fluid connection between Apple devices. The collaboration between working on a Mac and an iPad has never been clearer.

    Despite these improvements, one hardware feature still appears to be absent from the iPad: MagSafe support. The inclusion of MagSafe, akin to its original iteration on Macs, could boost the iPad’s practicality, especially for users on the move. Integrating MagSafe into the Magic Keyboard could offer a more secure and convenient charging solution across various settings.

    As iPadOS 26 is released, users can look forward to a more adaptable and powerful iPad experience, drawing it closer to a genuine laptop substitute.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Live Activities Arriving on iPad and Mac: Their Operation Explained
    Live Activities Arriving on iPad and Mac: Their Operation Explained

    **Live Activities: Elevating User Engagement Across Apple Devices**

    Apple’s latest software innovation in recent times is Live Activities, a feature on the iPhone that has continually improved. With the launch of macOS Tahoe and iPadOS 26, Live Activities are now making their entry into the Mac and iPad, each offering a distinct implementation that leverages the strengths of their respective platforms.

    ### Live Activities Continue to Evolve on Apple’s Platforms

    Live Activities were introduced on the iPhone alongside the always-on display feature in the iPhone 14 Pro. This capability offers a practical way to receive live notifications from various applications, enabling users to keep an eye on:

    – The ongoing timer
    – Food delivery status
    – Current sports scores
    – And additional updates

    Since their debut, Apple has progressively enhanced Live Activities, even incorporating them into the Apple Watch with the Smart Stack. Now, with the arrival of iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe, Live Activities are reaching new devices, each with a unique approach.

    ### iPadOS 26 Implements Live Activities for Background Tasks

    In iPadOS 26, Live Activities are woven into the new Background Tasks functionality. This advancement addresses an enduring limitation of the iPad, where applications have encountered restrictions in executing processes in the background. In contrast to the Mac, which permits substantial background operations, iPadOS has traditionally restricted background activity to conserve power.

    With iPadOS 26, applications can now perform intensive operations—such as lengthy file exports—entirely in the background. Throughout these processes, iPadOS will use a Live Activity to show the progress, allowing users to keep track of background task status in real-time.

    ### macOS Tahoe’s Live Activities Utilize iPhone Mirroring

    In macOS Tahoe, Apple enhances the iPhone Mirroring feature that was introduced in macOS Sequoia, enabling users to control their paired iPhone directly from their Mac. With this update, Live Activities running on the iPhone will seamlessly appear in the Mac’s menu bar.

    This integration allows users to view important updates from their iPhone right on their Mac, reducing the need for frequent phone checks. If interaction with a Live Activity is necessary, users can simply click it in the menu bar, which will launch the iPhone Mirroring app and guide them to the app running the Live Activity.

    This method significantly contrasts with the iPad’s implementation, highlighting the versatility of Live Activities throughout Apple’s ecosystem.

    ### Conclusion

    The rollout of Live Activities to the iPad and Mac represents a notable enhancement in user-device interaction. By capitalizing on the unique features of each platform, Apple continues to refine the user experience, making it simpler to remain informed and engaged with real-time updates. As these features advance, users can anticipate even more fluid integration and functionality across their Apple devices.

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