Author: Richard

### Receive an Apple Watch at No Cost as a Fitness Incentive

For several years, John Hancock has been offering members of its Vitality Plus life insurance program the chance to obtain an Apple Watch by participating in regular physical activities. The program has recently broadened its offerings to feature the newest models, the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. This initiative aims to promote healthier living while granting members valuable fitness devices.

### Operational Mechanism of the Program

Through the Vitality program, John Hancock enables life insurance clients to accumulate points through routine exercise. These points can be used to offset the monthly fees for a new Apple Watch. Initially, members are required to pay $25 plus tax for their Apple Watch, with the outstanding amount split into 24 monthly payments. The more active a member becomes, the lesser their monthly fees.

#### Getting Started

1. **Sign Up for a Vitality Member Account**: Complete the Vitality Health Review (VHR) to evaluate your health condition.
2. **Purchase Your Apple Watch**: Select from the Apple Watch SE, Series 11, or Ultra 3 and make the upfront payment of $25 plus tax. Be aware that higher-tier models may need an additional initial payment.
3. **Monitor Your Workouts**: Utilize your Apple Watch to keep track of various workout types, including walking, running, biking, and swimming.

### Accumulating Points

Members can greatly diminish their monthly fees according to the points gained through their workouts. Below is a summary of the costs linked to the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 depending on the points accrued in a month:

– **Zero Points**: $15.50 per month
– **240 Points**: $12.25 per month
– **360 Points**: $7.00 per month
– **500 Points**: $0.00 per month

For the Apple Watch SE:

– **Zero Points**: $9.25 per month
– **240 Points**: $7.25 per month
– **360 Points**: $4.25 per month
– **500 Points**: $0.00 per month

### Methods to Accumulate Points

Points can be gained through daily physical activities. A “Standard” workout yields 20 points, which entails:

– **Step Count**: 10,000 steps
– **Active Calories**: Based on personal thresholds from the Apple Health app
– **Heart Rate**: 60% of maximum heart rate for a minimum of 30 minutes

An “Advanced workout” provides 30 points and necessitates:

– **Step Count**: 15,000 steps
– **Active Calories**: Based on personal thresholds from the Apple Health app
– **Heart Rate**: 60% of maximum heart rate for a minimum of 45 minutes

### Final Note

The John Hancock Vitality program presents a distinctive opportunity for life insurance clients to acquire an Apple Watch while encouraging a healthier lifestyle. By monitoring workouts and accumulating points, members can significantly lower their monthly expenses for the device. For further details and to register, visit the [John Hancock Vitality website](https://www.johnhancock.com/life-insurance/vitality/apple-watch.html). This program is exclusively available to Vitality Plus life insurance members.

Apple has restarted its beta update process following a holiday hiatus, launching public beta 2 for macOS Tahoe 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3, and more. This recent batch of public betas comes on the heels of the recently released developer beta 2.

The 26.3 software series seems to be fairly minimal in terms of new features. The key enhancements are located in iOS 26.3, which brings a tool for migrating data from iPhone to Android, improvements to the wallpaper gallery, and new settings designed for EU users. Other updates within the 26.3 series haven’t disclosed any substantial changes aside from bug fixes and performance enhancements.

As the beta cycle progresses, there could be unexpected developments, but it is anticipated that the updates will arrive shortly, setting the stage for a more feature-rich 26.4 cycle. Users are invited to share any discoveries from beta 2 for iPadOS 26.3, watchOS 26.3, or any other updates in the comments.

**Verizon’s FCC Petition: Modifications to Phone Unlocking Policy**

Verizon has recently achieved success in its request to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to alter the regulations regarding the unlocking of phones, leading to a less customer-friendly policy for its users. This adjustment is noteworthy, as it reshapes the environment for consumers intending to change carriers.

### FCC’s Ruling on Device Unlocking

The FCC has provided Verizon with a waiver permitting the company to lock phones to its network for longer durations. Formerly, Verizon was obligated to unlock devices 60 days post-activation. This latest decision indicates that Verizon will now only need to comply with the voluntary unlocking guidelines established by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA). According to this policy, prepaid devices may be unlocked one year after activation, while postpaid devices are only eligible for unlocking after meeting contractual commitments, device financing arrangements, or early termination fees.

### Consequences for Consumers

This ruling complicates the process for consumers wishing to transition from Verizon to alternative carriers. The previous stipulation permitted automatic unlocking after 60 days, affording a clear pathway for customers wanting to migrate. Now, patrons must wait a complete year and initiate a request for unlocking, which adds complexity to the entire procedure.

### Context of Verizon’s Unlocking Regulations

Traditionally, Verizon has functioned under different unlocking regulations when compared to its rivals. While the majority of carriers adhere to the one-year unlocking stipulation, Verizon’s earlier guidelines were partly influenced by strategic decisions made during significant commercial undertakings. For example, when Verizon secured licenses for 700 MHz spectrum in 2008 and during its 2021 merger with TracFone, it committed to specific unlocking stipulations.

### Justification for the FCC’s Decision

The FCC defended its ruling by claiming that the earlier unlocking policy encouraged unlawful activities, such as phone theft, which could be leveraged for fraudulent purposes. Verizon supported this viewpoint, asserting that the former regulations unintentionally aided international criminal organizations at the detriment of legitimate customers.

### Summary

For Verizon users, this policy adjustment signifies a significant shift in the management of phone unlocking. The new requirement not only prolongs the waiting period for unlocking devices but also adds layers of difficulty to the process of changing carriers. As the telecom sector continues to transform, consumers will have to navigate these developments thoughtfully.

Apple has revealed a notable modification to its suite of productivity applications, which includes Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and Freeform. Historically, these applications have been free for users on Apple devices; however, the launch of the Apple Creator Studio will introduce new AI functionalities and premium content that will demand a subscription.

The fundamental capabilities of these applications will continue to be free, enabling users to create, edit, and collaborate without any subscription fees. Yet, those who subscribe will unlock advanced features, such as exclusive templates and themes, along with access to a new high-quality media library via the Content Hub. This initiative aims to empower creators from various fields while ensuring user privacy.

Apple has yet to share all specifics, but the subscription service is crafted to enhance the familiar experiences of other creative tools like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro. Users can anticipate uninterrupted access to existing functionalities, with the subscription mainly aimed at individuals looking to take advantage of the new visual-centric content.

Moreover, users will retain the option to buy the Mac versions of these creative applications outright, rather than subscribing. This flexibility enables users to select the most suitable approach for their requirements, whether they favor the classic one-time purchase model or the new subscription model for premium features.

Apple has recently garnered attention by collaborating with Google to improve its AI capabilities, particularly regarding Siri. This partnership is aligned with Apple’s ambitions to create its own AI server chips, as disclosed by industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. These moves indicate a strategic initiative by Apple to strengthen its presence in the swiftly changing AI arena.

### Proprietary AI Server Chips Could Provide Apple a New Edge

According to Kuo, Apple’s own AI server chips are projected to begin mass production in the latter half of 2026. Moreover, Apple intends to build and manage its own data centers by 2027, highlighting a substantial commitment to AI infrastructure. This timetable implies that Apple expects a marked increase in demand for on-device AI functionalities starting in 2027.

For years, rumors have circulated about Apple’s plans to create its own AI-targeted server-class chips. The validation of these intentions signifies a crucial juncture for the company, particularly in light of its established strengths in silicon engineering. Apple’s silicon team has continuously enhanced the performance of its devices, including the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The rollout of proprietary cellular modems and wireless chips further emphasizes the company’s prowess in hardware innovation.

Kuo’s analysis points out that while the new AI server chips are scheduled for mass production in 2026, they might also be utilized in current data centers on a limited scale prior to the full-scale launch. This gradual implementation enables Apple to seamlessly incorporate its new technology while fine-tuning its AI capabilities.

### Consequences for Apple’s Future

The creation of proprietary AI server chips could offer Apple a distinctive competitive advantage. By having control over its hardware, Apple can enhance performance and efficiency for its AI solutions, which may result in improved user experiences throughout its ecosystem. As the need for AI-driven functionalities continues to rise, Apple’s commitment to this sector could place it in a favorable position against its rivals.

The excitement around these developments raises inquiries about the future of Apple’s AI advances and the implications for products like Siri. As Apple persists in its innovation and expands its technological foundations, the incorporation of sophisticated AI features could transform user interaction with its devices.

In summary, Apple’s initiative to develop its own AI server chips marks a significant milestone in its continuous evolution within the technology sector. With a solid base in silicon engineering and a strategic alliance with Google, Apple is well-positioned to enhance its AI capabilities and potentially alter the artificial intelligence landscape in consumer technology.