Author: sparta

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    • Comments Off on macOS Tahoe Unveils Extensive Revamp of Control Center: Essential New Features Detailed
    macOS Tahoe Unveils Extensive Revamp of Control Center: Essential New Features Detailed

    **macOS Tahoe: Thrilling Enhancements and the New Control Center**

    macOS Tahoe unveils a range of thrilling enhancements for Mac users, featuring an upgraded Spotlight, a fresh Liquid Glass design, and three entirely new applications. A highlight of macOS Tahoe is the enhanced Control Center, inspired by the iPhone and iPad.

    ### Control Center in macOS Tahoe Draws Inspiration from the iPhone

    Last year, Apple introduced an overhauled Control Center for iOS and iPadOS 18, boosting its functionality and customization features. Throughout the past year, Apple regularly enriched this Control Center with new features via software updates. However, macOS Sequoia experienced limited changes to its Control Center, leaving Mac users without these improvements.

    With macOS Tahoe, the longing for a more robust Control Center is finally fulfilled. The new Control Center is loaded with capabilities that match those found on iOS devices, and in some ways, it even outperforms them.

    #### Newly Introduced Features:

    – **New System Controls**: Improved controls that closely resemble those on iOS.
    – **Customizable Controls**: Users can establish a personalized setup according to their preferences.
    – **Rearrangement Feature**: Another avenue to customize the Control Center arrangement.
    – **Menu Bar Integration**: Users can make any control directly accessible from the menu bar.
    – **Integration of Third-Party Controls**: A new API facilitates the incorporation of third-party controls.
    – **Liquid Glass Aesthetic**: A novel design that aligns with Apple’s design ethos.

    These enhancements align the Mac’s Control Center with that of the iPhone and iPad while also providing the unique benefit of storing controls in the menu bar for speedy access.

    The upgraded Control Center in macOS Tahoe demonstrates Apple’s dedication to achieving feature parity among its devices. The universal Liquid Glass design bolsters the consistency of Apple’s platforms, indicating a move towards a more unified user experience across the Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

    Are you thrilled to see the Control Center improved in macOS Tahoe? Share your opinions with us!

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    • Comments Off on Responses to the launch event of the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, AirPods Pro 3, and Apple Watch Series 11
    Responses to the launch event of the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, AirPods Pro 3, and Apple Watch Series 11

    **Apple’s September Event: Main Highlights and Reactions**

    The September Apple event has successfully garnered the interest of technology aficionados and Apple supporters alike. This year, Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller shared their perspectives and feedback on the announcements made during the keynote, with Chance attending the event in person, providing a distinct outlook on the new devices.

    ### New Product Launches

    1. **AirPods Pro 3**: Apple unveiled the newest version of its well-liked wireless earbuds, the AirPods Pro 3. With enhanced audio quality, upgraded noise cancellation, and extended battery life, these earbuds are crafted to enhance the listening experience for users.

    2. **Apple Watch Series 11**: The refreshed Apple Watch Series 11 features advanced health monitoring capabilities, including refined heart rate tracking and new fitness metrics. The design has also been updated, rendering it more fashionable and practical for daily usage.

    3. **iPhone 17 and iPhone Air**: The iPhone 17 lineup presents substantial improvements in camera technology, processing capabilities, and battery efficiency. The launch of the iPhone Air provides a more economical option without sacrificing key features.

    4. **iPhone 17 Pro Series**: Significantly, the iPhone 17 Pro series is available in a bold orange hue, sparking enthusiasm among fans. This series emphasizes professional-grade photography and videography functions, appealing to content creators.

    ### Hands-On Impressions

    Chance Miller conveyed his initial hands-on impressions of the new devices, emphasizing the tactile sensation and performance upgrades that users can anticipate. His direct experience at Apple Park offered valuable insights into the design and functionality of the new offerings.

    ### Happy Hour Plus Discussion

    In the recent episode of 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus, Benjamin and Chance explored which products they are most enthusiastic about from the announcements. They also went into more detail about Chance’s experience at Apple Park, giving listeners an insider’s perspective of the event.

    ### Subscription and Support

    Listeners can support Benjamin and Chance by subscribing to 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus, which features ad-free episodes, pre- and post-show content, and bonus episodes for $5 each month or $50 annually.

    ### Feedback and Engagement

    The hosts invite feedback and questions from their audience. Fans can send inquiries through Twitter, Mastodon, or Threads, or email them directly at [email protected].

    ### Conclusion

    The September Apple event has laid the groundwork for an thrilling year ahead for Apple users, with groundbreaking products that meet a diverse array of needs. As Benjamin and Chance continue to offer their perspectives, the tech community looks forward to the effects of these new devices on everyday life.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Five Reasons to Steer Clear of Buying the iPhone Air
    Five Reasons to Steer Clear of Buying the iPhone Air

    After months of speculation, Apple unveiled the all-new iPhone Air on September 9. This sleek device redefines the traditional iPhone design by integrating all components beneath a new camera plateau. This fascinating feat of engineering condenses vital elements into a compact format, allowing Apple to enhance battery performance not only for this model, but for the Pro variants as well.

    Featuring a titanium finish, incorporating the same display technologies as an iPhone 17 Pro, and equipped with a Ceramic Shield on both sides, it’s clear that many Apple enthusiasts will be eager to purchase the iPhone Air on September 19. Yet, despite its remarkable features and specifications, there are some drawbacks and concerns that might cause potential buyers to hesitate before spending $999 on this ultra-slim device.

    The iPhone Air boasts many excellent attributes, but its absence of significant features could lead some to consider passing on it for at least this generation. Here are the main reasons to opt out of the iPhone Air and prefer a regular or Pro model instead.

    Reasons to pass on the initial iPhone Air

    Even though Apple has included the A19 Pro chip in the iPhone Air, it has one less GPU core compared to the same chip in the iPhone 17 Pro models. While this shouldn’t considerably affect performance, it won’t match the iPhone 17 Pro’s capabilities, especially since it lacks the vapor chamber designed solely for Pro models.

    Apple has also worked diligently to ensure the iPhone Air’s battery life is satisfactory. However, to achieve the same efficiency as the iPhone 17 Pro Max, users will need to invest an additional $100 in the MagSafe Battery Pack, which somewhat undermines the purpose of acquiring the thinnest iPhone ever created.

    It’s now 2026, and a smartphone priced at $999 shouldn’t feature just a single main camera. Apple asserts that the Fusion Main camera is “four lenses in one camera,” yet users can capture up to 12-megapixel images with a 2x “optical” zoom, and that’s the extent of it. Photos taken with this device may look fantastic, but users will miss out on Pro attributes such as enhanced zoom, macro photography, spatial video, and Cinematic mode.

    Further concerns regarding the iPhone Air

    Delving deeper into the iPhone Air’s features, it’s important to point out that it lacks the fast charging abilities of the other iPhone 17 models, meaning it won’t reach 50% charge in 20 minutes. iPhone Air users will need to wait 30 minutes instead. Additionally, its USB-C port only supports USB 2 speeds, resulting in slower data transfers via cable.

    Moreover, due to its thin design, Apple omitted a speaker on the bottom, resulting in the iPhone Air offering only mono sound capabilities without headphones. Still, the iPhone Air is undeniably an impressive accomplishment by Apple. Nonetheless, it comes across more as a preview of technologies being developed for the anticipated iPhone Fold than a leading smartphone.

    These compromises may be acceptable for some consumers, but they are important to consider regardless. Fortunately, we won’t have to wait much longer to experience it, as the iPhone Air will be available for preorder on September 12 and will begin shipping on September 19.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on AirPods Pro 3: Improved Features and Factors to Consider When Upgrading from AirPods Pro 2
    AirPods Pro 3: Improved Features and Factors to Consider When Upgrading from AirPods Pro 2

    One of Apple’s most sought-after devices has just received an enhancement. This Monday, Apple unveiled the completely revamped AirPods Pro 3. While there are several significant upgrades from the prior version, they don’t represent as substantial a leap as the transition from the first to the second generation. That being said, if you’re currently using Lightning or USB-C AirPods Pro 2 with great battery performance, switching to these new ones may not be simple.

    To begin with, Apple is not rolling out a new audio chip. Consequently, the audio quality will stay consistent. Nevertheless, if you decide to move to these new earbuds, Apple asserts that the Active Noise Cancellation is significantly improved compared to the previous iteration. This enhancement results from a redesign of the earbuds, making them smaller and introducing a new foam tip that enhances the fit in the ear canal.

    It’s always enticing to switch to the newest model of a gadget, but this one isn’t entirely straightforward. Below, we’ll explore some reasons to consider upgrading to AirPods Pro 3, as well as some reasons to pass on this generation.

    Advantages and disadvantages of AirPods Pro 3

    While the standout feature of AirPods Pro 3 is the new heart rate sensor and its connection with the Apple Fitness app, this functionality will only be available for those working out without an Apple Watch. That means if you regularly wear your Apple Watch, you may never take full advantage of the AirPods Pro 3 heart rate monitor. That’s something to think about prior to purchasing these earbuds.

    Another advantage of these earbuds, longer battery duration while utilizing ANC or Transparency Mode, has a drawback as well. Although you can achieve up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, these earbuds only provide a maximum of 24 hours of listening time with the charging case, while the previous generation provided 6 hours on a single charge, but allowed for up to 30 hours in total with the case.

    Finally, the new Live Translation feature, which is an incredibly thrilling development, will also be accessible to owners of AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 once watchOS 26 is released. You don’t necessarily need to upgrade your device to utilize this feature.

    Should you purchase AirPods Pro 3?

    Speculation indicates that Apple is planning a more substantial AirPods update for next year. While this could imply an entirely new series of AirPods (perhaps an Ultra model?), the latest generation of AirPods Pro does come with a few features that aren’t available elsewhere. For instance, the charging case is equipped with the second generation ultra-wide band chip, which Apple designates as U2.

    With that, this will be the first device from Apple apart from the iPhone and Apple Watch to possess a broader range of discovery. Apple has also enhanced the water resistance of these earbuds with an IP57 rating. Previously, they were merely resistant to splashes, but the AirPods Pro 3 can be submerged in a meter of water for up to 30 minutes without concern.

    Consumers will receive all of this for the same price of $249 as the AirPods Pro 2. AirPods Pro 3 offer a better fit, improved ANC, longer battery life, and an innovative heart rate monitor. However, they still utilize the same H2 chip, meaning they will offer a different feel while maintaining the same sound quality.

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    • Comments Off on Google Ridicules Apple’s iPhone 17 AI Capabilities with Chickens and Turtles
    Google Ridicules Apple’s iPhone 17 AI Capabilities with Chickens and Turtles

    After the recent event held by Apple, Google is enjoying itself, taking jabs at its rival over its AI issues.

    The newest episode of Google’s #BestPhonesForever, titled “Generational Gap,” mocked Apple’s AI capabilities concerning the iPhone 17 series. In the episode, the iPhone was shown attempting to teach chickens to sing and turtles how to run a bank, but Google Pixel pointed out that those videos were produced by Gemini. Users are still waiting for the promises made by Apple Intelligence to fully materialize, and a year later, it seems iPhone users will continue to be kept in the dark.

    Apple’s iPhone 17 event took place this week, and Google has already moved on to another chapter of #BestPhonesForever. The Made by Google X account shared the company’s latest installment of #BestPhonesForever, “Generation Gap,” which ridiculed Apple’s artificial intelligence. As if in a carnival, Apple’s iPhone was discovered by Google Pixel in a pile of chicken feed, with adorable chicks scurrying around in the background. The iPhone ended up stating that it was not only training its chickens to sing but also teaching turtles to manage a bank.

    Google’s Pixel found both plans somewhat familiar, showcasing clips of videos produced by Gemini. It was something the iPhone assumed Google Pixel was actually capable of, not something generated by its own AI.

    The iPhone was compelled to return to the planning stages, which subtly critiques the ongoing challenges faced by Apple in real life. Google’s tagline further taunts, saying, “When iPhone’s plans run afoul, Pixel promptly generates some helpful advice.”

    Apple’s AI challenges

    Apple introduced its iPhone 17 series earlier this week, but its AI software wasn’t prominently featured as it might have preferred. Apple Intelligence had taken a bit of a back seat, offering minor upgrades compared to what users currently have at their disposal (though not all features are fully available). Apple showcased the new Liquid Glass design, Live Translations for audio and text, among other features.

    Here’s the reality: it has already been a year since Apple launched its AI intelligence for iPhone users, and they still haven’t received all that was promised. In fact, many of those functionalities remain on hold. This delay is likely to set things back for yet another year. It’s not that Apple lacks a robust, clear vision for its AI intelligence—it certainly does. However, the ongoing delays and hurdles have led some to ponder if Apple should just concede to Gemini.

    This #BestPhonesForever series on YouTube by Google serves as its way of having “fun” at Apple’s expense, much like in its response to rumors about the design of the iPhone 17. We have since witnessed that the iPhone 17 series, particularly the Pro and Pro Max models, embraced that bar design for its cameras. Several elements that Apple “borrowed” from Android were also noticeable during its event.

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    • Comments Off on Google Unveils Integrated ‘Purchases’ Tab in Gmail for Festive Shopping
    Google Unveils Integrated ‘Purchases’ Tab in Gmail for Festive Shopping

    Are those sleigh bells ringing for you yet… or is it too early?

    (Image credit: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)
    Disclaimer

    Like our content? Be sure to make Android Central your go-to source in Google Search to keep up with the latest news, reviews, features, and more.

    Essential Information

    • Google is launching an update for Gmail that introduces a new “Purchases” tab just in time for the festive season.
    • This new tab will exclusively show your purchases/orders along with tracking details, featuring the “Arriving Soon” section at the top like your inbox.
    • Gmail is also refreshing its Promotions tab, providing users a method to access what’s most essential and “timely” offers more swiftly.

    Google is beginning to implement an update for Gmail that could simplify the management of those packages this festive season.

    Two features are incoming in this update, as Google announced

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    Reasons Vessels Utilize Knots Rather Than Miles Per Hour for Speed Assessment

    When traversing land, speed is quantified in either miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (km/h). These units are clear-cut since stationary landmarks allow for easy estimation of distance and speed. However, out on the water, landmarks are frequently absent, making it unfeasible for ships to depend on the same travel systems used on land. This is the reason vessels adopt knots in place of miles per hour for speed measurement.

    A knot is characterized as one nautical mile per hour, and a nautical mile is marginally longer than a conventional mile. More specifically, a nautical mile equals 1.1508 miles (1,852 meters), and it is grounded in the Earth’s geometry; one nautical mile equates to one minute of latitude on the globe. This framework renders nautical miles and knots more advantageous for navigation as they correspond with global coordinates utilized on nautical charts.

    The origin of the term “knot” can be traced back hundreds of years. Sailors historically gauged speed with a rope that had evenly spaced knots tied into it. The rope was cast overboard, and as the ship advanced, sailors would tally how many knots passed through their fingers within a specific timeframe, hence the term “knots” to describe speed at sea.

    By utilizing knots, mariners acquire a practical, universally recognized measure of speed that is directly tied to navigation and chart plotting, an advantage that miles per hour cannot provide in vast oceanic environments.

    The origins of knots can be traced back to as early as the 15th century

    <source media="(min-width: 429px)"

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on All Existing iPhone Models Now Embrace Apple Intelligence
    All Existing iPhone Models Now Embrace Apple Intelligence

    iPhone 17 preorders will commence on Friday, yet the four new models aren’t the sole iPhones offered by Apple. As is customary, Apple has reduced prices on some of the previous-generation models, providing a standard $100 markdown from the original prices both online and in Apple retail locations. The good news is that, in contrast to last year, every iPhone currently available from Apple comes with Apple Intelligence support right out of the box. Apple has resolved the Apple Intelligence fragmentation “issue” that emerged with the iOS 18 update, removing older iPhone models that lack Apple Intelligence capability from its offerings.

    iPhone purchasers interested in a new device, whether it’s one of the four iPhone 17 variants or a more economical iPhone 16, can proceed with confidence that Apple Intelligence functionalities will be accessible from the moment they activate the phone. While Apple Intelligence still lags behind ChatGPT and Google Gemini in terms of features, Apple is actively working to bridge that gap in the coming months and years. For the time being, Apple has confirmed that all iPhone models available in its stores will be compatible with Apple Intelligence features provided in iOS 26 and future updates.

    Which iPhones did Apple discontinue?

    Apple introduced Apple Intelligence with iOS 18 in June 2024, outlining the hardware prerequisites for its exclusive suite of AI tools. Apple specified that Apple Intelligence would be operational on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max at a time when the iPhone 15 series was the newest generation available in stores. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus would not be compatible with Apple Intelligence. The iPhone 14 models that Apple continued to sell also did not support Apple’s AI.

    Apple launched the iPhone 16 series in September 2024, and all four variants came with enhanced specs that guaranteed support for Apple Intelligence out of the box. Nonetheless, <a href="https://www.bgr.com/tech/apple-2024-iphone-prices-everything-you-need-to-know-about-iphone-16-the-older-iphones-without

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Apple’s Reply to Issues Regarding iPhone Air Bending Concerns
    Apple’s Reply to Issues Regarding iPhone Air Bending Concerns

    ### Apple’s iPhone Air: Is Bending a Concern?

    Apple’s sleek iPhone Air has sparked considerable buzz since its release, yet a key inquiry lingers for prospective buyers: will it bend? In a recent interview, Apple officials tackled this worry head-on.

    #### Apple Executives Challenge Reporters to Test Flexibility

    After the announcement of the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air, Tom’s Guide and Tech Radar held a discussion with Apple’s John Ternus and Greg Joswiak. During their conversation, the issue of the iPhone Air’s flexibility came up.

    Ternus asserted confidently, “It surpasses our internal standards for bend strength,” while Joswiak noted that these standards are “quite high.” To illustrate their confidence, Joswiak invited the interviewers to try bending the iPhone Air themselves. In a bold gesture, he tossed the device to Lance Ulanoff, who, together with the interviewer, attempted to bend it. Their efforts proved fruitless, as the iPhone Air remained unscathed.

    This invitation for a hands-on test showcased a daring marketing approach by Apple, reflecting their faith in the iPhone Air’s robustness.

    #### Concerns About Durability

    Although Apple’s assurances regarding the iPhone Air’s bend strength are reassuring, the real assessment of its durability will unfold over time. Users who keep the device in their back pockets and frequently sit down may still ponder the long-term implications for the iPhone Air’s titanium-reinforced structure.

    As with any emerging technology, only time will tell how well the iPhone Air endures everyday usage.

    #### Conclusion

    The durability of the iPhone Air is a significant concern for many potential customers. While Apple’s executives have offered some comfort regarding its bend strength, the actual performance of the device in real-world scenarios will ultimately dictate its lifespan. Users are invited to voice their opinions and concerns about the iPhone Air’s durability in the comments section.

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    • Comments Off on Apple’s Video Guide Simplifies iPhone 17 Choice Procedure
    Apple’s Video Guide Simplifies iPhone 17 Choice Procedure

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    the ultra-slim iPhone Air comes with certain trade-offs you should consider, which may overshadow the performance that the Air is set to deliver compared to the iPhone Pro. The iPhone 17 Pros boast Apple’s most advanced iPhone hardware, featuring the most refined camera functionality and superior battery longevity. However, there’s also the standard iPhone 17 starting at $799, which provides 256GB of storage along with display and battery specifications that compete with the Pro versions.

    Apple recognizes that selecting the ideal iPhone may be more challenging than ever, leading to the release of a video on its YouTube channel named “The Can’t Decide Guide: A Guided Tour of the New iPhone Family” to assist customers. The video runs for approximately 10 minutes and has garnered nearly 1.8 million views at the time of writing. In comparison, the iPhone 17 livestream event attracted 28 million viewers on YouTube as of Thursday morning.

    iPhone 17, iPhone Air, or one of the Pros?

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