A dancing robot in a Haidilao hot pot restaurant boogied down a little too hard.
AirTag 2 vs AirTag: Main New Features and Enhancements
# Apple AirTag 2: An In-Depth Look at New Enhancements
The successor to Apple’s AirTag was introduced earlier this year, coming five years after the initial version. Here’s a rundown of every new and enhanced feature in AirTag 2.
## Enhanced Precision Finding with New Ultra Wideband Chip
Precision Finding is a feature that utilizes your iPhone to assist you in accurately locating your lost AirTag through haptic, visual, and audio signals. With AirTag 2, Apple has included a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip that allows Precision Finding to function from up to 1.5 times further than what was possible with the initial AirTag. Ensure you have an iPhone that supports this extended range. Additionally, users of compatible Apple Watch models can now employ Precision Finding to locate the new AirTag, a capability that was not offered with the original AirTag.
## Improved Bluetooth for Enhanced Range
Apple states that AirTag 2 features an upgraded Bluetooth chip that “broadens the distance at which items can be tracked.” However, it does not disclose the exact extent of improvement in this regard.
## Amplified Speaker
AirTag 2 includes a speaker that Apple claims is up to 50% louder than that of the original version. If you’ve ever activated your AirTag and struggled to hear its sound, this enhancement is aimed at you. The upgraded speaker enables you to hear AirTag 2 “from up to twice as far away,” according to Apple, facilitating the search for misplaced items.
## New Privacy Measures
The initial AirTag quickly fell prey to misuse by individuals for unwanted tracking. Although Apple has attempted to address this issue through software updates over time, it has also introduced some new privacy measures with AirTag 2. As per Apple, the new AirTag features a range of industry-first safeguards against unwanted tracking, such as cross-platform notifications and unique Bluetooth identifiers that frequently change.
## What Remains the Same: Battery Life, Design, Size, and Pricing
For all the modifications in the new AirTag, there is still a lot that stays unchanged. The battery life remains the same in the new AirTag, with Apple stating “more than a year” of operation before the battery requires replacement. The fundamental design and dimensions of AirTag 2 also correspond with its predecessor, meaning existing AirTag accessories will be compatible with the new AirTag. The pricing of the new AirTag remains unchanged.
Have you transitioned to AirTag 2, and if so, which features influenced your decision? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Top 5 Minimalistic Applications to Utilize in 2026
Minimalist devices such as the Mudita Kompakt and Light Phone III are recognized for including straightforward applications.
However, you don’t have to immediately seek out a minimalist phone to achieve a more tranquil digital existence. You can convert your existing device into a basic phone by utilizing some minimalist applications. There is still a vast array of contemporary apps available that provide fundamental features. We’ve compiled a list of five such apps that you can test on your iPhone or Android device right now.
Lazy Weather
Bluesky Secures $100M in Series B Funding with New CEO at the Helm
Ten days after founder Jay Graber stepped aside as CEO, the decentralised social platform has disclosed a $100 million Series B led by Bain Capital Crypto, a round that closed last April but was never announced. The timing tells its own story. There is a quiet irony in the fact that the person who built […]
This story continues at The Next Web
Apple Announces 23% Growth in iPhone Sales in China in Early 2026
### iPhone Sales Rise in China Amidst Growing Competition and Price Increases
Recent findings from Counterpoint Research indicate a significant trend within China’s smartphone sector. While the market as a whole experienced a 4% drop in sales from January to early March, Apple achieved an impressive 23% boost in its iPhone sales during the same timeframe. This article examines the elements driving Apple’s success in a difficult market environment.
#### Increased Costs and Competitive Pricing
The report points out that escalating memory chip costs have forced Android manufacturers to raise their prices. This increase has been substantial enough that even government subsidies have struggled to alleviate the sales decline for these brands. In contrast, Apple has cleverly utilized online discounts and taken advantage of government support that has not benefited its rivals. The base iPhone 17 has stayed attractively priced, enabling Apple to draw in more customers.
Apple’s strength arises from its long-term contracts with suppliers, shielding the company from immediate effects of surging component costs. This approach has allowed Apple to absorb some of the margin pressures while potentially growing its market share in a shrinking market.
#### Apple’s Strategic Advantage
In a recent earnings discussion, Apple leaders, including CEO Tim Cook and CFO Kevan Parekh, expressed optimism in the company’s capacity to navigate the ongoing economic environment. They recognized the likelihood of future price hikes if cost pressures continue, reflecting a proactive strategy to sustain profitability.
Conversely, local Chinese brands such as OPPO and vivo have started increasing prices on certain devices, highlighting their difficulties with component costs. However, Huawei seems to be in a favorable position due to its dependence on domestic suppliers, which may assist it in managing the continuous component shortages more effectively.
#### Future Perspective
The report indicates that the current smartphone market situation is not expected to show significant improvement in the near future. Some relief may be anticipated during China’s midyear shopping festival in June, which typically involves considerable discounts. Nevertheless, the overall outlook remains cautious as manufacturers adjust to the changing market conditions.
For further information, you can read the complete report by Reuters [here](https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/apples-china-smartphone-sales-jump-23-start-2026-bucking-industry-trend-2026-03-19/).
Google Begins Testing a Specialized Gemini Application for Mac, As Reported by Bloomberg
**Google’s Gemini Application for macOS: An Encouraging Advancement for Mac Users**
Users of macOS who prefer Google’s Gemini for their AI engagements may soon have a specialized app available. A report from Bloomberg indicates that Google has begun beta testing an early iteration of the Gemini application specifically tailored for macOS, aimed at a limited group of users.
In messages shared with testers, Google made it clear that this preliminary version of the Gemini application for macOS is not fully comprehensive. The company highlighted that it is an early model intended to collect feedback, indicating, “This is an early version of the Gemini for Mac app for your feedback and will have only critical features from the other clients but not all.”
One of the noteworthy features of the macOS version is named Desktop Intelligence. This capability enables Gemini to access the context of the user’s screen, boosting the AI’s ability to retrieve pertinent content from other applications to customize the user experience. As outlined in the testing documents, “When you enable apps for Desktop Intelligence you are enabling Gemini to see what you see (such as screen context) and pull content directly from these apps to improve and personalize your experience only when Gemini is in use.”
The layout of the Gemini application on macOS reportedly mirrors that of its versions on iPhone and iPad, indicating a seamless user experience across devices. Nevertheless, there is presently no confirmed timeline for when Google intends to unveil the complete version of the Gemini application for macOS. The lack of a dedicated application has been a significant gap for Gemini, as macOS users have had to depend on web access to use the platform. Conversely, rivals like Anthropic and OpenAI have already introduced dedicated Mac applications for their respective AI services, Claude and ChatGPT.
As beta testing moves forward, the excitement for a fully operational Gemini application for macOS continues to escalate among users desiring a more integrated and effective AI experience on their devices.
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Reddit Down? Understanding Server Errors and What We Know So Far
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Horizon Worlds Ceases Operations on VR: Future Consequences for Meta Quest and the Metaverse
This week, Meta unveiled the newest development in its Metaverse approach, and although it’s not entirely unforeseen, it is nonetheless somewhat surprising. Horizon Worlds, Meta’s Metaverse platform akin to Roblox for Meta Quest headsets, is officially being discontinued on Meta’s VR system, with services ceasing on June 15, 2026. This was outlined in a message sent to Meta Quest account holders:
“Beginning June 15, 2026, you will no longer have the ability to create, publish, or update VR worlds. Additionally, access to Meta Horizon Worlds on Meta Quest headsets will no longer be available. After this date, you can still enjoy worlds on the Meta Horizon mobile application.”
Meta dedicated much of 2024 and 2025 to deeply embedding Horizon Worlds into the Meta Quest experience, even going so far as to rename the Meta Quest’s operating system to Horizon OS and featuring Horizon Worlds as the initial interface in the headset and on the companion mobile app. Meta has recently declared that the Horizon feed would be retired, and now it is completely shutting down everything related to the Horizon Central social hub and the Horizon Worlds app.
In essence, the Meta Quest experience is reverting to the golden era of 2022 when it was primarily a gaming platform. This is a decision many (myself included) have been advocating for years, and it demonstrates that Meta is indeed clearing out the clutter and returning to fundamental principles with the Quest.
What ‘gaming-focused’ truly signifies
Back in December, I discussed how Meta was “eliminating the excess” and returning to basics. Based on my understanding, that indicated a shift away from an integrated Metaverse towards producing major games to draw in large numbers of players. Regrettably, I misjudged the latter part of that assessment. Meta is not becoming the next Nintendo or Sony, which is disappointing given the quality of the games produced by its first-party studios over the past decade.
Instead, Meta will concentrate exclusively on funding external games and studios; however, even then, it will not operate as the “lucrative opportunity” it has been in recent years. Meta announced that Oculus Publishing delivered over 140 games in 2025 and has numerous more slated for release this year, suggesting that while blank checks may cease, the company still seems committed to funding game development.
Regrettably, the modifications being made to Horizon Worlds also imply that several promising projects will be abandoned. In November, Meta introduced social Hyperscape worlds utilizing the upgraded Horizon engine, enabling users to engage in hyper-realistic social settings. This service will be shut down alongside Horizon Worlds, but at least the scanning and construction of Hyperscape environments within the original application will remain.
While it’s unfortunate to lose some of these elements, the truth is that they must be eliminated to preserve the remainder of the ecosystem. Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth has frequently stated that Meta “is a large company and has the capacity to work on multiple initiatives concurrently,” but users have limited time and attention, and it is evident that Meta’s focus on a Metaverse-centered platform has not been what is attracting gamers to the platform.
The gamers have made their voices heard
To illustrate that the Quest is a gaming-centered platform, Chris Pruett, Director of Games at Meta, spoke at GDC about the state of the Quest ecosystem. “Quest usage has been rising year over year, and in 2025, we reached our highest ever unique user numbers in our history.” That’s not indicative of a failing platform — quite the opposite.
In 2025, “more than 100 titles generated over $1M in gross revenue,” and Pruett clarified that “premium app sales remain the primary revenue source for our ecosystem, but IAP saw significant growth in 2025, exceeding 10%.” This is excellent news for gaming, and notably, Pruett does not mention Horizon Worlds revenue even once. Meta is no longer attempting to justify financing a feature that lacks user interest.
Therefore, rather than seeing subpar free content shoved in your face as soon as you power on the headset, Meta appears to be returning to the promotion of actual games that consumers are willing to spend significant amounts of real money on.
To support this, Meta will keep expanding its Meta Horizon+ gaming subscription, which grants players access to over 100 games for merely $8 monthly. To enhance matters, Pruett mentioned that Meta provided over $20 million to developers who took part in the program in 2025, demonstrating that there is indeed profit to be earned for developers via the service.
Meta continues to assert that its promotion of Horizon Worlds had a minimal negative effect on game sales, but the data contradicts what developers have communicated to me and other outlets. Pruett indicated that despite the low impact, featuring Horizon Worlds prominently “was universally
