In-depth Analysis Uncovers Major Design Improvements for iPhone 18 and iPhone 20
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Read MoreOver the past few years, the introduction of new features for CarPlay has been sparse. However, with the debut of CarPlay Ultra and the upcoming updates in iOS 26 for the standard CarPlay, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Here’s what to expect this autumn with iOS 26, marking CarPlay’s most significant update in years.
## New ‘Liquid Glass’ Aesthetic
As part of Apple’s design overhaul across platforms this year, the new ‘Liquid Glass’ aesthetic of iOS 26 is making its way into vehicles as well. This upgrade means that app icons and various UI components have been redesigned, and you’ll have the option to tailor the appearance using different icon styles, choosing from Default, Dark, and Clear—with the latter featuring several unique variants.
## Widgets in CarPlay
A few years back, CarPlay widgets were revealed as an element of Apple’s “next generation of CarPlay” project. This newer version ultimately became CarPlay Ultra, yet luckily, Apple is also introducing widgets to the standard CarPlay interface. In iOS 26, your car can showcase any widgets from the apps installed on your iPhone. Therefore, apps won’t require specific CarPlay compatibility for you to access their widgets while on the move.
## Video in the Car via AirPlay
Have you ever found yourself in the car needing to pass the time? CarPlay in iOS 26 enhances that experience by supporting video playback in the car. When your vehicle is parked, CarPlay allows you to view videos on your car’s display. This feature utilizes AirPlay technology, and third-party apps can implement bespoke support. So the next time you’re charging your electric vehicle, waiting to pick someone up, or in a similar scenario, CarPlay will be there to entertain you.
## Live Activities
This year is monumental for Live Activities, a feature previously exclusive to the iPhone and Apple Watch. Alongside its introduction on the Mac and iPad in macOS Tahoe and iPadOS 26, CarPlay now includes support for Live Activities. Essentially, any Live Activity occurring on your iPhone will also be displayed in CarPlay—ideal for monitoring flights, sports scores, food deliveries, and more.
## Messages, Phone, Maps Enhancements
Apple has a multitude of new functionalities slated for system apps in iOS 26 that will enhance CarPlay as well. Here are a few particular improvements I want to emphasize for Messages, Phone, and Maps. Messages will finally incorporate tapback support in your vehicle. This widely used feature will allow you to swiftly and easily add a thumbs up, heart, or any other tapback to your friends’ messages. Pinned conversations are now accessible in the car too.
The Phone app receives a significant UI update in iOS 26: incoming calls will no longer occupy your entire screen; instead, they’ll present in a compact view, allowing you to access important navigation information seamlessly. Additionally, if your vehicle is equipped with a multitouch display, Apple Maps will let you engage with the map using multitouch for the first time.
CarPlay introduces a distinctive ‘Smart Display Zoom’ feature in iOS 26, providing enhanced flexibility in utilizing your limited screen space. Smart Display Zoom enables you to fit notably more content on the screen simultaneously. Naturally, as things become smaller, they may be trickier to tap while driving. Nevertheless, depending on your setup, you might find CarPlay’s new iOS 26 layout options to be an attractive alternative. Likewise, CarPlay will allow you to adjust text size according to your preference, making it larger and easier to read should that be your choice.
## iOS 26’s New CarPlay Features: Summary
This year is shaping up to be a monumental one for CarPlay, setting the stage for a robust ‘next generation’ for this long-time favorite among users. With all of the new features headed to CarPlay, iOS 26 will deliver significantly more than just enhancements for your iPhone—it will represent a major transformation for your vehicle as well.
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Read MoreIt’s well-known that Apple’s initiatives in the AI domain have been rather unimpressive, to say the least. Firstly, the limitations of Apple Intelligence features are quite noticeable. Secondly, Apple’s collaboration with ChatGPT highlights the company’s deficit in the necessary AI capabilities to thrive in a progressively competitive and advanced market. Consequently, a recent speculation indicates that Apple might aim to utilize its cash reserves to quickly enhance its AI offerings.
A fresh rumor from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, who is usually reliable regarding Apple rumors, reports that Apple executives have discussed the possibility of acquiring Perplexity AI. Furthermore, to emphasize the seriousness of these discussions, two of the named executives involved in the dialogues are Eddy Cue and Adrian Perica, Apple’s chief of mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, representatives from the two organizations have already participated in initial talks.
“Acquiring Perplexity would provide Apple with an influx of AI expertise, a recognized brand in the AI sector, and a consumer product,” Gurman observes. “A transaction could also potentially aid in future recruitment initiatives.”
What exactly is Perplexity AI?
In broad terms, Perplexity resembles ChatGPT in that both platforms utilize AI to create responses to user inquiries. However, the distinction lies in the fact that ChatGPT is more conversational, whereas Perplexity functions more like a conventional search engine, albeit in an enhanced manner.
It will be intriguing to see what Apple intends to do with Perplexity, should an acquisition take place. Perhaps it will be integrated into Siri and ultimately take the place of ChatGPT for more complex questions.
It’s also important to highlight that the search agreement between Apple and Google, where Google compensates Apple billions to establish Google as the default search engine on mobile Safari, may not be allowed to persist for much longer. Remember that Google is currently facing a DOJ lawsuit over alleged monopolistic practices in the search industry. Google was discovered to have inappropriately exploited its search dominance, and now it remains to be seen what the consequences will be. Some anticipate that Apple’s search arrangement with Google might eventually be abandoned. As a result, Apple may wish to make mobile search in Safari more conducive to AI.
Perplexity AI comes at a high price
Apple is among the wealthiest companies worldwide, which will be beneficial since Perplexity is not exactly inexpensive. The firm currently holds a valuation of $14 billion. If that figure is close to what Apple would pay, it would undoubtedly be the company’s priciest acquisition to date. As things stand, Apple’s $3 billion acquisition of Beats in 2014 remains its most costly corporate purchase.
Read More**Android Central Verdict: Rokid Max 2 AR Glasses**
**Rating: 4 out of 5 stars**
The Rokid Max 2 AR glasses present a user-friendly design and incorporate Sony’s state-of-the-art Micro-OLED panel, delivering a 215-inch display. These glasses stand out by delivering a sharp image with significant adjustability, making them a formidable competitor against close rivals. With respectable built-in audio and USB-C compatibility, the Max 2 is well-suited for content streaming and gaming. However, users may need to wait for additional advancements for productivity applications.
**Pros:**
– User-friendly design
– Exceptional Micro-OLED panel
– Significant adjustability
– Pleasant built-in audio
– Easy connectivity
**Cons:**
– Minor adjustments compared to the original Max
– Limited software ecosystem
**Pricing and Availability:**
The Rokid Max 2 glasses launched in Q1 2025 and can be found in select worldwide markets. Their price is set at $399 on Amazon U.S., with a standard retail price of $529. A Rokid AR Spatial bundle is offered for $648, which includes the Station 2 accessory.
**What I Like:**
The Max 2 glasses are lightweight at 76g, providing a high degree of adjustability for a snug fit. The vision adjustment feature allows for precise control over the focus, ensuring a clear image. The tinted shade improves picture quality by minimizing ambient light disruption.
**What I Don’t Like:**
The Max 2’s brightness caps at 600 nits, which may not be adequate for outdoor environments. Furthermore, Rokid’s software ecosystem is still evolving, constraining productivity use cases.
**Alternatives:**
– **Xreal’s One:** Presents a lively Micro-OLED panel, 120Hz refresh rate, and excellent built-in audio.
– **RayNeo’s Air 3S:** Delivers a bright picture and offers good value at $269 on Amazon.
**Should You Buy It?**
Consider purchasing the Max 2 if you’re looking for AR glasses for multimedia and gaming, desire a comfortable design, and seek good value. Refrain from buying if you need a comprehensive software ecosystem or productivity-oriented AR glasses. The Max 2 shines in the essentials, providing a robust design, adjustable fit, and outstanding image quality.
High-quality audio streaming could be forthcoming for Spotify users.
What you need to be aware of
– Lossless audio has been identified in the Spotify app code (v1.2.66) and user interface, suggesting the feature is finally on its way.
– It is anticipated that this feature will be available exclusively to Spotify Premium subscribers and will accommodate high-resolution playback (up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz).
– This advancement corroborates previous reports regarding a “Music Pro” add-on, indicating that Spotify is focusing on high-quality audio.
Spotify has yet to launch lossless streaming, and hints of it date back to 2021. However, if the current indications are to be believed, the feature is poised for a timely release.
The clues emerged via Spicetify’s account on X (as reported by The Verge). It reveals that the newest Spotify version 1.2.66 contains code referencing the lossless capability.
According to the images shared, lossless mode appears in the “Streaming quality” section of audio quality settings on the platform. It notes that using lossless mode will consume up to 1GB of data per hour and will support playback up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz — utilizing FLAC and Widevine. The code also suggests availability on Spotify Connect and the Web Player.
Users should also understand that this feature seems to be limited to Spotify Premium subscribers. The Spicetify post additionally notes a new Enhance Headphones feature that the music platform appears to be developing. However, the exact functionality of this feature has yet to be confirmed.
Anticipation since 2021
The news about the Lossless feature poised for Spotify has circulated since the initial announcement made by the company in 2021. Although progress has been slow, a recent Bloomberg article indicated Spotify’s intentions to introduce a new add-on subscription tier called Music Pro. This tier is designed to be a cost-effective enhancement, likely adding $6 to the current subscription plans.
A key component of the proposed plan, which is expected to debut this year, will include high-quality audio (HiFi) streaming alongside remixing tools, access to concert tickets, and the ability to blend tracks from various artists — supported by AI assistance.
Collectively, the emergence of the Lossless streaming option in the latest Spotify app signifies that the company is intensifying its efforts to deliver premium audio streaming to its users in the near future.
Read MoreThe eagerly awaited Fairphone 6’s leaked images indicate the company’s dedication to repairability.
What you need to know
– Leaked images showcase a modular design for the Fairphone 6, enabling straightforward component replacement.
– The Fairphone 6 is anticipated to introduce a new design featuring flat edges and a unique neon-themed power button, offered in black, white, and green hues.
– The Fairphone 6 is rumored to debut on June 25th with a starting price of €549, and may include a 6.31-inch pOLED 120Hz display, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, and a 4415mAh battery.
Fairphone is poised to introduce its sixth eco-friendly device next week. Ahead of the launch, we now have purported images of the device displaying its design and key features.
According to the render images released by Roland Quandt via WinFuture, the supposed Fairphone 6 appears in three color options: black, white, and green. While the color schemes seem reminiscent of the previous model, the actual design of the phone is significantly altered. Regardless of the colors, there is a neon-themed power button, which at first sight resembles past Pixel models, such as the Pixel 3.
We are likely to notice flatter edges, and the protruding camera visor has been replaced with an individually positioned camera system at the rear.
According to the leaked promotional images of the alleged Fairphone 6, it is expected to have a back cover directly below the camera sensors secured with only a few screws. Once unscrewed, users may find it possible to remove the battery, as it is not glued to the device but secured with additional screws.
The report further mentions that a similar method is likely to be used for the cameras, display, and speaker module—all contributing to the sustainability goal that the Fairphone 6 aims to achieve.
The device is expected to launch on June 25 starting at €549, with specifications for the upcoming Android phone comprising a 6.31-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, which can be further expanded via microSD up to 2TB.
A 4415mAh battery capacity is anticipated to energize the Fairphone 6 with support for 33W fast charging. The camera setup on the phone is likely to feature a 50MP main sensor, a 13MP secondary sensor, and a 32MP front-facing camera. Finally, the Fairphone 6 reportedly holds a Class “A” certification for both reparability and durability, according to EU standards.
Read MoreThese earbuds feature Qualcomm’s XPAN integration, providing significantly improved connectivity.
Xiaomi has repeatedly demonstrated its capability to create earbuds with impressive audio performance and great value, and after testing most of its offerings in this category over the past decade, I generally appreciate the sound tuning and comfort. The Buds 5 Pro maintain this standard, bringing forth a distinctive feature that sets them apart from the competition — Wi-Fi integration.
The Buds 5 Pro utilize Qualcomm’s XPAN mode embedded within the Snapdragon Sound suite, enabling the buds to alternate between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity while delivering superior music playback quality. This mode supports up to 96kHz/24-bit, and it is exciting to finally witness this technology in action. The standard Buds 5 Pro are priced at £159 ($213) in the U.K., while the Wi-Fi version retails for £189 ($253).
Lightweight construction with rapid charging
Xiaomi succeeded in the design aspects, and the Buds 5 Pro exude a premium quality akin to the finest earbuds. The buds feature elongated stems with metal accents, and the casing has a matte finish. They fit very comfortably; the sound tube does not penetrate excessively into your ear, and the weight is evenly balanced across the shell and the stem.
Even after prolonged usage, I encountered no problems with these earbuds, and at just 5.6g, they are light enough that you often forget you have them on. The case showcases an elegant design with a transparent panel, and the only drawback is the lack of Qi charging — you are confined to USB-C. This is a missed opportunity by Xiaomi, especially considering that even budget models include this feature nowadays, making its absence on earbuds over $200 frustrating.
The earbuds offer IP54 dust and water resistance and sufficiently prevent sweat from entering during workouts. Thankfully, the design ensures they remain secure while running, and this has not posed any issues. Although I’m not usually fond of touch controls on earbuds, the extensive recognition area around the stem allows for accurate gesture activation.
The Buds 5 Pro are equipped with a 64mAh battery, while the case houses a 570mAh battery. I achieved over six and a half hours of music playback on a single charge, along with fast charging that provides two hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge.
The audio performance is exceptional
In terms of sound, the Buds 5 Pro feature a custom 11mm driver paired with a planar driver and dedicated tweeter, resulting in considerably superior sound quality compared to many earbuds. The buds produce engaging bass with satisfying rumble, clear mids that highlight vocals and instruments, and rich treble that extends well without any sibilance.
The bass is not overemphasized, and I discovered that adjusting the EQ to boost the low-end made these earbuds really come alive for most contemporary music. Out of the box, they seem primarily set up for viewing movies and TV shows, but there’s ample opportunity to customize the sound.
On that note, these earbuds excel at noise isolation. I used them consistently for over a month, and they’ve effectively blocked out the humming of the air conditioner as well as the sounds from my mechanical keyboard. Calls were clear as well, featuring environmental noise isolation, making them adept at minimizing wind noise during outdoor calls.
A Xiaomi phone is required to access the extras
Now for the additional features; they offer a 50ms low latency mode and enable spatial audio following a personalized hearing test. You gain access to AptX Lossless codecs, with the standout feature being 96kHz/24-bit audio — it’s refreshing to see Xiaomi exploit Qualcomm’s audio offerings. However, you must utilize a recent Xiaomi phone to access this mode — I tested it using the Xiaomi 15 Ultra — and it reverts to 48kHz/24-bit when paired with devices like the Xiaomi 15.
Spatial audio is exclusive to Xiaomi phones, mirroring a common practice among other brands with their products. Overall, using the Buds 5 Pro with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience, as the combination of sound quality, lossless audio, and excellent connectivity gives these buds a notable advantage. Being within the Xiaomi ecosystem is essential to fully utilize some of the additional features, and for owners of the Xiaomi 15 or 15 Ultra, these earbuds are a highly recommended choice.
With impressive audio performance and unrivaled connectivity, the Buds 5 Pro rank among the top earbuds available today.
Read More### OpenAI and Jony Ive: An Evolving Collaboration
OpenAI’s latest revelation of a collaboration with acclaimed designer Jony Ive has taken an unforeseen twist. The tech sector was buzzing with enthusiasm regarding the $6.5 billion agreement focused on creating groundbreaking AI hardware. However, just weeks following the announcement, OpenAI has pulled the initial blog post and the accompanying nine-minute video from its website. This article delves into the events related to this collaboration and the legal hurdles that have surfaced.
#### The Agreement is Still Advancing, Just with Slightly Less Branding
In spite of the withdrawal of promotional content, OpenAI has affirmed that the collaboration with Ive is still moving forward. The choice to remove the materials was prompted by a court order connected to a trademark lawsuit from Iyo, a startup focused on hearing devices that stemmed from Google’s experimental initiatives. As per a statement given to *The Verge*, OpenAI noted that the content was taken down following a complaint regarding their utilization of the title “io.”
OpenAI’s official announcement states:
> “This page is temporarily unavailable due to a court order stemming from a trademark grievance from iyO concerning our application of the name ‘io.’ We disagree with the complaint and are exploring our options.”
In reply, Jony Ive’s team has showcased their resolve to challenge the lawsuit. A representative for Ive remarked:
> “This is a completely unfounded complaint, and we will challenge it vigorously.”
#### The Essence of the Collaboration
The initial agreement, which was revealed earlier this month, entails OpenAI acquiring Ive’s hardware venture, IO Products. This acquisition aims to integrate Ive’s team with OpenAI’s research and engineering departments located in San Francisco. This partnership is regarded as a crucial step toward creating consumer-driven AI devices that emphasize human-centered design.
While the collaboration continues to progress, the future branding of the products remains ambiguous. The legal contention surrounding the “io” name brings up uncertainties as to whether the final products will be launched under that branding.
#### Conclusion
As OpenAI and Jony Ive maneuver through this legal obstacle, the tech world pays close attention. The partnership holds the potential to merge advanced AI technology with innovative design concepts, possibly altering the consumer technology landscape. While the branding may be in a state of uncertainty, the dedication to advancing revolutionary AI hardware persists.
Read MoreWhat do you obtain when you combine K-pop fame, demon-fighting thrills, and mesmerizing animation? The answer: Netflix’s incredibly entertaining new animated film KPop Demon Hunters, which I viewed on the same day it was released over the weekend — my quick conclusion being that it’s an absolute delight. Even for someone like me, who isn’t particularly knowledgeable about K-pop.
Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, KPop Demon Hunters is produced by the same studio that brought us Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and Netflix’s The Mitchells vs. The Machines. In other words: Wow, the animation in this film is breathtaking, teeming with vibrant colors and dynamism. And the narrative is equally thrilling, blending breathtaking action sequences with a soundtrack filled with original K-pop hits.
The main characters are a trio of superstar K-pop idols named Rumi, Mira, and Zoey who (in this tale) rule the charts by day and hunt down demons by night. The plot truly escalates when the girls confront their fiercest competition yet: The Saja Boys, a captivating boy band composed of heartthrobs that are also actual demons. I don’t want to reveal too much about the boy band’s intentions, as that would ruin much of the story. However, I will mention that even a K-pop novice like me could recognize all of the movie’s subtle (and not-so-subtle) references to real-world K-pop idols and their passionate fanbases.
In short, this film was undoubtedly crafted by individuals who have a genuine passion for the genre. And speaking of this: It goes without saying that a K-pop movie warrants an engaging, catchy soundtrack. Does this one meet that expectation? K-pop enthusiasts, you decide:
In my view, several tracks featured in KPop Demon Hunters, including hits like “Golden” and “Takedown,” could likely compete on the charts in real life, alongside some industry legends. Additionally, members of the actual K-pop girl group TWICE (Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung) contribute their voices to a special rendition of “Takedown,” which appears in the movie’s end credits and is currently inspiring a TikTok dance challenge.
“Never a dull song in this whole film,” one fan exclaimed on X. “Absolute cinema. Give me a TV show with 15 seasons and 24-hour episodes, 27 sequels and prequels, and a graphic novel.” I can’t say I disagree with that feeling.
From the emotional journey of a pop diva learning to accept her true self to the stunning anime-style visuals, KPop Demon Hunters is packed with one dazzling spectacle after another — and I had a fantastic time watching it. It was pure escapist entertainment, and you can’t ask for much more than that from an animated feature film.
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