Author: sparta

Apple Unveils Digital ID Capability in Apple Wallet

arrival of Digital ID. First highlighted at WWDC in June, this new functionality permits users to establish a Digital ID utilizing details from their passport. Apple states that the new Digital ID can be utilized at TSA checkpoints in over 250 airports for verification purposes. This feature offers users a more efficient method for traveling. Additionally, it allows users to generate a Digital ID even if they lack a state ID or a driver’s license that conforms to REAL ID standards.

“Since we launched the capability to add a driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet in 2022, we’ve witnessed the enthusiasm users have for having their ID available on their devices,” Apple mentioned in a press statement. “Digital IDs extend this secure and user-friendly option to an even larger number of individuals throughout the country, as they can now upload an ID to Wallet using data from their U.S. passport.”

A current limitation is that the Digital ID does not substitute for a standard passport. While it may be used for domestic journeys, an actual passport remains necessary for international travel. In other words, the Digital ID function is limited to the U.S. Although Apple suggested the possibility of expansion to other countries in the future, that prospect does not seem to be imminent.

How to integrate a Digital ID into your Apple Wallet

Apple Store Unveils Lengthened Holiday Return Policy for Every Item

Apple is preparing for the holiday season, which includes rolling out a yearly change: an expanded holiday return window for products purchased at the Apple Store.

### Starting today, returns for product purchases are available until early January

Today, Apple is introducing holiday decorations in retail locations and the online Apple Store.

In addition to these festive updates, the company has launched its holiday return policy.

According to Apple’s website:

> Products eligible for return at the Apple Store Online that are received between November 12, 2025, and December 25, 2025, may be returned until January 8, 2026. Please be aware that all other terms and conditions stated in the Apple Store Online Sales and Refunds Policy remain applicable to these products. iPhone purchases financed through carriers like T-Mobile or Verizon do not qualify and follow the standard return policy. All purchases made after December 25, 2025, are subject to the Standard Return Policy.

Typically, Apple Store purchases allow for a 14-day return window. However, during the holiday season, Apple extends this return period.

Purchasing a new product at the Apple Store today means, with the new January 8 cutoff, you will have almost two full months for a return.

The aim is to enable holiday shoppers to start gift buying without concerns about the recipients’ ability to return items if needed.

As always, Apple Store returns feature the following limited exceptions, many of which have become largely obsolete in 2025 except for gift cards:

– Apple Gift Cards (includes previous generation Apple Store Gift Cards and App Store & iTunes Gift Cards)
– Opened software
– Electronic Software Downloads
– Software Up-to-Date Program Products (software upgrades)
– Apple Developer products (membership, technical support incidents, WWDC tickets)

If you’re looking for a new Apple product, make sure to explore our detailed 2025 gift guide for the best bargains.

### Best iPhone accessories

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Apple Unveils Digital ID Function in Wallet Using US Passport

Apple has officially introduced the eagerly awaited new Digital ID feature in Apple Wallet, initially revealed at WWDC and now being made available to users throughout the United States. This cutting-edge feature utilizes users’ U.S. passports, offering a secure and convenient method for creating and presenting identification.

### How to Establish Digital ID in Wallet Using Your Passport

Setting up the Digital ID is akin to adding a driver’s license to the Wallet application. Here are the steps:

1. Launch the Wallet app on your iPhone.
2. Select the Add (+) button in the upper-right corner.
3. Pick “Driver’s License or ID Cards” from the available options.
4. Tap “Digital ID” and adhere to the on-screen prompts.

During the setup, users will be asked to capture a photo of their passport and read the embedded chip on the back of the passport using their iPhone. A selfie will also be necessary for confirmation, alongside a series of facial and head movements to validate identity. The complete verification process is designed to be finalized within a few minutes, and once verified, the Digital ID will show up in the Apple Wallet app.

Apple stresses that the entire procedure is secure and private. Digital ID data is encrypted, and all passport information is stored on the device, ensuring that Apple cannot access users’ details or monitor when and where IDs are utilized. Biometric authentication through Face ID or Touch ID ensures that only the owner can present their Digital ID, and only the essential information is shared during transactions.

### Where Can You Utilize Digital ID in Apple Wallet?

The initial rollout of Digital ID acceptance is taking place at TSA checkpoints in over 250 airports across the United States, although it is restricted to domestic travel. Users will still need to carry their physical identification for international flights.

To present the Digital ID, users can double-click the side or Home button to access Apple Wallet, select Digital ID, and position their device near an identity reader. They can then review the requested information and authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID.

Apple plans to broaden the acceptance of Digital ID to encompass select businesses and organizations, enabling users to verify age and identity online and within apps. For example, users will be able to utilize their Digital ID to confirm age for alcohol purchases on platforms like Uber Eats.

Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, underscoring the security and convenience it provides to users.

### Conclusion

The introduction of Digital ID in Apple Wallet signifies a notable progression in digital identification solutions in the United States. By enabling anyone with a passport to create a Digital ID, Apple is bypassing the sluggish adoption of mobile driver’s licenses by states. Users can start the process of adding their Digital ID in the Wallet app today, paving the way for a more secure and efficient method of managing identification.

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Grasping Solid State Batteries: An In-Depth Examination

Numerous contemporary electric vehicles (EVs) are achieving unprecedented energy efficiency, particularly as leading automakers such as Honda and Toyota are channeling investments into the forthcoming generation of EV technology. We are specifically highlighting solid-state batteries, a developing innovation that promises considerable benefits for EV owners regarding driving distance and overall functionality. While there remains a discussion within the automotive sector over the precise definition of a solid-state battery, the fundamental concept is quite straightforward: a standard EV cell employs liquid electrolytes to facilitate the movement of ions between the battery’s cathode (negative terminal) and anode (positive terminal).

A solid-state cell replaces the liquid electrolyte with polymers, sulfides, and ceramics—”solid” substances that occupy less space within an EV battery pack. On paper, solid-state batteries not only surpass current lithium-ion cells but are also capable of withstanding greater voltages and temperatures, storing more energy per unit weight, and accomplishing all this while reducing the battery’s overall mass. With a solid-state battery installed in your vehicle, you will still need to manage recharging the system, but the amount of energy the battery can store and the rate at which it can be recharged could undergo significant transformations by the end of the decade.

Why solid-state batteries are essential for EV users

Real-Time Translation

Communicating with friends or family members who speak a different language can be difficult, but messaging them is now somewhat simpler with Real-Time Translation in iPhone Messages. This feature is one of the new WhatsApp-like enhancements in iOS 26 Messages, but to make use of it, you’ll need an iPhone equipped with Apple Intelligence such as the iPhone 15 Pro series or later. If you have that, follow these steps to activate and utilize Real-Time Translation in iPhone Messages:

  1. In your Settings app, navigate to Apple Intelligence & Siri.
  2. Turn on Apple Intelligence.
  3. Proceed to Messages.
  4. Open a chat you wish to translate.
  5. Select the contact’s name at the top.
  6. Enable Automatically Translate.
  7. Choose the language you wish to translate from.
  8. Click Download
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Evaluation of Even Realities G2: Intelligent Eyewear with an Authentic Appearance and Sensation

### Even Realities G2 Smart Glasses: An In-Depth Look

Amid the hustle of CES 2025, the Even Realities G1 glasses piqued my interest, combining aesthetics with practicality that I found attractive. Fast forward to the present, Even Realities has launched their G2 glasses alongside the R1 smart ring, aiming to significantly improve the user experience. Here’s everything you should know about these groundbreaking products.

#### Updated Design and Battery Performance

The G2 glasses maintain the stylish look of their predecessor while being lighter, coming in at just 36 grams compared to the 50 grams of the Meta Ray-Bans. The upper part of the lens frame has been subtly flattened, and the user interaction has transitioned from a touch nub to an advanced touch pad control system situated on each temple tip. This upgraded system enables users to swipe, slide, scroll, tap, double-tap, and long-press for UI interaction, all while remaining unobtrusive.

The battery life is outstanding, providing up to two days from a single charge, with the case offering an extra 6-7 charges, allowing users up to two weeks without needing a recharge.

#### Display Technology Insights

The G2 glasses come equipped with a display on each lens that delivers notifications, teleprompter features, live translations, and stock updates. The display employs a green matrix font and has been enhanced with HAO 2.0 (Holistic Adaptive Optics) technology, which sharpens and brightens images, rendering them more lifelike even during motion. The new 3D spatial display organizes information into layers, ensuring a seamless user interface.

#### Smart Functionalities

The G2 glasses operate similarly to an Apple Watch for your eyes, providing discreet notifications without breaking your concentration. Notable features include:

– **Teleprompt**: Upload scripts or notes to view directly on the lenses.
– **Maps**: Navigate without needing to check your mobile device.
– **Conversate**: An AI-driven assistant for real-time conversations.
– **Translate**: Supports 29 languages for immediate communication.
– **QuickList and Dashboard**: Keep tasks and calendar entries in sight.

All processing is handled through the related app on your smartphone, keeping the glasses sleek and lightweight.

#### The R1 Smart Ring

To address the G1’s limitations in intuitive interaction, the R1 ring serves as a remote controller for the G2 glasses. Constructed from zirconia ceramic and stainless steel, it includes a touch-sensitive panel allowing users to swipe and tap. Additionally, the ring monitors wellness metrics and offers a Productivity Score to help maintain balance throughout the day.

#### Concluding Thoughts

The Even Realities G2 glasses mark a considerable improvement over the G1, taking into account user feedback while boosting functionality and retaining an elegant design. They provide a passive wearable experience, enabling users to gain from notifications and tools without active involvement.

#### Pricing & Availability

The Even G2 Smart Glasses and R1 Smart Ring are currently available on the Even Realities website. For a limited period, purchasers can enjoy a 50% discount on the R1 and additional accessories with their G2 purchase. The G2 starts at $599, while the R1 is available for $249, offered in grey, brown, and green.

What do you think about the current landscape of wearables? Have you experimented with smart glasses? Let’s have a conversation!

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Apple asserts that research indicates the EU has incorrectly assessed the impact of app price reductions.

**Apple’s Resistance to the EU’s Digital Markets Act: A Comprehensive Examination**

Apple’s objection to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) has escalated, especially after its claim in September that the legislation ought to be rescinded. The corporation has expressed worries that the DMA might result in delays concerning new features and hardware for customers in the EU. Lately, Apple has asserted that a study it financed indicates the DMA has not delivered on its promise to cut app prices.

### A Brief Overview of Apple and the DMA

The DMA represents a key piece of antitrust legislation in Europe that designates certain technology firms as “gatekeepers.” These firms hold sufficient market power to potentially hinder competition. Apple was identified as a gatekeeper because of its significant user base and its control over iPhone app sales. Consequently, the company was required to permit the sale of iPhone apps outside its App Store. In response, Apple has enabled the establishment of alternative app stores and has proposed adjusted terms for developers which could potentially lower commissions.

### Apple Refutes Claims of Reduced App Prices

The EU suggested that the launch of competing app stores would result in lower commissions, thus leading to decreased app prices for users. However, a study carried out by The Analysis Group, funded by Apple, uncovered limited evidence supporting this assertion. The study examined the impact of three significant developments that lowered commissions for app developers:

1. The introduction of third-party app stores with diminished commissions.
2. Altered terms provided by Apple to EU developers, reducing commissions from 30% to 17% for larger developers and from 15% to 10% for smaller firms.
3. The prior adoption of the Small Business Program, which cut commissions in half for smaller developers.

According to Apple, if the EU’s claims were valid, a noticeable decrease in app prices would be anticipated. Nevertheless, the study indicated that around 90% of developers did not reduce their app prices at all, and among those who did, the average reduction was only 2.5%.

Apple remarked, “The DMA has not met its promises, resulting in diminished security, reduced privacy, and a poorer experience for consumers throughout Europe. This study offers further proof that the DMA is not advantageous to consumers in terms of lower prices. Simultaneously, we recognize that the regulation is establishing new obstacles for innovators and startups while exposing consumers to additional risks.”

The company highlighted that the majority of developers do not incur commissions as they opt for ad-supported free apps and pointed out that over 90% of the $1.3 trillion generated by the App Store is directed to developers.

### 9to5Mac’s Perspective

A fundamental premise of antitrust legislation is that heightened competition benefits consumers, either through lower prices or improved product quality as companies retain more revenue. The study financed by Apple implies that the price reductions attributed to the DMA are minimal. While the credibility of The Analysis Group enhances the findings, it is also recognized that developers may opt to preserve savings to reinvest in app upgrades, indirectly benefiting consumers.

Apple has previously contended that the altered commission structure would allow small developers to invest more in their businesses, thus improving the overall quality of offerings within the App Store ecosystem.

### Conclusion

Apple’s resistance to the DMA underscores the intricacies of regulating digital markets and the difficulties in balancing competition with innovation. As the discussion progresses, the ramifications of the DMA on app pricing and developer relations remain a crucial issue for both Apple and the larger tech sector.

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Even G2 Takes on Meta AI Smart Glasses with Stylish, Camera-Free Design Priced at $599

Even Realities unveiled two new devices on Wednesday designed to function in tandem: the Even G2 Display Smart Glasses and the Even R1 Smart Ring. The G2 glasses stand in stark contrast to the AI smart glasses from brands like Meta, and this is intentional. The G2 glasses come equipped with built-in AI features and a display that projects information directly in the user’s line of sight, similar to some of Meta’s models, but notably, the G2 does not include a camera or a speaker, enhancing privacy. The clear drawback is that the G2’s Even AI is unable to perceive what the user sees, unlike other smart glasses that offer this capability. The R1 Smart Ring serves as a controller for the glasses while also incorporating several health sensors.

According to a press release from Even Realities, their Even HAO 2.0 (Holistic Adaptive Optics) technology is crucial for the G2’s optics. The company has implemented tiny micro-LED projectors, gradient waveguides, and digitally surfaced lenses to create “sharp, bright, and stable visuals,” even during user movement. The display that the user interacts with is described as a multi-layer 3D floating spatial display, which simulates the human eye’s information processing. Quick prompts and AI insights are visible on the front layer, whereas continuous data, such as navigation details that the user may need at all times, is positioned on the back layer. Even refers to this experience as “naturally enhanced reality.” The illustrations above and below depict what a user would observe on the display. Regarding the lenses, they measure just 2mm in thickness but incorporate over 100 microscopic coatings to enhance anti-reflection and clarity.

What features do the Even G2 and R1 smart devices provide?

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Leaked Performance Metrics Suggest Forthcoming Motorola ‘Ultra’ Flagship Featuring New Snapdragon Processor

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 may not be as robust as previously assumed. Latest benchmarking results for the forthcoming Motorola Edge 70 Ultra, which is anticipated to incorporate the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, indicate that the chipset’s performance could fall short of expectations. The device, probably the Chinese model, was observed featuring an Adreno 829 GPU and 16GB of RAM, operating on Android 16. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is placed beneath the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, indicating it is meant for more cost-effective flagship models.

Benchmark results reflect a single-core performance of 2,636 and a multi-core score of 7,475, both of which are inferior to those of the Snapdragon 8 Elite. The chipset’s layout comprises 2 × 3.65GHz and 6 × 3.32GHz cores, leveraging Qualcomm’s Oryon technology. While these figures signify a performance level that is beneath the Elite version, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 should still adeptly manage most tasks and enable on-device AI functionalities. This might lead to a more wallet-friendly price for the Motorola Edge 70 Ultra compared to devices powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.

Motorola’s choice to implement the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 in the Edge 70 Ultra underscores the firm’s strategy to deliver a flagship experience at a possibly reduced cost, even though the chipset’s performance does not reach the initially expected heights.

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Addressing Steve Jobs’ Critiques of the Macintosh Calculator Application: A Thoughtful Account

**The Innovative Management of Upward: Chris Espinosa’s Tactics for Handling Steve Jobs’ Critiques**

Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, was renowned for his stringent standards and frequently blunt critiques of his team’s efforts. His evaluations, whether regarding hardware or software, were straightforward and uncompromising. This set up a distinctive challenge for Apple staff, especially for individuals like Chris Espinosa, who holds the title of the company’s longest-serving employee.

Espinosa, who created the inaugural Macintosh calculator app, faced the intimidating challenge of fulfilling Jobs’ lofty demands. At first, Espinosa thought his calculator design was adequate, but Jobs had different opinions. As Andy Hertzfeld, a pivotal member of the original Macintosh team, noted, Jobs’ remarks were straightforward: “Well, it’s a start, but basically, it stinks.” He pointed out several shortcomings in the design, such as the background color, line thickness, and button dimensions.

The iterative process that ensued was strenuous for Espinosa. Each day, he adjusted elements based on Jobs’ feedback, only to encounter new criticisms. To escape this loop of continual modifications, Espinosa came up with a smart solution. He developed a program that enabled Jobs to adjust every visual element of the calculator through drop-down menus. This included choices for line thickness, button dimensions, and background styles.

When Jobs engaged with this program, he spent roughly ten minutes testing the settings until he landed on a combination that pleased him. This inventive tactic not only spared Espinosa from additional rounds of revisions but also led to a design that remained mostly unaffected for 17 years.

Espinosa’s experience serves as a prime illustration of proficient upward management. By equipping Jobs with the means to convey his preferences explicitly, Espinosa turned a potentially aggravating scenario into a joint achievement.

For those who yearn for the original Macintosh experience, a contemporary app exists that pays tribute to Espinosa’s calculator design.

In summary, Chris Espinosa’s inventive approach to managing Steve Jobs’ critiques highlights the significance of flexibility and creativity in the professional environment, particularly when engaging with demanding leadership.

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