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Apple Calls for Increased Emphasis on Declarative Device Management in the Office

**Declarative Device Management: The Future of Apple Device Management**

Apple has been advancing its strategy for device management, culminating in the launch of Declarative Device Management (DDM) as a standard for overseeing Apple devices. This shift, highlighted at WWDC 2025, represents a major transformation in how businesses are anticipated to manage updates, applications, and policies across their collections of iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TVs, and Vision Pro devices.

### DDM Reaches Its Final Form

The responses from IT teams regarding DDM have been exceptionally favorable. At WWDC 25, Apple broadened DDM controls to encompass Apple TV and Vision Pro, finalizing the integration across all platforms. DDM enables IT administrators to regulate update schedules, set completion dates, and uniformly postpone updates across devices. The former Mobile Device Management (MDM) update approach is now obsolete, with Apple announcing that it will be retired in upcoming versions.

Furthermore, Safari management has transitioned into DDM, offering declarative controls for bookmarks and default homepage configurations. This amalgamation of settings streamlines the management process, clearly indicating that DDM represents the future of device management for Apple.

### Migration Without Disruption

Another noteworthy advancement is the introduction of a seamless migration process for device management. Both Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager now include a built-in flow that eases the transfer of devices across management services. IT administrators can reassess devices, establish deadlines, and aid users throughout the transition. When performed correctly, this service retains apps and app data, ensuring a hassle-free migration experience.

The new service also includes features such as taking over Activation Lock, rotating the FileVault key through the bootstrap token, and deploying new configurations while removing outdated ones. This adaptability enables organizations to select their device management providers with greater convenience.

### Wrap Up

Apple’s dedication to DDM indicates that it is not simply a future idea but the current benchmark for device management. Organizations whose providers have not yet embraced DDM should contemplate migrating to ensure alignment with Apple’s vision. The combination of migration tools and DDM support mitigates the challenges of manual transitions, equipping IT teams with the essential resources to adapt effortlessly.

In summary, as Apple continues to enhance its device management strategy, adopting DDM is vital for organizations aiming to optimize their management procedures and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly digital environment.

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AirPods Pro 3 Coming Shortly: Factors to Weigh Before Buying

On Tuesday, Apple conducted its ‘Awe dropping’ September gathering, during which it revealed new iPhone and Apple Watch models, in addition to a new set of AirPods Pro 3. While these latest earbuds feature some enticing additions, prospective buyers should assess their requirements prior to making a decision.

### Live Translation

A key highlight of the AirPods Pro 3 is its live translation function. Nonetheless, this capability is not limited to this new model; it is also usable with previous versions of AirPods, particularly the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 equipped with Active Noise Cancellation. For those who currently possess the AirPods Pro 2, which rank as Apple’s most favored earbuds, this implies that an upgrade solely for this feature might not be essential.

Live translation facilitates users in having instantaneous dialogues in various languages, illustrating the practical use of on-device AI systems. It is crucial to bear in mind that this functionality necessitates an Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhone, so opting for the AirPods Pro 3 is unwarranted if you lack an iPhone 15 Pro or later.

### They’ll Likely Go on Sale Soon

If live translation isn’t your main justification for eyeing the AirPods Pro 3, and you have a greater interest in attributes such as the heart rate monitor or improved Active Noise Cancellation, it could be prudent to wait for a sale. Traditionally, AirPods rank among the easiest Apple items to locate discounts for. Following historical patterns, the AirPods Pro 3 could retail for around $220 soon after their launch, with prices likely dipping below $200 by early January.

### Wrap Up

To summarize, if live translation is the primary aspect that draws you to the AirPods Pro 3 and you do not already have a compatible version, it may be worthwhile to consider the AirPods Pro 2 for $199 or the AirPods 4 equipped with Active Noise Cancellation for $169. If money is not an issue, acquiring the AirPods Pro 3 for $249 is a possibility, but waiting for a price reduction might result in considerable savings.

### Recommendations

For individuals keen on Apple accessories, investigating alternatives like the AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4 could offer better value, especially if you’re able to wait for discounts.

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Time is not derived from your mobile device. It doesn’t originate from your wristwatch either. It stems from atoms vibrating in a vacuum — billions of times each second — within a system that constantly verifies itself. This system begins with cesium-133. Upon exposure to the correct microwave frequency, a cesium atom transitions between energy states and releases a pulse. It accomplishes this over 9 billion times — specifically, 9,192,631,770 times. This figure conveniently defines a second.

This is where atomic clocks play a crucial role. They transmit microwaves through a vacuum, monitoring the instant when cesium atoms oscillate; then, they synchronize to that frequency. Once the resonance is secured, the system counts each cycle and keeps everything aligned. That’s the time your device ultimately receives. It passes through various layers of infrastructure, yet the reference remains unchanged. Without this, GPS would fail, financial systems would go out of sync, and our communication networks would lag and drift unpredictably. This illustrates that timekeeping is not superficial; it is what fundamentally maintains order.

Time is an elusive target

Guide for Utilizing the Astrophoto Function on Samsung Galaxy Devices

Galaxy Phone series in recent generations offers the ability to capture stunning images of the night sky at a much lower cost, all compact enough to fit in your pocket.

With the Galaxy S21 Ultra, Samsung introduced a beta version of the Expert RAW application, allowing users to shoot RAW files that can be edited professionally without any loss of detail. By the time the Galaxy S22 was launched, Expert RAW incorporated what Samsung refers to as “Astrophoto”. This camera setting unveils a vast array of photographic possibilities for nighttime, enabling users to capture and edit images of stars, the Moon, planets, constellations, and the Milky Way using the convenient camera system found in Samsung Galaxy phones.

All about Astrophoto

Thorough Manual to the Best iPhone 17 and iPhone Air Covers [Update #2]

# Finest Cases for iPhone 17: An In-Depth Overview

Apple’s iPhone 17 series is now ready for pre-order, introducing a wide range of case selections from both Apple and various third-party manufacturers. This article compiles the top cases on the market, showcasing remarkable features, styles, and special offers.

## Official Apple Cases

Apple has released multiple new cases for the iPhone 17, including:

– **iPhone Air Bumper Case**: For **$39**, this case provides a lightweight design while ensuring sufficient protection.
– **iPhone Air Case with MagSafe**: Priced at **$49**, it accommodates MagSafe accessories.
– **iPhone 17 Silicone Case with MagSafe**: Also **$49**, this case is soft to the touch and comes in a selection of colors.
– **iPhone 17 Clear Case with MagSafe**: Available for **$49**, it highlights the device’s design while offering protection.
– **iPhone 17 Pro TechWoven Case with MagSafe**: A high-end choice at **$59**, tailored for resilience and elegance.
– **iPhone 17 Pro Max Cases**: Similar selections are available for the Pro Max model, including the TechWoven and Silicone cases for **$59** and **$49**, respectively.

## Third-Party Manufacturers

### Totallee
Totallee features ultra-slim cases ideal for minimalists:
– **The Scarf**: Measuring just **0.02” thick**, drop-tested to 3 feet.
– **The Spy**: At **0.04” thick**, drop-tested for up to 6 feet.

### Nomad
Nomad is celebrated for its premium leather cases:
– **Rugged Leather Case**: **$75**, merging Horween leather with a durable polycarbonate bumper.
– **Modern Leather Case**: Priced between **$55-$85**, available in different colors.

### Arc
Arc’s innovative two-part bumper cases are crafted from aerospace-quality metal, delivering a sleek appearance and strong protection.

### Dbrand
Dbrand offers:
– **Ghost Case**: Transparently ultra-clear and scratch-resistant.
– **Grip Case**: Includes customizable skins and responsive buttons.

### SANDMARC
SANDMARC provides full-grain leather cases that come with a unique camera protection feature:
– **Pro Leather Case**: **$54** with an available exclusive discount code.

### TORRAS
TORRAS presents creative designs:
– **Ostand Q3 Silicone Case**: **$47**, offering military-grade protection and a built-in stand.

### ESR
The ESR Cyber Tough Magnetic case features a flip-out camera protector that functions as a kickstand.

### Burton Goods
Handcrafted leather cases from Burton Goods are on offer with early discounts.

### Beats
Beats has launched a series of cases with microfiber interiors, including:
– **Rugged Case**: **$60**, designed for impact resistance and a textured grip.

### CASETiFY
CASETiFY’s Impact and Bounce cases sport distinctive designs printed beneath a protective overlay to avoid fading.

### MUJJO
MUJJO provides leather cases featuring a new Bronze Red option:
– **Full Leather Case**: Starting at **$49**.

### UAG
UAG’s ultra-robust military-style cases ensure strong protection for adventurous users.

### Mous
Mous has a notable collection featuring:
– **Limitless Leather Case**: **$80**, recognized for its sturdiness.

### ZAGG
ZAGG offers cases with and without MagSafe compatibility, starting from **$30**.

### Ringke
Ringke has an assortment of cases, including clear and rugged variants starting at **$16**.

### OtterBox
OtterBox’s latest collection features:
– **Sole Series Cases**: From **$70**, known for their robustness.

### Alto Collective
Alto Collective offers custom laser-engraved wooden cases, allowing personalization with distinctive designs.

## Summary

With the iPhone 17 now accessible, the variety of cases is extensive, appealing to various styles, tastes, and budgets. Whether you favor the sleekness of a silicone case or the durable protection of a military-grade alternative, there’s something available for everyone. Remember to look for exclusive deals and discounts as you make your selection.

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iPhone 17: A Subtle Device That Delights with Its Capability

Apple concluded its ‘Awe dropping’ launch event for the latest iPhone models, Apple Watches, and AirPods Pro 3 yesterday. While the new iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro capture more attention, the base model iPhone 17 is set to be an unexpected success. Here’s the reason.

### iPhone 17 Inherits the ‘Pro’ Display Experience

In many respects, the iPhone 17 is similar to an iPhone 16 Pro without a telephoto lens, but at a $300 lower price. An iPhone 16 Pro 256GB retails for $1099, whereas the iPhone 17 256GB is available for just $799.

For that price, users receive the identical stunning 6.3” OLED display with ProMotion found in the iPhone 16 Pro. The iPhone 17 also features exceptionally slim display bezels, which have previously been a limitation on non-Pro iPhones.

Furthermore, it comes with an Always-On Display and up to 3000 nits of peak outdoor brightness. In nearly every significant aspect, the regular iPhone 17 does not skimp on display capabilities.

### Other Great iPhone 17 Enhancements

Although the iPhone 17 may not be the most eye-catching new device in the lineup, it still adopts numerous excellent features from the new models.

Battery performance has greatly improved, providing 30 hours of video playback, a notable enhancement from 22 hours on the iPhone 16 and 27 hours on the iPhone 16 Pro.

The device also features Apple’s latest selfie camera with Center Stage, which is anticipated to be a highlight this year.

In addition to the display, battery life, and selfie camera, the iPhone 17 is powered by Apple’s new A19 chip, incorporates a new Ceramic Shield 2 display cover, and introduces a new 48MP Ultra Wide sensor (up from last year’s 12MP).

Despite the absence of a telephoto lens and a ‘Pro’ chip, this base model feels like a Pro experience for the first time, sharing materials with the iPhone 17 Pro, which has reverted to aluminum.

### Wrap Up

All in all, Apple has refined the base iPhone. While it may not feature an eye-catching new design, it’s challenging to ignore the value this device provides. Even with more affordable options in the lineup like the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16, the iPhone 17 stands out as a superb choice due to its many benefits.

It might even rival the iPhone 17 Pro among users who aren’t photography aficionados.

What are your thoughts on the standard iPhone 17 model? Will you be purchasing one or recommending it to someone? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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YouTube Music Enhances ‘Now Playing’ with Dual-View for Future Tracks and Extra Features

A minor update is coming for the platform’s Now Playing feature, once again.

YouTube Music is enhancing its “Now Playing” interface as the week wraps up, moving away from the previous design.

The newest YouTube Music “Now Playing” interface update was noted to be rolling out today (Sep 12) by 9to5Google. The refreshed screen now includes a swipeable division between your essential music details and your “up next” display. Starting with the former, the Now Playing screen continues to showcase the album cover in the center with your media controls positioned right beneath it.

However, the switches to alternate between audio (the track) and its video are no longer available above the album cover. YouTube Music has shifted its row of options (like, dislike, comments, add to playlist) below the media controls. The Lyrics have been removed from the bottom, relocating them within this newly arranged row of selections.

At the very bottom, users will find a traditional floating bar that reflects what you’d experience when using gestures on Android. Swiping up will reveal the songs YouTube Music intends to play next. The publication highlights that users can pull this up partially, which will showcase four brief songs, or pull it up completely to see a more extensive list.

When fully expanded, this complete list makes the Now Playing screen highly compact, reducing the album cover at the top left along with the title, artist, casting icon, and the three-dot menu adjacent to it. This minimized state will also occur when accessing your Lyrics and Related options as well.

The publication mentions that this update is gradually rolling out for mobile users (Android, iOS) today (Sep 12). It may take some time before it becomes available, but it appears that no download is required. So, stay alert for when it shows up on your device.

YouTube Music has been steadily progressing lately, but it did mark 10 years of Fandom in late August. The celebration focused on how YouTube Music has persistently connected listeners with their favorite artists on a single platform. It was not just a time for festivities but also an occasion for the platform to announce an update for users. Soon, YouTube Music listeners will have the chance to create “taste match playlists.”

These playlists will merge the musical preferences of you and another individual to form a distinct collection of songs that represents both of you. Furthermore, YouTube Music reveals it is preparing to roll out live performance and upcoming show notifications for artists. These notifications are expected to appear while you’re interacting with their content on the platform.

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“iPhone 17 Integrates Android Features, Galaxy S26 Ultra Leak Unveiled, Nothing Ear 3 Teaser Launched, along with Additional Tech News”

A summary of the most significant technology-related stories that captured attention this week.

(Photo credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)
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Weekly Highlights

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Google Home Unveils Improved Automation Editor with Broadened Features

This “notable” enhancement is set to unveil a fresh realm of automations for homeowners who are tech-savvy.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
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Essential information

  • Google announced a “notable” upgrade being rolled out in its Home app featuring a new automations editor.
  • This editor allows users to craft automations with additional conditions and schedule actions for specific days and times.
  • One-time automations are also part of this update, enabling users to avoid unwanted recurring actions.
  • The recent Google Home update introduced Gemini for “robust” automation creation and customized routines.

Google is fully committing to automations within its smart home app, unveiling an update this week that offers users significantly enhanced capabilities.

Google’s <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.googlenestcommunity.com/t5/Blog/New-household-automation-editor-now-with-expanded-conditions-amp-one-time/ba-p/740292" data-url="https://www.googlenestcommunity.com/t5/Blog/New-household-automation-editor-now-with-expanded-conditions-amp-one-time/ba-p/

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