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Apple Unveils macOS 26.4 Beta 2: Fresh Features and Enhancements

**macOS 26.4 Beta 2: What Developers Should Anticipate**

Only a week following the debut of macOS 26.4 beta 1, Apple has launched beta 2 for developers, offering a variety of improvements and features. Although the earlier beta did not showcase the expected Gemini-powered Siri, macOS 26.4 is anticipated to deliver more significant updates than its forerunner, macOS 26.3, which primarily centered around bug fixes and performance enhancements.

### New Features and Enhancements

One of the standout features presented in macOS 26.4 beta 1 is the **Charge Limit setting**. This allows users to define a maximum charging level for their devices, a capability that has gained popularity in third-party software. Users can now select a desired charge limit ranging from 80% to 100%, which can assist in extending battery longevity.

Another key alteration is the reinstatement of the **compact tab bar** in Safari. This feature had been omitted in macOS Tahoe 26 but has returned, improving the user interface for those who favor a more simplified browsing experience.

Nonetheless, not every problem has been addressed. Initially, Apple’s release notes mentioned that a bug concerning the corner radius—where the resize pointer does not align with the window’s corner shape—had been resolved. This was subsequently updated to confirm that it remains a “known issue,” leaving users optimistic that beta 2 will rectify this complication.

Moreover, macOS 26.4 will start alerting users about the **termination of support for Rosetta 2**, Apple’s dynamic binary translator that allows Apple Silicon Macs to execute Intel-based applications. Although support is set to officially conclude with macOS 28, these preliminary warnings aim to prompt developers to update their applications accordingly.

### Release Details

The release build for macOS 26.4 beta 2 is designated as 25E5218f. As developers delve into the new beta, additional features and enhancements may be discovered, and updates will be issued as more information becomes accessible.

### Summary

With the introduction of macOS 26.4 beta 2, developers can anticipate a more feature-rich experience, even as they await the anticipated upgrades to Siri. The rollout of the Charge Limit setting and the reinstatement of the compact tab bar represent notable advancements, while the persistent issues underscore the iterative process of software development. As always, developers are encouraged to offer feedback to facilitate the refinement of these updates ahead of the official launch.

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Apple Unveils macOS 26.4 Beta 2: Fresh Features and Enhancements
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iOS 26.4 Beta 2 Brings Functionality for Testing Encrypted RCS Communication Between iPhone and Android Devices

### iOS 26.4 Beta 2: Enhancing Support for Encrypted RCS Messaging

Apple has unveiled iOS 26.4 beta 2 for developers, bringing notable improvements to the messaging features on iPhones, especially regarding Rich Communication Services (RCS). This update broadens the scope of encrypted RCS messaging, enabling secure communication not just among iPhone users but also between iPhone and Android devices.

#### Key Features of iOS 26.4 Beta 2

1. **Broadened RCS Encryption Support**: The earlier beta version, iOS 26.4 beta 1, allowed RCS encryption solely for iPhone-to-iPhone messaging. The newly released beta version extends this feature to include messaging between iPhones and Android devices, representing a significant advancement in cross-platform secure messaging.

2. **Phased Rollout**: The testing support for RCS encryption is being gradually rolled out to iPhone users who have updated to iOS 26.4 beta 2. Android users will need to have the latest beta of the Google Messages app for compatibility. It’s important to keep in mind that access to this feature may differ based on mobile carriers.

3. **User Interface Enhancements**: After the update, iPhone users can go to Settings > Messages > RCS Messaging to locate the new “End-to-End Encryption (Beta)” toggle, which is activated by default. The Messages app interface has also adapted to showcase these updates. Users will observe a new lock icon in chat threads where RCS encryption is applied, which will also appear in iMessage threads, emphasizing the security of these interactions.

4. **Testing Focus**: It is crucial to recognize that RCS end-to-end encryption will not be part of the final release of iOS 26.4. Rather, it is available for testing in this beta version, with intentions for a forthcoming update to officially integrate the feature.

#### Background on RCS Support

Apple first implemented RCS support in iOS 18.1, which introduced features like typing indicators and read receipts for messaging between iPhone and Android users. The announcement of end-to-end encryption for RCS messages was made by Apple in March, underscoring the company’s dedication to enhancing user privacy and security in messaging.

#### Conclusion

The launch of iOS 26.4 beta 2 marks a notable progression in Apple’s messaging functionalities, especially regarding security and cross-platform interaction. As developers and users explore these new features, the prospects for enhanced messaging experiences across devices grow increasingly encouraging. Anticipated future updates are expected to fortify these advancements, further embedding RCS encryption into the iPhone messaging framework.

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iOS 26.4 Beta 2 Brings Functionality for Testing Encrypted RCS Communication Between iPhone and Android Devices
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Crucial iOS Character Essential to Apple’s Latest AI Innovation

Apple has unveiled Visual Intelligence, a crucial component of its Apple Intelligence platform. This feature allows users to leverage Apple’s AI and external LLMs to comprehend their surroundings. As noted by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter, this could be the standout feature for Apple’s forthcoming AI innovations, with CEO Tim Cook consistently highlighting the significance of Visual Intelligence.

For instance, during the year’s initial earnings calls, Cook disclosed the top four AI functionalities favored by iPhone users, with Visual Intelligence being the most critical in his view. Gurman points out that when Tim Cook underscores a particular technology, it serves as a hint regarding Apple’s future direction: He previously emphasized sensing technologies ahead of the Apple Watch launch and AR technologies prior to the Apple Vision Pro headset reveal.

Although Visual Intelligence has existed for some time, it is likely to become Apple’s foremost feature in the updated Siri. The new Siri is anticipated to debut with iOS 26.5 and iOS 27, paired with three fresh Apple devices the company may present by year-end. Here’s what you need to be aware of.

Here’s what Visual Intelligence entails, and its future directions

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Crucial iOS Character Essential to Apple's Latest AI Innovation
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Sony’s Latest Wireless Earbuds Showcase Cutting-Edge Technology Alongside Stylish Design

When BGR recently released its extensive review of Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, we didn’t anticipate that Sony’s newly refreshed WF-100XM6 wireless earbuds would prove to be a formidable rival, but here we are. The latest iteration of Sony’s earbuds enhances the previous model in terms of noise cancellation and call functionality, features reengineered audio, improved Bluetooth connectivity, a more user-friendly design, and incorporates Google Gemini’s AI. In essence, Sony not only provides earbuds that assert to match most of the features of AirPods but also addresses Apple’s most significant current shortcoming: the absence of effective AI assistant integration.

As per a Sony press announcement (via PR Newswire), the new WF-100XM6 wireless earbuds boast a design aimed at enhancing comfort during extended use. The company has also managed to make the earbuds 11% slimmer than the prior version, attributing this to a new ventilation system that minimizes the impact of internal noises generated by the body during quiet moments or low-volume play.

Another critical enhancement with this version is the upgraded Bluetooth antenna, which is 1.5 times larger than that of the previous generation. Sony anticipates that this will bolster performance in various scenarios while also extending the connectivity range between the earbuds and a smartphone or smartwatch. Additionally, Sony included Bluetooth LE Audio specifications in this product.

Sony claims to deliver the best ANC in the industry.

When Apple debuted the AirPods Pro 3, it asserted that these earbuds could cancel noise at twice the efficiency of the second-generation AirPods Pro. In contrast, Sony claims the WF-1000XM6 enhances noise reduction by an additional 25% over its predecessor. Users will particularly notice this enhancement in real-world settings like cafés, public transit, or while using rideshare services. This advancement is attributed to the new QN3e HD Noise Cancelling Processor, which incorporates multiple microphones and Sony’s proprietary algorithm alongside its integrated V2 Processor and an Adaptive Noise Cancelling Optimizer. Furthermore, Sony’s redesigned earbuds are also expected to enhance the seal between the earbuds and the wearer’s ears.

In terms of sound, Sony’s new audio technology promises richer bass and clearer high frequencies compared to the older model. The company is also promoting Hi-Res Audio Wireless, a standard that delivers audio quality surpassing CD standards. Consequently, Sony claims its earbuds are capable of transmitting more data for fuller sound reproduction. Although Sony can’t achieve lossless audio compression over Bluetooth, this standard is superior to Apple’s AAC; theoretically, this suggests that these Sony earbuds may deliver higher sound quality than Apple’s AirPods.

Sony also mentions collaboration with audio engineers who’ve worked with stars such as Ed Sheeran, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga to create an even more premium audio experience in this new version of its earbuds. The company asserts that these earbuds are perfect for making and receiving calls, as their microphones, in conjunction with AI, work to pick up the user’s voice more effectively and ensure that speech remains clear even in noisy settings.

Gemini Live is also a crucial component of Sony’s earbuds.

Sony already touts exceptional sound quality, up to eight hours of battery life on a single charge, and up to 24 hours with the charging case. However, there’s another significant feature available with these $329 earbuds: Gemini support.

According to Sony, with the integration of Gemini Live, users can initiate a conversation with Gemini by saying “Hey Gemini.” Upon prompting, it activates Live Mode, which can assist users in learning more about landmarks, completing tasks, or even organizing thoughts. Just as one would expect from a capable personal assistant, Gemini adapts to the user’s style, allowing interruptions, rephrasing of queries, and follow-up questions, much like having a dialogue with a person.

When linked to your phone, Google also enables you to capture photos, send screenshots, and more to facilitate task completion. Thanks to the enhanced speech detection in Sony’s earbuds, communicating with Gemini should feel seamless. The new WF-1000XM6 wireless earbuds from Sony are now up for purchase in Black and Platinum Silver variations. These earbuds also feature IPX4 water resistance and the ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously.

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Sony's Latest Wireless Earbuds Showcase Cutting-Edge Technology Alongside Stylish Design
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Top 5 Outdoor Surveillance Cameras Suggested by Consumer Reports

smart home surveillance. It has the capability to oversee your property’s environment, notify you of any motion, capture both audio and video, and even enable communication with individuals near the camera through an integrated two-way audio feature. A reliable outdoor surveillance camera is also generally weather-resistant and may come with a built-in battery for effortless installation in locations without access to electrical outlets, in addition to having integrated wireless connectivity.

The market is flooded with outdoor surveillance cameras, with each brand asserting exceptional performance and top-notch video recording. This is where Consumer Reports (CR) becomes relevant. CR is a dependable and impartial resource that has assessed security cameras for nearly ten years and evaluates them based on several critical aspects, such as video quality, privacy policies, alert systems, and more. Therefore, if you’re in search of a new outdoor surveillance camera, here are five highly recommended options from CR.

Blink Mini 2

While it resembles an indoor surveillance camera, the Blink Mini 2 is entirely suitable for outdoor use, thanks to its IP65-rated construction, when combined with the company’s <a href="https://r.bttn.io?btn_ref=org-225e4e0aac880b8f&btn_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBlink–Mini-2-Power-Adpater%2Fdp%2FB0CBL57VRT%2F%3Ftag%3Dstaticmedia-bgr-custom-20&btn_pub_ref=2105916

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Top 5 Outdoor Surveillance Cameras Suggested by Consumer Reports
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Dark Sky’s Creators Launch New Weather App with Multiple Predictions

After selling their popular weather app to Apple in March 2020, where some of its core features were incorporated into Apple Weather, the creators of Dark Sky have left Apple to create yet another alternative. Their new app, called Acme Weather, embraces the fact that forecasts will never be entirely accurate by providing both a […]

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Dark Sky's Creators Launch New Weather App with Multiple Predictions
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IQM, Finnish Quantum Unicorn, Prepares for IPO

Finnish unicorn IQM plans to go public via a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) valuing the company at approximately $1.8 billion — joining the growing cohort of quantum computing companies listed on U.S. stock markets. 

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IQM, Finnish Quantum Unicorn, Prepares for IPO
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Current Offers: $480 Discount on 512GB iPhone 16 Pro, 30% Discount on Alpine Loop, Savings on 17 Pro TechWoven Cases and iPad Pro

### Today’s Tech Deals: Unmatched Prices on Apple Products

In the most recent issue of 9to5Toys Lunch Break, we feature some impressive price reductions on Apple products available through Amazon. Whether you’re seeking a new iPad, iPhone, or related accessories, there are considerable savings to discover.

#### 1. **Apple’s 11-inch M5 iPad Pro – $200 Off**

Amazon is presently providing the premium 11-inch M5 iPad Pro with Nano-Texture Glass at a historic low of **$1,899**, down from its usual price of **$2,099**. This variant is particularly enticing for those in search of a high-performance tablet, making it an ideal selection for professionals and creatives alike. This price reduction marks the first instance this model has been discounted to this level, offering a rare chance for shoppers.

#### 2. **512GB Unlocked iPhone 16 Pro – $480 Off**

Another exceptional offer is the **512GB unlocked iPhone 16 Pro**, now priced at **$819**, which represents a **$480 discount** from the original retail price of **$1,299**. This cost is also **$200 lower** than what Apple charges for a refurbished unit. The Amazon Renewed Premium option serves as an excellent alternative for those desiring a high-quality device without the brand-new expense.

For those who value the reassurance of buying directly from Apple, the refurbished model is priced at **$1,019**. However, for many, the Amazon deal appears to be a more economical choice without compromising on quality.

#### 3. **Apple Watch Series 11 – $100 Off**

The **46mm Jet Black Apple Watch Series 11** is experiencing a price cut as well, currently available for **$100 off**. This smartwatch merges style and functionality, making it a fantastic addition to any tech lover’s assortment.

#### 4. **Accessory Deals**

Alongside the major product discounts, several accessory deals are noteworthy:

– **iPhone 17 Pro TechWoven Cases** are now at their lowest price in months.
– The **Light Blue Alpine Loop** with Black Titanium finish is offered at **30% off**.
– The **Apple Crossbody Strap** is listed at just over **$23**, marking its lowest price to date.
– The **Anker Nano Travel Adapter** is also reduced to **$20**, making it a sensible buy for travelers.

#### 5. **Thunderbolt Pro Cable – 55% Off**

Lastly, a significant deal on the **Apple Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) Pro Cable** is available for **$31**, which is **55% off** its usual price of **$69**. This cable is crucial for anyone requiring rapid data transfer and charging functionalities.

### Conclusion

With these substantial discounts on Apple products and accessories, now is the perfect time to invest in top-notch technology. Whether you’re upgrading your gadgets or searching for the ideal accessory, these deals present a great opportunity to save. Be sure to take advantage of these offers while they are available!

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Current Offers: $480 Discount on 512GB iPhone 16 Pro, 30% Discount on Alpine Loop, Savings on 17 Pro TechWoven Cases and iPad Pro
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