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Forthcoming Gemini Enhancements Might Allow AI to Identify Ideal Moments for Checking Your Phone Display

Gemini Live, the name of this capability, has been steadily progressing since Google introduced it in August 2024. Presently, a fresh analysis of the code within the Google app indicates that the company may be aiming to provide Gemini with even greater access to your phone screen — obviously with your consent.

This new insight comes from Android Authority, which has recently conducted an APK teardown of the Google app. The analysis reveals that Google has implemented modifications that could hint at an alternative configuration for Gemini’s “Ask about screen” feature, which also supports Circle to Search.

At the moment, in order to inquire Gemini about something visible on your screen, you must call up the Gemini overlay and engage Gemini using either a voice command or a button. Following that, you have to select the “Ask about screen” option. However, with the suggested alternative configuration, it appears that Google may provide the functionality for Gemini to recognize when you are inquiring about your screen, allowing it to automatically retrieve the relevant context.

Easier access to your screen

iPhone 17 Users Encounter Problems with Wi-Fi and CarPlay Connectivity

A number of iPhone 17 and iPhone Air users have taken to Reddit and various support forums to express their frustrations regarding Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity issues. This has also resulted in stability challenges with CarPlay for some users. Here’s the current information we have.

On Reddit, those affected report that their iPhone 17 disconnects from Wi-Fi temporarily and then reconnects immediately upon unlocking their device or viewing the Lock Screen. These users also mention connectivity troubles with CarPlay, which depends on a Wi-Fi link, such as sluggish performance and audio interruptions.

The connectivity issues also affect Bluetooth for some iPhone users, who indicate they are dealing with sporadic connectivity issues with their AirPods and other devices.

While numerous complaints about this issue are visible on Reddit and other platforms, it’s challenging to determine the exact extent of the problem considering the vast iPhone user population.

“This is the entire WiFi crashing.. it doesn’t matter which network, or even if you’re linked to a network, it still drops. It’s just that if you’re not connected to a network, you won’t notice the drop. However, if you delve into settings and replicate the issue, you’ll observe that the WiFi goes to ‘off’ for a brief moment, then reconnects.”

Interestingly, many iPhone 17 and iPhone Air users claim that these issues arise only when they are wearing an Apple Watch.

“I am facing the identical issue when the watch is on my wrist and unlocked. It also impacts wireless CarPlay. When the watch is worn, and I unlock my iPhone, CarPlay disconnects and reconnects. This makes sense as wireless CarPlay is also reliant on Wi-Fi. I also possess a Vision Pro, and interestingly, when I unlock that with my iPhone close by, it also disconnects the Wi-Fi.”

The issue seems to be related to software rather than a hardware defect in the new iPhone 17 models. All four newly launched iPhone versions incorporate Apple’s new N1 wireless connectivity chip, but this can be resolved through software and is not indicative of any hardware issue. Initial reports suggest that performance improves significantly with iOS 26.1, which began beta testing with developers earlier this week.

“I upgraded just my iPhone to the 26.1 B1. It’s only been 20 minutes, but under the same conditions that led to my WiFi and Bluetooth being switched off and on, it has not occurred. This suggests that Apple, either on purpose or by accident, resolved the problem. It also indicates that this is very likely a software issue that can be fixed.”

“I have now also updated my watch to 26.1 B1. Still cannot replicate the issue. Furthermore, I utilize the ‘unlock with iPhone’ feature. Everything functioned well! Additionally, my AirPods aren’t disconnecting and Bluetooth performance has been stable.”

Apple is also anticipated to soon release iOS 26.0.1 with bug fixes for iPhone users. Ideally, this update will resolve the Wi-Fi connectivity issues for iPhone 17 and iPhone Air users.

Have you encountered any issues with your iPhone 17 or iPhone Air? In all my evaluations of the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air series, I haven’t succeeded in reproducing any of these issues. Share your experiences in the comments.

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Three Essential Insights from Apple’s Latest Seminar on Natural Language Processing

### Highlights from Apple’s Workshop on Natural Language and Interactive Systems 2025

Several months prior, Apple organized a two-day gathering focused on the most recent developments in natural language processing (NLP). The Workshop on Natural Language and Interactive Systems 2025, which took place on May 15-16, included a variety of presentations and publications centered on three primary research domains: Spoken Language Interactive Systems, LLM Training and Alignment, and Language Agents. Scholars from esteemed institutions and corporations showcased their newest research, illustrating the cooperative efforts between academia and industry.

#### Key Research Areas

1. **Spoken Language Interactive Systems**
2. **LLM Training and Alignment**
3. **Language Agents**

### Notable Presentations

#### 1. AI Model Collapse & Detecting LLM Hallucinations
Yarin Gal from the University of Oxford led a presentation addressing the dangers linked to training large language models (LLMs) on synthetic data sourced from the web. Gal underlined the necessity for innovative tools to distinguish between AI-generated and human-generated material to reduce the chances of model collapse. In his follow-up study, he suggested a technique for identifying LLM hallucinations by generating multiple responses and grouping them based on semantic meaning to evaluate the model’s certainty in its answers.

#### 2. Reinforcement Learning for Long-Horizon Interactive LLM Agents
Kevin Chen from Apple showcased an agent trained through Leave-one-out proximal policy optimization (LOOP). This agent was tailored to manage complex tasks, enhancing its precision via iterative learning from prior actions. Chen pointed out the agent’s training across varied scenarios, though it encountered challenges in handling multi-turn user engagements.

#### 3. Speculative Streaming: Fast LLM Inference Without Auxiliary Models
Irina Belousova, an Engineering Manager at Apple, introduced a technique named speculative decoding. This method enables smaller models to produce high-quality responses by creating candidate sequences that are subsequently validated by larger models. The approach decreases memory requirements and streamlines deployment by reducing the intricacy of managing several models during inference.

### Conclusion

The Workshop on Natural Language and Interactive Systems 2025 highlighted notable progress in NLP, emphasizing the collaborative endeavors of researchers from diverse institutions and organizations. For those keen on delving into the complete array of studies and presentations from the event, a detailed list of videos and papers can be found on Apple’s machine learning website.

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Significant Enhancement to iPhone Mirroring on Mac in macOS Tahoe

**iPhone Mirroring in macOS Tahoe: Improved with Live Activities Support**

iPhone Mirroring, a functionality introduced on the Mac last year, has undergone substantial improvements in macOS Tahoe, especially with the launch of Live Activities support. This feature showcases Apple’s dedication to unifying its hardware ecosystem through flawless Continuity features.

**Live Activities Integration**

Following the update in macOS Tahoe, users can now view Live Activities from their iPhone straight on their Mac. This integration is intended to be automatic and user-friendly. Live Activities will show up in the Mac’s menu bar, enabling users to track real-time updates without having to switch devices.

Depending on the space available in the menu bar, users will either notice a small Live Activity icon or a streamlined view of the Live Activity itself. Clicking this icon expands the view to reveal complete details, mirroring the iPhone experience.

**Interactivity with Live Activities**

Beyond simply observing Live Activities, users can engage with them directly from their Mac. A double-click on the Live Activity will launch the relevant app on the iPhone, effectively mimicking the tap function found on the iPhone’s interface. This feature boosts the usability of iPhone Mirroring, making it a more essential component of the Mac experience.

**Continuity Features and Ecosystem Integration**

The incorporation of Live Activities into iPhone Mirroring highlights Apple’s continuous efforts to enhance the synergy between its devices. By refining Continuity features, Apple ensures that users can transition effortlessly between their iPhone and Mac, optimizing multitasking efficiency.

For those keen on managing Live Activities settings for iPhone Mirroring, Apple offers an extensive support document. Moreover, updates on additional enhancements to Live Activities can be accessed through various tech news sources.

In summary, the advancements in iPhone Mirroring in macOS Tahoe, particularly with Live Activities support, mark a significant progression in how Apple devices interact with each other, strengthening the company’s emphasis on a unified user experience.

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The Advantages of Craft: The Productivity Application Apple Aficionados Have Been Looking Forward To

# Craft: The Ultimate Productivity Tool for Apple Users

If you cherish your Apple devices, you anticipate that your applications will have the same level of refinement. The reality? Many productivity tools still fall short. Some are robust but cumbersome, while others appear sleek but lack functionality. Craft fills this void with its innovative Liquid Glass update, enhancing usability across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Each interaction feels swift, fluid, and organic — as though the app was specifically tailored for the hardware it operates on.

## Designed for Apple. Updated for Liquid Glass on Day 1.

Craft isn’t merely functional on Apple platforms; it exudes the feeling of being crafted specifically for them. Whether you’re using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, every version of Craft is fine-tuned to harness the unique capabilities of the device in your hand. The seamless experience is deliberate, evident in how cohesive and fluid it feels across your Apple ecosystem.

With the new Liquid Glass design update, Craft unveils a lighter, more streamlined visual language that imparts a contemporary, premium aesthetic to every platform:

– **On iPhone:** Streamlined navigation and quick actions allow for capturing ideas and organizing your day with just a tap.
– **On iPad:** Touch gestures, Apple Pencil support, and a larger workspace provide an immersive, distraction-free environment for writing and organizing.
– **On Mac:** A focus on keyboard use and high performance creates a natural and seamless experience for intensive tasks and long-form writing.

The Liquid Glass design is operational across all platforms, ensuring a consistent, sophisticated interface wherever you work. Regardless of the device, the experience feels integrated — and distinctly Apple.

## Offline, On-Device AI

In contrast to most AI tools, Craft’s assistant operates offline, directly on your device — powered by Apple’s Foundation Models. This allows you to write, summarize, rephrase, and translate without needing to send your content to the cloud. It’s swift, secure, and perpetually accessible — even when flying or in areas without signal.

You can opt for either Apple’s on-device models or cloud-based alternatives based on your preferences. Regardless, Craft allows you to maintain complete control over your content — a rarity in today’s productivity environment. This is AI that honors your privacy and workflow.

## A True Alternative to Apple Notes and Notion

If Apple Notes feels restrictive and Notion overly intricate, Craft occupies the perfect middle ground. It’s quick, organized, and refined. Craft consolidates your ideas, plans, and tasks into one cohesive system:

– **Notes that evolve into structured documents**
– **Tasks embedded within your writing**
– **Collections to arrange multi-step projects or research**
– **Tags for organized simplicity without the clutter**

Everything interconnects. You can brainstorm, plan, write, and arrange — all without toggling between apps or windows. The team introduced tags over the summer, and the September updates made them quicker to navigate and simpler to implement as you compose. Once tagging becomes second nature, you focus less on categorization and effortlessly find what you need.

## Collections: Powerful, Structured Documents

Craft’s Collections simplify the organization of complex projects — from project briefs and editorial schedules to event organization and research databases. The latest update introduces new field types such as percentages, currency, email, and phone, allowing you to customize each Collection for the specific task at hand. These are not merely documents; they are intelligent, structured environments that adapt to your workflow.

## Tasks: Integrated Directly into Your Writing

Craft’s Tasks are situated directly within your notes, ensuring your to-dos remain connected to their relevant context. With the new Tasks tab, the team has added useful filters that reflect how individuals plan their week: Inbox for quick notes, Today for immediate actions, Upcoming for a preview, and All Tasks for overall visibility. Combined with Collections and tags, you can handle ideas and execution in one location — eliminating the need to switch between a task manager and your notes app.

## Craft on iPad Demonstrates What Modern Software Should Feel Like

The most striking aspect of Craft’s Liquid Glass update is how naturally it integrates with the iPad. Craft’s update exemplifies what a contemporary iPad app can accomplish. It utilizes the tablet as the primary workspace and employs the platform’s latest design system judiciously. It introduces private, offline intelligence to writing and planning, while also connecting notes, tasks, tags, and structured Collections into a workflow that spans from academic use to professional settings. If you’ve been seeking software that transforms the iPad into a premier productivity tool, Craft’s Liquid Glass update deserves a prominent place on your iPad.

## Get Started with Craft

Download Craft on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Begin a new document, jot down a few ideas, convert one into a task, and include a couple of tags. Observe how effortlessly it all falls into place. As the project expands, transition it into a Collection and select fields that align with your workflow. Need a summary or translation?

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Apple Wallet Will Soon Allow US Passports on iPhone

# Apple Wallet Set to Include US Passports by Year-End

The Wallet application from Apple has recently been updated with numerous new functionalities alongside the launch of iOS 26, but an intriguing enhancement is forthcoming: the incorporation of US passports. This capability is anticipated to be available by the close of the year, greatly improving the app’s utility for iPhone users.

## Digital IDs in Wallet

The Wallet app has offered digital IDs for a while now, yet their access has been somewhat restricted. At present, only 11 states and territories in the US provide digital IDs, like state driver’s licenses, due to the necessity for state collaboration with Apple. The impending inclusion of US passports will expand the range of digital identification accessible to users, facilitating wider use among a broader audience.

## Expected Release Timeline

The latest update on Apple’s website reveals that US passport support is set to be launched later this year. The potential timeline indicates that this feature may be part of the forthcoming iOS 26.1 update, anticipated in late October, or possibly in iOS 26.2, which could debut in early to mid-December. There is also a chance that Apple might activate this feature via a server-side update, negating the requirement for a new software rollout.

## Conclusion

With the upcoming integration of US passport support, iPhone users will shortly have the capability to digitally store their passports within the Wallet app, simplifying travel and identification tasks. As this feature draws near, users are urged to reflect on how it could enhance their interaction with digital identification.

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Distinctions Between Thunderbolt and USB-C Displays

high-end displays for their computers, whether it’s to enhance their gaming sessions, optimize their creative endeavors, or simply relish the advantages of a bigger, crisper screen. However, maximizing a 4K or OLED monitor is more than just owning it; it involves how that monitor interfaces with your setup initially. Even the finest display can fall short if the connection doesn’t support the resolution. This is why the majority of users opt for HDMI or USB-C to DisplayPort connections, both of which provide the necessary bandwidth to unleash a monitor’s complete capabilities.

USB-C, in particular, has gained significant traction due to its multifunctionality. Depending on your configuration, with a keyboard, mouse, or several external drives already occupying ports, cable management can swiftly turn chaotic. USB-C addresses that issue by offering a two-way connection. It can not only carry video to your display but, in many instances, can also deliver power back to your laptop, conserving both outlet space and reducing hassle.

Thunderbolt has surfaced as another competitor in the connectivity domain. Although it appears almost identical to USB-C, its performance features distinguish it. Some manufacturers have started producing monitors specifically tailored for Thunderbolt, and comprehending the distinctions between these two crucial connections is essential in determining if a transition is worthwhile. 

Thunderbolt vs USB-C: All you should know before connecting

Disney to Raise Disney+ and Hulu Subscription Costs Once More – Find Out More Inside

Disney is once more increasing the prices of its leading streaming services. As per recently updated support documents, the company is upping the prices for its Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN offerings — both in standalone and bundle forms.

Effective October 21, 2025, Disney will elevate the cost of Disney+ with ads to $11.99 per month — a $2 hike. Furthermore, Disney+ Premium subscriptions will experience a $3 increase to $18.99 per month on the same day, with the yearly ad-free Premium plan soaring by $30 to a total of $189.99 annually. These are not the only hikes either.

Concurrently, Disney will boost the price of Hulu’s ad-supported plan by $2 to $11.99, while the ad-free plan stays at $18.99 for now. ESPN Select will also experience a price rise from $11.99 to $12.99 monthly, and from $119.99 to $129.99 yearly. ESPN Unlimited remains untouched.

Disney has indicated that its bundle subscriptions will also face some increases, with the Disney+ and Hulu with ads bundle climbing to $12.99 — an additional $2 increase along with the others on the list. Users with a Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select bundle will also see a $3 hike to $19.99 per month. Naturally, the complete list of increases can be verified on the Disney+ website.

An inopportune moment for price hikes

While price escalations are typically expected with streaming subscriptions nowadays, this seems like a peculiar moment for Disney to begin raising prices, especially in light of the ongoing backlash regarding Disney’s prior choice to remove Jimmy Kimmel’s show from broadcasting. That choice has since been reversed, yet it left many feeling dissatisfied and led to a surge in cancellations.

Anyone keeping track of Disney’s earlier price hikes is aware that this latest series comes at a similar time as the 2024 price increases, which saw a rise in the cost of its monthly ad-free plan from $13.99 to $15.99. This does not make it any easier to accept the larger $3 hike to $18.99 happening next month.

Given how Disney has persistently rolled out new “Star Wars” and Marvel-themed content to the streaming service over recent years, it is hardly surprising to see the company exploring new avenues to recover those costs. However, with the current circumstances — alongside the recent price adjustments to rival streaming services such as Apple TV — some might find themselves needing to choose between maintaining their monthly subscription or opting for a more budget-friendly alternative, such as Roku’s recently introduced Howdy channel.

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MediaTek’s Newest High-Performance Processor Still Not Launched for Consumers

A change could be refreshing.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

In recent years, MediaTek has excelled in producing chips for high-end technology. Although you might associate the brand with affordable, reliable chips for budget devices, the Dimensity series showcases specifications that rival the top contenders in premium smartphone chips. Yes, that’s Qualcomm, the name on everyone’s lips.

The newest model, the Dimensity 9500, seems to have received every conceivable upgrade, particularly in crucial areas: AI processing. Whether we like it or not, our smart devices are poised to become increasingly focused on AI, so the chip that can handle it all swiftly and efficiently will seem to perform “better” than its competitors. MediaTek is leading the way.

All my thoughts regarding the Dimensity 9500 are derived from its specifications “on paper,” just like the premium Dimensity models that preceded it, simply due to my location in the United States and my preference for phones crafted for this market. In other words: phones without a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chip inside.

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