OpenAI is undergoing another round of C-suite changes, according to an internal memo viewed by The Verge. Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s CEO of AGI deployment – who was until recently the company’s CEO of Applications – says in the memo that she will be stepping away on medical leave “for the next several weeks” due to […]
On Thursday, during Artemis II’s journey to the Moon, commander Reid Wiseman ran into a tech issue some of us back on Earth can relate to: Microsoft Outlook wasn’t working. In a conversation captured in NASA’s Artemis livestream and shared on Bluesky, Wiseman reported to Mission Control: “I also see that I have two Microsoft […]
**5 Features of the iPhone’s Reminders App You May Not Be Aware Of**
The built-in Reminders app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac has transformed from a basic to-do list organizer into a robust application that interconnects with various Apple services. This transformation enables users to improve organization, collaborate on tasks, and establish workflows to guarantee timely task fulfillment. While it still serves its purpose for straightforward tasks like shopping, delving into its lesser-known functionalities can greatly enhance efficiency.
**Set a Reminder Without Accessing the App**
You can add reminders without accessing the app by utilizing Siri. Just tell Siri to create a reminder for you. Alternatively, incorporate a reminder shortcut into the Control Center or use the Action button found on the latest iPhone models to quickly open the Reminders interface.
**Link Reminders to Contacts**
You can associate reminders with specific individuals. By activating the “When Messaging” switch, a reminder will activate when you send a message to that contact. Likewise, you can establish reminders for phone calls by dragging a contact name from the Phone app to create a reminder.
**The Associated Apps**
Reminders work in tandem with Mail and Calendar apps. You can create email reminders by selecting the “Remind Me” option from the share sheet. Reminders also show up in the Calendar app, assisting you in managing pressing tasks. You can add reminders straight from the Calendar app, designating dates, times, and priority levels.
**Expertly Organize Reminders**
Arrange tasks by transferring them to particular lists and pinning commonly used lists. Form Groups to encompass multiple lists and include subtasks under main tasks. Utilize Apple Intelligence to automatically categorize reminders, and create sections within lists for enhanced organization.
**Collaborate on Lists with Others**
Share lists with others to work together on tasks. Assign particular tasks to individuals within a shared list, perfect for coordinating grocery shopping, work duties, household chores, or travel arrangements. Observing shared reminders is particularly straightforward on a Mac.
By taking advantage of these advanced capabilities, the Reminders app transforms into a multifunctional tool for overseeing tasks across all your Apple devices.
# iOS 26.5 Public Beta: Features and Updates
Apple has launched the first public beta of iOS 26.5, following the earlier release of the initial developer beta this week. This update brings a variety of new features and improvements, though it lacks the expected Gemini-powered AI capabilities.
## Key Features and Updates in iOS 26.5
### 1. Recommended Locations in Apple Maps
One of the standout features in iOS 26.5 is the “Recommended Locations” option in Apple Maps. This improvement is aimed at enhancing the search experience by offering users suggestions for popular spots based on their interests and prior searches.
### 2. RCS End-to-End Encryption
Apple is still in the process of testing end-to-end encryption for Rich Communication Services (RCS) in beta. This feature is intended to bolster the privacy and security of messaging for users, making sure that conversations stay private.
### 3. Live Activities for Third-Party Accessories
In Europe, Apple is exploring the option to send Live Activities notifications to third-party accessories. This feature will enable users to receive instantaneous updates from compatible devices, improving the overall user experience.
### 4. Subscription Payment Alternatives
iOS 26.5 might introduce new in-app payment options for subscriptions, potentially providing users the choice of monthly payments at a reduced rate for annual subscriptions. This alteration could offer more options for users overseeing their subscriptions.
### 5. Other Features
For a detailed summary of all the new features and minor updates in iOS 26.5, users can check resources like 9to5Mac’s thorough overview.
## Conclusion
The iOS 26.5 public beta represents a meaningful advancement for Apple, unveiling features that improve user experience and privacy. As beta testing progresses, users can anticipate more enhancements and updates leading to the official launch.
**macOS 26.5 Public Beta: What to Anticipate**
With the advent of the initial developer beta of macOS 26.5, participants in the Public Beta program can now delve into the forthcoming version. This article delineates what to anticipate from this update.
### A Sparser Release Compared to macOS 26.4
Unlike the first developer beta of iOS 26.5, which brings forth multiple new functionalities such as Live Activities streaming to third-party devices, recommended locations in Apple Maps, and RCS end-to-end encryption, macOS 26.5 seems to be a more subdued update.
macOS 26.4 introduced major features like the Charge Limit setting, a streamlined tab view in Safari, and notifications regarding the end of Rosetta 2 support. However, macOS 26.5 appears to concentrate mainly on bug resolutions and stability enhancements, with no significant new features revealed as of now.
There is a chance that subsequent beta releases could reveal extra features before the official rollout of macOS 26.5, anticipated to be the last major update before WWDC26 and the unveiling of macOS 27.
The release version of macOS 26.5 public beta 1 is 25F5042g, which corresponds with the developer beta.
### How to Install macOS Tahoe 26.5 Public Beta 1
To install the public beta, users must first sign up for Apple’s public beta program at [beta.apple.com](https://beta.apple.com/). After enrollment, complete these steps:
1. Open System Settings.
2. Navigate to General ⇾ Software Update.
3. Click the ‘i’ icon adjacent to Beta Updates.
4. Choose macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta from the dropdown menu in the upper-right corner.
5. Click ‘Done’.
Users are invited to report any modifications they observe in the beta version in the comments section.
### Conclusion
While macOS 26.5 may not unveil revolutionary features, it strives to boost system stability and performance. Users keen on trying the beta can easily enroll and share their feedback on their experiences.
### Public Beta 1 Launches for iPadOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and More
Apple has kicked off a new public beta phase for its forthcoming software updates, which include iPadOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, watchOS 26.5, HomePod 26.5, among others. This rollout comes after the previous release of developer betas earlier this week, along with a revision for iOS and iPadOS.
#### New Features in iPadOS 26.5
In the initial testing stage, the new features in the 26.5 updates seem to be fairly limited. Key modifications include:
– **Apple Maps Improvements**: A new ‘Suggested Places’ functionality has been introduced, aimed at enhancing user navigation and exploration.
– **App Store Modifications**: There are signs of a new option for in-app subscriptions, which could simplify the purchasing experience for users.
– **EU-Specific Updates**: Some enhancements are designed to align with regulations in the European Union, especially concerning support for third-party accessories.
While these features are present, the overall changes visible to users are not as extensive compared to the earlier version, 26.4, released just a week ago.
#### Future Updates
As Apple progresses in developing the 26.5 software, it is typical for the company to unveil more features in following beta versions. Historically, major updates are frequently saved for beta 2 and beta 3 iterations. With the forthcoming WWDC 2026 event on the horizon, it is probable that the 26.5 updates will stay relatively low-key, setting the stage for more significant changes in iOS 27, macOS 27, and other future updates.
#### Community Feedback
Users are invited to share their experiences and any new findings they come across in the iPadOS 26.5 public beta or other updates. Community feedback plays a crucial role as it aids in refining the final product prior to the official launch.
### Conclusion
The debut of public beta 1 for iPadOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and related software represents a significant milestone in Apple’s development timeline. Although the initial features may appear sparse, the opportunity for future enhancements remains strong as Apple gears up for its next major announcements.
With the midterms right around the corner, the new group is positioned to back candidates who support the AI company’s policy agenda.
Anthropic has purchased the stealth biotech AI startup Coefficient Bio in a $400 million stock deal, according to The Information and Eric Newcomer.
Remember when we thought the Legion Go 2 was expensive at $1,099 and up? Those were the days – Best Buy is now listing Lenovo’s handheld for $1,499 with a Ryzen Z2 or $1,999 with a Z2 Extreme. The latter originally cost $1,349, so that’s a $650 jump in just six months. And yes, that […]
**Budget Android Phones May Vanish After 2026, Per This Report**
Recently, the smartphone sector has encountered considerable obstacles due to escalating component expenses, especially in memory chips. A report from Counterpoint Research Korea reveals a striking rise in DRAM and NAND Flash prices, with DRAM costs soaring over 50% and NAND Flash prices climbing by over 90% in the initial quarter of 2026. This cost surge is impacting the bill of materials (BOM) for smartphones, making it progressively challenging for manufacturers to create budget-friendly devices.
Entry-level smartphones, usually featuring 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, have experienced a 25% increase in BOM costs, with memory costs representing nearly 43% of the overall BOM. Mid-tier devices are likewise facing cost hikes, with DRAM and NAND Flash components increasing by 20% and 16%, respectively. While high-end phones are not exempt from these price surges, the effect is most pronounced on entry to mid-range devices.
The rising expenses present a danger to the survival of budget Android phones. Manufacturers may find it hard to provide economical alternatives without compromising quality or features. Analysts indicate that brands such as MediaTek and other Chinese manufacturers might be particularly impacted, potentially leading to the outright disappearance of budget smartphones from the marketplace.
An IDC report further corroborates this bleak perspective, forecasting a 12.9% contraction in the global smartphone market in 2026 due to the memory chip deficit. This deficit is inducing ripple effects throughout the tech sector, with possible price hikes for various gadgets, including smart TVs.
Manufacturers are reacting by lowering specifications, discontinuing unprofitable entry-level models, and pushing consumers toward more premium devices. Gartner’s report on the PC market reflects similar conclusions, suggesting a transition toward premium models and a discontinuation of budget options.
As the industry navigates these difficulties, the future of budget Android phones remains unclear. With increasing expenses and dwindling market interest, manufacturers may need to reevaluate their strategies to endure in a swiftly transforming environment.
