Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

Discovering ‘AnywAIr’: An Independent Application for Utilizing Local AI Models on Your iPhone

# Indie App Spotlight: AnywAIr – Local AI at Your Fingertips

Welcome to Indie App Spotlight, a weekly series that highlights the newest advancements in the indie app sphere. This week, we focus on **AnywAIr**, an exciting iOS application that enables users to engage with AI models without requiring an internet connection.

## Top Features

AnywAIr, a clever twist on the term “anywhere,” utilizes the strengths of Apple silicon to deliver local AI functionality directly to your iPhone. Here are some of its key features:

1. **Support for Various AI Models**: The app supports both MLX and Llama models, offering users a range of choices. Notable models available include Qwen 2.5, Gemma 3, and Llama 3.2, among others.

2. **Privacy-Centric**: A major benefit of utilizing local AI models is enhanced privacy. With AnywAIr, your discussions and interactions stay on your device, reducing the risk of data exposure to AI firms.

3. **Fun Games**: AnywAIr features several engaging, LLM-powered games like “guess the word,” “story scramble,” and “spin the bottle,” transforming it into not just a tool, but also a source of enjoyment.

4. **Offline Translation Tool**: The app offers a translation tool, which can be especially beneficial when you’re without an internet connection.

## Download the App

AnywAIr is free to download from the App Store, offering a basic experience that lets users explore its features. For those looking to unlock additional games, models, and themes, a one-time fee of $9.99 provides lifetime access, or you can choose a $14.99 version to provide further support to the developer.

Discover the potential of local AI with AnywAIr and relish the mix of utility and enjoyment it brings to your iOS device.

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Incogni Provides Solutions to Eliminate Your Social Security Number and Additional Sensitive Data from the Web

### The Concealed Dangers of Personal Data Exposure and How to Safeguard Yourself

In the contemporary digital landscape, safeguarding personal data has emerged as a critical issue. Many people might be taken aback to find that their Social Security numbers, contact numbers, addresses, and birth dates are frequently available for acquisition. This troubling situation is primarily due to the presence of data brokers—entities that gather, purchase, and trade personal information from multiple sources, including websites and app creators.

#### Comprehending Data Brokers

Data brokers function within a clandestine marketplace, accumulating extensive volumes of personal information that can be sold to advertisers, marketers, and even malicious actors. When users sign up on websites or install apps, they often consent to privacy agreements that allow these firms to distribute their data. Regrettably, most users overlook these extensive documents, which typically feature ambiguous language regarding data sharing.

While several companies utilize this information to customize advertisements, the direst scenario involves hackers acquiring this data, resulting in identity theft and fraudulent activities. A straightforward Google inquiry can reveal how much personal information is accessible online, encompassing sensitive details about relatives and employment backgrounds.

#### The Difficulty of Data Elimination

Individuals worried about their privacy might attempt to submit requests for data removal to data brokers. Nevertheless, this endeavor can be tedious and disheartening. Numerous brokers conceal the required links or impose intricate criteria for data elimination. Even if successful, individuals frequently discover their information resurfacing as fresh data is perpetually generated.

#### An Easier Solution: Incogni

To address these obstacles, services like Incogni provide a more streamlined solution. Incogni is dedicated to erasing personal data from the internet by actively challenging hundreds of data brokers on behalf of users. This service is not merely a one-off remedy; it persistently works to ensure that sensitive data is erased from various platforms, including genealogy websites and social media networks.

With Incogni’s Unlimited plan, users can also submit links they uncover themselves, enabling the service to manage the removal procedure. This proactive method significantly alleviates the load on individuals seeking to safeguard their privacy.

#### Real-World Consequences

The threats associated with personal data exposure are not just hypothetical. Numerous individuals have faced the repercussions directly. For example, one Reddit user shared that a scammer gained access to their phone number, home address, and the identities of their family members, resulting in unsolicited calls and harassment.

#### Conclusion

As personal data increasingly turns into a commodity, vigilance and proactive strategies are crucial for protecting privacy. Utilizing services like Incogni can empower individuals to regain control over their personal information and lessen the risks linked with data brokers. For those interested, a limited-time promotional offer currently provides a 55% discount for readers of 9to5Mac, creating an opportunity to enhance personal data security affordably.

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2025 Gift Guide for Apple Enthusiasts: Professionally Evaluated and Endorsed Items

# 2025 Technology Gift Guide for Apple Users

With the festive season on the horizon, it’s time to start crossing off gifts for the Apple aficionados in your circle. This guide highlights tech products that have demonstrated their utility over the year, making them ideal presents for Apple users.

## Nomad Tracking Card

For anyone who has misplaced their wallet, a dependable tracker is vital. The **Nomad Tracking Card** works effortlessly with Apple’s Find My network, enabling users to track down lost belongings, get alerts when they forget something, and monitor luggage during trips. Unlike other trackers, the Nomad card is rechargeable via MagSafe and lasts around five months on a single charge. Priced at $29.99, it’s currently discounted by 25% for Prime members during Cyber Monday.

## BACKBONE One Mobile Gaming Controller

For parents or anyone aiming to elevate their mobile gaming experience, the **BACKBONE One Mobile Gaming Controller** is revolutionary. Compatible with iPhone 15 and later models, along with Android devices featuring USB-C, this controller turns your phone into a console-like gaming system. Selling for $99.99, it’s offered at 20% off during Cyber Monday.

## Mophie Powerstation Wireless Slim

Battery longevity is vital for heavy iPhone users, and the **Mophie Powerstation Wireless Slim** is an essential accessory. This 10,000 mAh power bank supports 15W MagSafe wireless charging and 30W USB-C PD fast charging. Ideal for on-the-go charging, it can even power devices like iPads. The standard version retails for $79.95, with options for a stand or a more streamlined model available.

## Aurzen BOOM Air Projector

The **Aurzen BOOM Air projector** is a cutting-edge device for film lovers. With integrated Google TV software, it lets users stream content directly from Apple TV or other sources through HDMI. Currently priced at $179.99, reduced from $299, it includes an adjustable stand, automatic focus, and can be powered by a USB-C power bank, making it adaptable for any environment.

## OWC Ultra Fast External SSD

For those in need of additional storage, the **OWC Ultra Fast External SSD** ranks as a premium option. This SSD provides contemporary Thunderbolt speeds, operates silently, and preserves performance with large files. The 2TB version is priced at $349.99, currently on sale for $279.99. It’s a superb investment for anyone aiming to enhance their storage capabilities.

## Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station

The **Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station** is great for those owning multiple Apple devices. It allows for the concurrent charging of an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. The latest version, featuring faster charging options, retails for $119.99 but is priced at $77.75 during Cyber Monday.

## OtterBox 2-in-1 Crossbody Strap

The **OtterBox 2-in-1 Crossbody Strap** is a handy accessory for iPhone owners. It facilitates easy transport of the device, decreasing the likelihood of forgetting it. Priced at $54.99, it’s currently available for $26.39, making it a budget-friendly gift choice.

## Mixx Analog System 5 Hi-Fi Vinyl Record Player

For vinyl lovers, the **Mixx Analog System 5** provides a chic way to enjoy music. This record player comes equipped with wireless speakers and supports both optical and Bluetooth connections. Priced at $299.99, it’s a fantastic gift for those who value both sound and design.

## Level Lock Pro

The **Level Lock Pro** is a smart door lock that merges functionality with style. It enables users to unlock their doors with their iPhone or Apple Watch and integrates with Apple’s Home app for automation. This lock makes a thoughtful gift for anyone aiming to boost their home security.

## Conclusion

This tech gift guide presents an array of products that meet the needs of Apple users, ensuring you discover the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Whether it’s a practical accessory or an entertaining gadget, these suggestions are bound to leave a mark.

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Apple @ Work: The Significance of ABM Warranty and New Business Manager APIs for IT Teams

**Apple Business Manager API and ABM Warranty: A New Chapter for IT Administration of Apple Devices**

The administration of Apple devices within enterprise settings has consistently presented distinct challenges, especially in tracking warranties and device statuses. Nevertheless, with the advent of the Apple Business Manager API, IT teams now have the ability to access device data in a secure and streamlined way, enhancing the management of extensive fleets of Apple devices.

**Grasping the Apple Business Manager API**

The Apple Business Manager API grants third-party tools secure access to device data directly from Apple. This functionality is vital for IT departments tasked with efficiently managing a multitude of devices. By unveiling more device details and management features through official APIs, Apple is empowering developers to craft applications that fulfill enduring requirements within the IT sector.

**Presenting ABM Warranty**

One pivotal application is ABM Warranty, designed to supply IT teams with a simplified method to access Apple device warranty details. This tool extracts warranty data embedded in Apple Business Manager and displays it in a user-friendly format. With capabilities such as color coding to signify warranty status—whether devices are under warranty, out of warranty, or nearing expiration—ABM Warranty streamlines the decision-making process regarding device repairs and replacements.

**Essential Features of ABM Warranty**

– **Thorough Warranty Overview**: ABM Warranty provides a transparent display of warranty statuses for all devices, enabling IT teams to promptly identify which devices need attention.
– **Filtering and Exporting**: Users can filter devices by platform and export data to CSV files, facilitating integration with other IT management systems.
– **In-depth Device Insights**: The application delivers historical coverage details for individual devices, including any AppleCare Plus incidents, ensuring that IT teams have all relevant information readily available.
– **Upcoming Enhancements**: The future roadmap for ABM Warranty includes features like keychain-based certificate selection and integration with Apple School Manager, promising enhanced functionality.

**The Influence of Apple’s API on IT Administration**

The launch of the Apple Business Manager API signifies a noteworthy transformation in how IT teams interact with Apple devices. For years, there has been a need for increased visibility into warranty statuses and repair records, and the API addresses this by offering structured data access. This transformation not only boosts the capabilities of tools like ABM Warranty but also sets the stage for further advancements in IT management solutions.

**Final Thoughts**

For organizations overseeing Apple devices in large quantities, tools like ABM Warranty are becoming indispensable elements of their operational procedures. With the groundwork laid by Apple’s API access, IT teams can finally achieve the visibility they have long desired, leading to more educated decision-making concerning device management. By utilizing applications like ABM Warranty, organizations can optimize their processes and guarantee that their Apple devices remain well-supported and efficient.

For those keen on exploring ABM Warranty, it is available for download on the Mac App Store, enabling organizations to commence managing their warranty data effectively with minimal setup.

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SwitchBot Wallet Tracker: A Handy Tool for Locating Your Wallet Using iPhone’s Find My Function

### SwitchBot Wallet Finder: An In-Depth Analysis

#### Overview
For individuals who frequently lose their wallets, the SwitchBot Wallet Finder provides a practical remedy. Unlike larger tracking gadgets such as the AirTag, the Wallet Finder is crafted to blend effortlessly into your wallet, offering an effective means to monitor your possessions.

#### Installation
The process of setting up the SwitchBot Wallet Finder is simple. Users can link it directly with the Apple Find My app without the necessity of downloading the SwitchBot app. The steps involve launching the Find My app, choosing “Add Item,” and pressing the button on the Wallet Finder card. After assigning a name to the device and selecting an emoji for easy recognition, it can be stashed in a wallet pocket.

#### Tracking Method
The Wallet Finder employs Bluetooth technology instead of GPS. It sends out a low-energy Bluetooth signal that can be detected by nearby Apple devices. This signal is then transmitted to the Find My network, allowing users to find their wallet even from a distance, as long as there are Apple devices in the vicinity. The system incurs no ongoing subscription costs, making it a budget-friendly choice.

The efficiency of the Find My network is apparent, as location updates happen swiftly when the wallet is stationary and in proximity to other iOS devices. In cases where the wallet is in motion, updates might trail slightly behind the real-time situation.

Users have the option to mark their wallet as lost, enabling those who come across it to obtain the owner’s contact details via the Identify Found Item feature in Find My. The forthcoming iOS 18.2 update is set to further enhance this capability.

#### Locating Nearby with the Speaker
Although the Wallet Finder does not include the ultra-wideband technology present in the AirTag, it makes up for this by having a built-in speaker that emits a loud sound when activated. This is particularly beneficial for finding a misplaced wallet at home. Users can effortlessly trigger the sound using the Find My app or through Siri, ensuring quick retrieval of the wallet.

#### Safety and Tracking
The SwitchBot Wallet Finder is primarily intended for recovering lost items rather than tracking people. If the card becomes detached from its owner, it produces a noise to alert nearby individuals and sends notifications to nearby iPhones. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that someone else can turn off the Find My connection by executing a specific shutdown procedure.

#### Summary
The SwitchBot Wallet Finder represents a practical and economical solution for those wanting to keep tabs on their wallets. Its compact design enables easy placement within a wallet, and it even features a hole for lanyard or keychain attachment if preferred.

A potential drawback is that the Wallet Finder is a single-use device with an approximate battery lifespan of three years, after which it cannot be replaced. Nevertheless, considering the worth of the items generally held in a wallet, acquiring a new Wallet Finder when the battery expires may be a sensible choice for numerous users.

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Apple Shuts Down ‘The Last Frontier’ Following Its Inaugural Season

Apple has opted to cancel “The Last Frontier” following its inaugural season. Here are the specifics.

## No Season 2 for ‘The Last Frontier’

Despite Apple’s attempts to market “The Last Frontier” and what initially appeared to be a promising launch, Apple has chosen to terminate the series after merely one season, as noted by *Variety*.

The Jason Clarke-starring series debuted last October to largely favorable reviews, but it seemingly struggled to keep its early success as it moved toward its season conclusion on December 5th.

On IMDb, episode scores varied from 7.7 for the pilot to the lowest-rated episode being the finale, which received a score of 6.2.

“The Last Frontier” narrates the tale of U.S. Marshal Frank Remnick, portrayed by Jason Clarke, who becomes engaged in a manhunt for numerous violent convicts after a prison transport aircraft inexplicably crashes near a rough Alaskan town.

Apple approved “The Last Frontier” in February 2023 with a direct-to-series decision, indicating it committed to producing the full season without initially filming a pilot episode.

“The Last Frontier” now joins other series such as “Mr. Corman,” “Constellation,” “City On Fire,” “Suspicion,” “Shantaram,” “High Desert,” “Sunny,” “Time Bandits,” “Still Up,” “Dear Edward,” and “Amber Brown,” all of which were cancelled after just one season.

Apple TV is offered for $12.99 monthly and showcases popular TV shows and films like “Severance,” “The Studio,” “The Morning Show,” “Shrinking,” and “Silo.”

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ChatGPT Includes a Festive Easter Surprise Driven by Sora

As Sam Altman hinted on X, you can prompt ChatGPT with a single emoji and receive a customized Christmas-themed video created by Sora in return. Here’s how to do it.

## Prompt ChatGPT with 🎁, Get a Customized Video

Earlier this evening, Sam Altman shared a teaser on X, as he often does. It wasn’t long before users discovered that sending 🎁 as a prompt to ChatGPT will lead it to request you to either upload or take a selfie.

Subsequently, it will transfer the task to Sora to produce a humorous, personalized Christmas video, based on ChatGPT’s knowledge about you from previous interactions.

You have no influence over what Sora generates, meaning you can’t select the aesthetics, theme, or events in the video. Here’s what it created for me:

Here’s what Sora generated for an X user who uploaded Altman’s selfie instead of their own:

Currently, you cannot create multiple videos, so if you initiate a new chat session and send 🎁 again, it will simply return the same video.

What do you think about ChatGPT’s holiday easter egg? If you choose to try this out, please share the results with us in the comments.

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Apple TV’s Newest Nature Docuseries Now Ready for Streaming

### Born to be Wild: An In-Depth Exploration of Animal Conservation

‘[Born to be Wild](https://apple.co/3Y5NVwG)’ is a freshly launched wildlife docuseries on Apple TV, narrated by Hugh Bonneville, recognized for his performances in ‘[Notting Hill](https://apple.co/4pPdApi)’ and ‘[Paddington](https://apple.co/3IobADT)’. This series adds to Apple TV’s growing collection of natural world programming, illustrating the complex interactions between humans and animals.

#### Series Overview

All six episodes of ‘[Born to be Wild](https://apple.co/3Y5NVwG)’ are currently available for streaming. The series was filmed over several years across five continents, centering on the lives of six endangered young animals as they journey through their developmental stages. The docuseries emphasizes the obstacles and achievements faced by these creatures and the passionate individuals committed to safeguarding them.

#### Themes and Subject Matter

The series offers an emotional and personal view of the strong connections established between animals and humans. Each episode follows the story of animals such as an elephant calf, two young cheetahs, a ring-tailed lemur pup, a moon bear cub, Iberian lynx kittens, and rescued African penguins.

Apple defines the show as follows:

> “From their first moments to their transition into the wild, the series showcases the difficulties, victories, and resilience that characterize their survival — for both the animals and the extraordinary people dedicated to nurturing and protecting them.”

This narrative framework highlights the crucial role of conservation efforts and the significance of human involvement in rehabbing and rewilding these species to secure their future.

#### Access and Subscription Details

Viewers can check out the trailer for ‘[Born to be Wild](https://apple.co/3Y5NVwG)’ on Apple TV. The service is offered at a subscription rate of $12.99 per month, featuring a range of popular films and shows, including titles like ‘[Severance](https://apple.co/4mI15ey)’, ‘[The Studio](https://tv.apple.com/show/the-studio/umc.cmc.7518algxc4lsoobtsx30dqb52?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.7518algxc4lsoobtsx30dqb52&at=1000l3cFK)’, ‘[The Morning Show](https://tv.apple.com/show/the-morning-show/umc.cmc.25tn3v8ku4b39tr6ccgb8nl6m?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.25tn3v8ku4b39tr6ccgb8nl6m&at=1000l3cFK)’, ‘[Shrinking](https://tv.apple.com/show/shrinking/umc.cmc.apzybj6eqf6pzccd97kev7bs?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.apzybj6eqf6pzccd97kev7bs&at=1000l3cFK)’, and ‘[Silo](https://tv.apple.com/show/silo/umc.cmc.3yksgc857px0k0rqe5zd4jice?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.3yksgc857px0k0rqe5zd4jice&at=1000l3cFK)’.

#### Final Thoughts

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Travis Scott Headlines New Powerbeats Fit Promo Showcasing Unreleased Song and Nostalgic Tweet

**Beats’ “Dare to Dream” Initiative: A Path of Self-Confidence and Realization**

Beats has introduced an uplifting new initiative named “Dare to Dream,” showcasing a digitally rejuvenated version of the celebrated American rapper Travis Scott. This initiative reconstructs Scott’s childhood bedroom, encapsulating the spirit of his youthful ambitions and the instant he started to manifest his future as an international icon.

The commercial is set on March 5, 2011, where a young Scott, equipped with Beats Studio headphones, drifts off to sleep following a vigorous creative session on his iMac. In his dreams, he pictures filled venues, brilliant lights, enthusiastic audiences, and the fireworks that have become a hallmark of his live shows. This dream sequence represents the aspirations that pushed him toward fame.

In a defining moment, Scott reaches for his iPhone 4 and tweets his now-famous message: “ONE DAY TRAVIS SCOTT WILL BE SOMEBODY.” This tweet exemplifies the strength of self-confidence and the significance of visualizing one’s future.

The advertisement wraps up with a moment of clarity as Scott extracts a Powerbeats Fit case from his jacket, inserts the earbuds in his ears, and strolls away, symbolizing the link between his past dreams and current reality.

In Scott’s words, “This film isn’t just about where I came from — it’s about the vision I had before anyone else could see it. (…) Beats has been a part of that story since the beginning.” This quote summarizes the initiative’s message about the importance of believing in oneself and the influence of supportive tools, such as Beats headphones, in achieving one’s aspirations.

The “Dare to Dream” initiative not only emphasizes Travis Scott’s journey but also acts as a source of motivation for individuals to chase their dreams with determination. The ad can be accessed across various platforms, highlighting the fusion of nostalgia and ambition that characterizes Scott’s story.

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Apple Research Uncovers Possibilities of AI-Enhanced ISP to Improve Low-Light Photography on iPhones

# Apple’s DarkDiff: Transforming Low-Light Photography with AI

Apple’s researchers have made remarkable progress in improving extremely dark images through the creation of an AI model named DarkDiff. This groundbreaking technique incorporates a diffusion-based image model directly within the camera’s image processing pipeline, allowing for the retrieval of details from raw sensor data that usually gets lost in low-light scenarios.

## The Challenge of Extreme Low-Light Photos

Taking photos in very dark settings often results in grainy images filled with digital noise. This happens when the image sensor does not capture enough light, leading to a loss of detail. To mitigate this, companies like Apple have turned to image processing algorithms. However, these algorithms have been criticized for producing overly smooth images that lack intricate detail, resulting in a painted effect where the original content becomes unrecognizable.

## Introducing DarkDiff

To tackle the difficulties of low-light photography, researchers from Apple and Purdue University unveiled DarkDiff, as outlined in their study titled “DarkDiff: Advancing Low-Light Raw Enhancement by Retasking Diffusion Models for Camera ISP.” The researchers emphasize that achieving high-quality photography in extreme low-light conditions remains a challenge, but improvements in computing hardware are facilitating smarter enhancement of noisy raw images.

DarkDiff differs from conventional post-processing techniques by repurposing Stable Diffusion, an open-source model trained on millions of images. This model is engineered to comprehend which details should appear in dark areas of photos based on their overall context and is integrated into the image signal processing (ISP) pipeline of the camera.

The DarkDiff framework calculates attention over localized image patches, which helps in maintaining local structures and minimizing hallucinations—artifacts where the AI inaccurately modifies image content. The ISP first processes the raw sensor data, executing crucial steps like white balance and demosaicing, before DarkDiff works on the linear RGB image to denoise it and create the final sRGB image.

DarkDiff utilizes a technique known as classifier-free guidance, which dictates how closely the model should conform to the input image in contrast to its learned visual priors. Modifying this guidance enables a balance between generating smoother patterns and sharper textures, though it also heightens the risk of introducing unwanted artifacts.

## Evaluating DarkDiff

The researchers assessed DarkDiff using actual photos taken in extremely low-light situations with cameras such as the Sony A7SII. They compared the outcomes against other raw enhancement models and diffusion-based benchmarks, including ExposureDiff. The test images were captured at night with exposure times as short as 0.033 seconds, and DarkDiff’s improvements were reviewed against reference photos taken with significantly prolonged exposure times on a tripod.

## DarkDiff’s Challenges

Despite its promising capabilities, the researchers recognize that DarkDiff’s AI-driven processing is significantly slower than traditional methods, possibly requiring cloud processing to manage its high computational needs. Running the model locally on a smartphone could rapidly drain battery life. Furthermore, there are constraints regarding non-English text recognition in low-light environments.

While the study does not suggest that DarkDiff will be implemented in iPhones in the immediate future, it emphasizes Apple’s ongoing dedication to advancing computational photography—a vital area of focus in the smartphone market as consumers demand camera functionalities that exceed the physical limits of their devices.

For those interested in an in-depth exploration, the complete study and further comparisons between DarkDiff and other denoising methods can be found

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