Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

Channels Unveils Multiview Functionality and Improved Features for Viewing and Recording TV Anywhere

# Channels 7.0 Update: An In-Depth Look

Channels is a well-known cord-cutting application that enables users to seamlessly watch, record, and organize their beloved TV shows and films. With the recent release of Channels 7.0 for iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, the app marks its 10th anniversary with a variety of new features and upgrades aimed at enhancing the user experience.

## What is Channels?

For those who are not aware, Channels allows users to view and record live television from multiple sources, such as antennas, cable TV via a TV tuner, or established streaming services. For instance, if you hold a subscription to Fubo TV, you can effortlessly log into your Fubo account within Channels to access and manage your media all in one user-friendly application.

## Key Features of Channels 7.0

### Enhanced Browsing Experience

The Channels team has redesigned the app, featuring vibrant new artwork and updated layouts. This enhancement improves the browsing experience, making it simpler for users to find and enjoy their content.

– **Improved Movie Layout**: Users can now more readily see crucial details like cast, directors, and writers.
– **Exploration Options**:
– Discover films featuring the same cast, directors, or writers.
– Browse any added extras for the movie.
– Jump to other films within the same franchise.
– Explore collections related to the movie.
– Find similar films within your library.

### TV Show Enhancements

Comparable enhancements have been made for TV shows, with easier access to the next unwatched episode in a series, ensuring users can effortlessly track their viewing progress.

### Customizable Design

All the new backgrounds and logos brought into the Channels design can be fully customized, permitting users to tailor their viewing experience.

### Multiview Support

One of the most notable updates in Channels 7.0 is the addition of Multiview support for Apple TV 4K and iPad. This functionality enables users to watch up to four live TV channels simultaneously, ideal for sports enthusiasts or anyone wanting to monitor multiple events concurrently.

– **Multiview Features**:
– Access Multiview through the context menu in the Guide or On Now.
– Include more channels via the built-in Quick Guide.
– Select from various layouts suited to the number of channels being viewed.
– Easily manage channels using the remote.

### Intro and Credits Detection

Channels now offers an intro and credits detection feature, allowing users to skip the opening and closing scenes of their shows and films. While still in development and requiring manual opt-in, it promises to further improve the viewing experience.

## Conclusion

Channels 7.0 signifies a major advancement for the app, concentrating on user experience and content discovery. With its new features, including enhanced browsing, customizable designs, Multiview support, and intro/credits detection, Channels remains a top choice for cord-cutters. For additional information, users can visit the [Channels website](https://getchannels.com) or explore the app on the

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Apple Unveils macOS Tahoe 26.1: Essential Features and Enhancements Discussed

### Here’s What’s New on macOS Tahoe 26.1

macOS Tahoe 26.1 is now being deployed, following numerous developer and public beta versions. This update brings several minor user-visible features and establishes the foundation for upcoming AI improvements.

A notable adjustment is the incorporation of MCP support into macOS, iPadOS, and iOS. MCP, or Model Communication Protocol, is an open standard created by Anthropic that allows AI models to engage with various user-facing platforms and tools. While Apple has implemented back-end modifications to enable MCP, no formal announcement has been made regarding the timeline or details of its implementation.

Moreover, macOS Tahoe 26.1 features advancements to Image Playground, setting the stage for compatibility with third-party image generation models beyond ChatGPT. Even though Apple has not disclosed specifics on this extended support, the underlying code indicates that these functionalities may be rolled out soon.

From the user’s perspective, the highlight of macOS Tahoe 26.1 is the new choice between the classic Liquid Glass look and a Tinted option, which boosts contrast. While the visual modifications are subtle on macOS, they appear more significant on iPadOS and iOS.

The update also includes a revamped Macintosh HD icon, eliminating the ports and holes found in macOS Tahoe 26. The Apple TV app icon has received an update as well, showcasing the initial signs of Apple’s new vibrant design aesthetic, coinciding with the rebranding of Apple TV+ to simply Apple TV.

In conclusion, macOS Tahoe 26.1 offers a blend of aesthetic refinements and foundational modifications aimed at improving user experience and paving the way for future AI functionalities.

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Apple’s Authorized Release Notes for iOS 26.1

### iOS 26.1 Release Notes: What’s New for iPhone Users

As of November 3, 2025, Apple has launched iOS 26.1, which brings a multitude of fresh features and improvements for iPhone users. This update encompasses substantial modifications to the Liquid Glass setting, enhancements to the Music app, and various other updates designed to elevate the user experience. Below are the comprehensive release notes showcasing the essential features of iOS 26.1.

#### Key Features in iOS 26.1

1. **Liquid Glass Setting**: Users can now select between a standard clear appearance or a newly introduced tinted option that enhances the material’s opacity in apps and notifications on the Lock Screen.

2. **Live Translation with AirPods Support**: This update brings live translation functionalities for languages such as Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Japanese, Korean, and Italian, improving communication via AirPods.

3. **Apple Music MiniPlayer Enhancements**: A newly added swipe gesture enables users to navigate effortlessly to the next or previous track within the Apple Music MiniPlayer.

4. **Apple Music AutoMix Over AirPlay**: Users can now take advantage of AutoMix functionality while streaming music via AirPlay, delivering a unified listening experience.

5. **Gain Control for External USB Microphones**: While recording with local capture, users can now adjust the gain control for external USB microphones, enhancing audio quality.

6. **Customizable Local Capture File Locations**: Users have the capability to designate specific locations for saving local capture files, which improves file organization.

7. **Manual Workout Logging**: The Fitness app now permits users to manually log workouts, providing greater flexibility in monitoring fitness activities.

8. **Camera Settings Update**: A new option enables users to toggle the Lock Screen swipe feature to open the Camera on or off, allowing for increased customization.

9. **Improved FaceTime Audio Quality**: Enhancements to FaceTime audio quality have been implemented, especially in low-bandwidth scenarios, ensuring clearer conversations.

10. **Communication Safety Features**: For child accounts aged 13-17, communication safety and web content filters to restrict access to adult websites are enabled by default, fostering safer online interactions.

#### Additional Updates

While the features noted above highlight iOS 26.1, Apple’s release notes may not reflect all the minor adjustments and changes included in the update. Users are encouraged to delve deeper into the update for further improvements.

#### Conclusion

iOS 26.1 brings forth a range of features intended to enhance user experience, from visual updates to functional upgrades in music and fitness tracking. Users are invited to share their preferred changes and experiences with the new update in the comments section.

For more in-depth information regarding the update and its features, be sure to explore dedicated posts and discussions related to iOS 26.1.

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WhatsApp for Mac Launches Personalizable Chat Themes

With today’s update, Mac users will gain access to 38 color choices for personalizing their WhatsApp conversations, similar to the iPhone version. Here’s how it functions.

### Variety of preset and customizable options accessible

As noted by WABetaInfo, the newest WhatsApp update for Mac introduces a fresh customization feature that allows users to select from 38 color choices for their conversations, achieving feature equivalence with the iOS version of the application. This includes 22 preset choices, alongside adjustable color and brightness settings.

As typically expected, the rollout will gradually reach all users in the upcoming weeks, but you can verify if you have it under **Settings > Chats**.

Here’s what WABetaInfo says regarding the new functionality:

> “Just like in WhatsApp Messenger, these themes automatically modify the message bubble and background colors to establish a coherent visual style. Users can also upload their own images for wallpapers, implement themes universally or for specific chats, and even merge solid colors with subtle design features.”

They also mention that themes do not synchronize across devices, which practically implies that users can set one color scheme for a designated chat on the Mac, and a different color scheme for the same chat on the iPhone.

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Apple’s Historical November Product Releases: Important Dates and Information

**Apple’s November Product Launch Chronicles: A Glimpse into 2023**

Apple has cultivated a clear trend of introducing new products predominantly in September and October, rendering releases in November and December uncommon. As we near the conclusion of 2023, excitement heightens regarding the possible introduction of new devices, such as the Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini 2, and AirTag 2. This article delves into Apple’s historical timeline of product launches, with a particular emphasis on those occurring in November.

### Historical Overview of November Launches

The last major product debuts by Apple in November transpired in 2020. On November 10, Apple unveiled the first M1 Macs, signifying a crucial milestone in the company’s shift to its own silicon for mobile computers. Later that same year, the AirPods Max were revealed in December, highlighting Apple’s readiness to roll out high-profile products toward the end of the year.

In contrast, 2019 marked the launch of the 16-inch MacBook Pro on November 13, which stands as a more typical case of a November release. This introduction is especially notable as it took place without the disruptions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted many product schedules in the following years.

### The Present Landscape

As of November 2023, conjecture surrounding the launch of the Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini 2, and AirTag 2 is widespread. Although Apple has not typically promoted late-year launches, the company has occasionally surprised its consumer base. Recent speculation hints that a product announcement might coincide with a scheduled Apple Store overnight refresh on November 12, possibly aligning with holiday shopping trends.

### Conclusion

Although the chances of a November reveal for the speculated products remain unclear, the historical perspective offers a context for understanding Apple’s strategy concerning product announcements. With the last significant late-year launches occurring in 2020 and 2019, the tech community is attentively monitoring for any announcements that could transform the year’s conclusion for Apple fans. Whether these products will debut this month or not, the anticipation mirrors the persistent fascination with Apple’s groundbreaking innovations.

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Apple Launches iPadOS 26.1: Major New Features and Enhancements

Apple has launched iPadOS 26.1, the newest significant software update for iPad. Here’s a rundown of what’s new.

### New Features in iPadOS 26.1 Include the Return of Slide Over

iPadOS 26.1 reintroduces an important multitasking capability that was taken out in iPadOS 26.0.

Slide Over makes its comeback. Now offered alongside the current windowing system, you can set an app’s window as your ‘Slide Over’ window. Simply select the ‘Enter Slide Over’ option concealed behind the green traffic light window control.

Your Slide Over window can be conveniently concealed and retrieved when necessary. Pressing the shortcut ‘Globe key + ’ on a physical keyboard quickly shows or hides it.

The primary benefit of Slide Over is its ability to remain above all other windows, allowing you to engage with any other app while keeping Slide Over visible.

In iPadOS 18, Slide Over allowed the addition of multiple apps in a single stack for straightforward switching. This feature is no longer available, as users are now restricted to a single app at any moment. However, the Slide Over window can now be adjusted to your exact specifications—a capability that wasn’t possible previously.

In addition to the return of Slide Over, iPadOS 26.1 comes with these new features:

– Liquid Glass introduces an optional new ‘Tinted’ setting to enhance opacity
– Music allows you to swipe on the MiniPlayer to switch tracks
– Apple Intelligence broadens to eight additional languages
– Local Capture now provides extra settings for audio/video recordings
– Photos features an upgraded playback scrubber for videos
– Plus several minor UI and feature modifications

From my beta testing, iPadOS 26.1 also operates more smoothly than 26.0 due to various bug fixes and performance enhancements.

You can download and install iPadOS 26.1 by navigating to Settings ⇾ General ⇾ Software Update on any iPad compatible with iPadOS 26. A comprehensive list of supported iPad models is available here.

Which new iPadOS 26.1 features excite you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments.

### Best iPad Accessories

FTC: We utilize income-generating auto affiliate links. More.

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Apple Introduces iOS 26.1 Update for iPhone: Major Modifications and Features

Apple has officially launched iOS 26.1 for all iPhone users. Here’s what updates can be found in iOS 26.1.

## Liquid Glass Toggle

The standout feature in iOS 26.1 is the Liquid Glass toggle. Apple has introduced an option to select between clear (the existing design in iOS 26) and tinted. The tinted choice modifies the opacity level behind items such as notifications and tab bars. Other Liquid Glass visual components, including optional clear app icons, remain available.

The toggle can be found in Settings > Display & Brightness > Liquid Glass on iPhone and iPad. The Mac also receives this toggle in Settings > Appearance > Liquid Glass, although the differences on macOS are less pronounced.

This new option is in addition to existing accessibility settings like increase contrast, reduce transparency, and more.

## Lock Screen Swipe

iOS 26.1 brings a second toggle that may be appreciated by a broader audience. For the first time in years, it’s now possible to disable the swipe to open Camera gesture on the iPhone lock screen.

The new toggle is located in Settings > Camera > Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera.

The shortcut began as a swipe up gesture before evolving into a swipe from the right gesture in iOS 10. Beginning with the iPhone X, Apple has included Lock Screen shortcuts for the Flashlight and Camera by default.

Newer iPhones also offer a Camera Control button, adding a third method to access the Camera. Prior to this, the Action button introduced another option.

While the swipe feature persists, allowing users to toggle it off in Settings can help prevent unintended swipes that accidentally open the Camera app.

## More

Additional updates in iOS 26.1 pertain to Apple Intelligence, AirPods Live Translation, Apple TV, and iPad Slide Over.

Apple Intelligence now supports Chinese (traditional), Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, and Vietnamese.

AirPods Live Translation expands to include Chinese (Mandarin simplified and traditional), Italian, Japanese, and Korean. The feature initially launched with iOS 26 on AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4, supporting US and UK English, French, German, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain).

Apple is rebranding its streaming video service from Apple TV+ to just Apple TV. This rebrand is accompanied by “a vibrant new identity,” according to Apple. The first sign of this vibrancy comes with the new icon for the Apple TV app.

The Settings app now features a Local Capture section under General. This setting allows you to change the location where Local Capture files are saved. You can also toggle Local Capture to only include audio.

iOS 26.1 also enhances how alarms are dismissed with a Slide to Unlock interface, introduces a swipe gesture for changing songs in the Music app, and much more.

## Availability

iOS 26.1 is accessible for iPhone 11 and later, iPhone SE 2 and later, and iPhone Air.

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New Enhancements and Modifications in watchOS 26.1 and tvOS 26.1 Now Accessible

Apple has recently unveiled a fresh array of software updates across all significant platforms: watchOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, and others are now accessible. Here’s what’s changed.

## Apple’s 26.1 Software Updates Are Being Rolled Out Now

The latest software updates from Apple today comprise:

– iOS 26.1
– iPadOS 26.1
– macOS Tahoe 26.1
– watchOS 26.1
– tvOS 26.1
– visionOS 26.1
– HomePod 26.1

As is often the case, the updates for iPhone, iPad, and Mac bring more significant changes than Apple’s other platforms.

For instance, the release notes for watchOS 26.1 do not evoke much enthusiasm:

> This update brings enhancements and bug fixes.

Likewise, HomePod 26.1 provides “performance and stability enhancements.”

This emphasis on performance is certainly justified. Whenever Apple launches major new software versions, as it did in September with 26.0, it tends to bring a considerable number of new bugs.

Therefore, today’s 26.1 updates should deliver numerous fixes that enable your Apple Watch, Apple TV 4K, or other Apple devices to operate more efficiently than before.

However, on the Apple TV front, there is at least one more noticeable modification: the TV app icon has received a redesign.

Associated with the rebranding of Apple TV+ to simply ‘Apple TV,’ the new TV app icon showcases a more colorful, vibrant appearance than what was previously available.

The TV app is also gradually removing the old ‘TV+’ branding in various locations within the app, yet it still maintains the same overall look and feel as before.

Have you updated to watchOS 26.1 or other 26.1 updates? Observed any changes or significant bug fixes? Share your thoughts in the comments.

### Top Accessories for Apple Watch and Apple TV 4K

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iOS 26.1 Debuts Next Week: Key Three Features to Anticipate

# iOS 26.1: Thrilling New Features on the Horizon

iOS 26.1 is slated for release early next week, and after a month of testing the beta version, several new functionalities are noteworthy. Here are three of the most significant improvements that users can look forward to.

## 1. Swipe to Switch Tracks in Apple Music

While the Music app remains mostly the same in iOS 26.1, a new swipe feature elevates the user experience. Users can now swipe on the MiniPlayer at the bottom of the display to swiftly change tracks.

– **Swipe Left**: Advance to the next track in your playlist.
– **Swipe Right**: Return to the previous track.

This straightforward gesture proves especially handy when the MiniPlayer is minimized, and the added haptic feedback following a swipe enriches the interaction. Many users are eager for similar features in Apple Podcasts for enhanced navigation during episodes.

## 2. Expanded AirPods Live Translation

AirPods Live Translation, first launched in iOS 26, now offers support for more languages in iOS 26.1. Previously limited in language options, it now includes:

– Chinese (Mandarin, simplified)
– Chinese (Mandarin, traditional)
– Italian
– Japanese
– Korean

This enhancement allows users to effortlessly comprehend conversations in these languages, as long as they have compatible AirPods (Pro 3, Pro 2, or AirPods 4 with ANC) and a compatible AI-enabled iPhone.

## 3. Liquid Glass Toggle

A new option under Display & Brightness in iOS 26.1 lets users select between ‘Clear’ and ‘Tinted’ variants of the Liquid Glass design.

– **Clear**: Retains the original design from iOS 26.
– **Tinted**: Enhances opacity across the system and increases contrast, echoing the design from iOS 18.

This feature caters to users who may struggle with the current design while allowing those who appreciate the classic Liquid Glass aesthetic to continue enjoying it without any trade-offs.

## Bonus: Slide Over in iPadOS 26.1

Although not an iOS function, the iPadOS 26.1 update brings back the Slide Over multitasking feature, which had been eliminated in iPadOS 26. While the new app windowing system is more robust, the return of Slide Over is positively received by many users who depend on it for effective multitasking.

For a thorough breakdown of all the new features in iOS 26.1, refer to the complete guide available online. What are your preferred new features in iOS 26.1? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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