Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

Opera is launching an update for its Opera One browser today featuring numerous enhancements aimed at boosting productivity, including a more efficient method to access Google Gemini without the need to constantly switch tabs. Here are the specifics.

## Enhanced flexibility with a focus on productivity

Late last year, Opera strengthened its collaboration with Google, integrating the latest Gemini versions into its browser AI capabilities. Since then, the company has been investigating ways to make this interaction more concentrated and efficient, with improved productivity in mind.

As a result, starting today, users will no longer be required to switch tabs each time they want to engage with Google Gemini. With the update being rolled out now, users can incorporate Gemini into the sidebar, allowing them to “have an entire AI toolkit just a click away that includes Opera browser AI, Gemini, and ChatGPT.”

All that’s needed is to launch the Gemini app from Opera’s sidebar and pin the panel. Once this is accomplished, users can collaborate with Gemini while having their open tab at the same time, significantly aiding various workflows.

Opera mentions: “With this update we aim to provide you with the versatility to utilize the appropriate AI tool for the corresponding task. Opera’s browser AI not only employs different AI models based on your request, ensuring you receive exactly what you’re seeking, but it’s also context-aware regarding tabs. This implies that it accounts for the content of your open tabs while executing operations on your behalf, alleviating you from the necessity of detailing each aspect yet still delivering exactly what you require.”

With today’s update, users also have the option to add Google Translate to the sidebar, making it a handy tool for composing in another language. While Opera’s integrated website translation tool already functioned on text within the page, this new integration allows users to generate fresh content without managing multiple tabs.

### To incorporate Gemini and Translate into the Opera One sidebar, you should:

1. Access the Sidebar setup menu by clicking on the three dots located at the bottom of it.
2. Proceed to the section labeled “Google services” (for Translate) or “AI services” (for Gemini).
3. Click on the circle next to Gemini and Google Translate to add them to your sidebar.

Finally, today’s update also broadens the split-screen capability to accommodate four tabs simultaneously, an increase from the current limit of two. Users can arrange these tabs horizontally, vertically, or in a grid pattern, which might be ideal for specific research workflows.

### To begin, simply drag and drop your tabs as you typically would – a prompt will indicate where you can drop them to create each potential layout. Alternatively, you can select the tabs you wish to view together by holding ctrl/cmd and clicking on them, then right-clicking and choosing “Create Split Screen.”

To discover more about Opera One, follow this link.

Apple has recently unveiled visionOS 26.4, a major update for the Apple Vision Pro that introduces a range of exciting features designed to enhance user experience. This update not only adds new emoji and an improved video podcast experience but also greatly boosts Spatial Audio performance.

A highlight of visionOS 26.4 is the enhancement in Spatial Audio initialization. The update enables the device to retain the acoustic characteristics of familiar rooms, facilitating quicker activation of Spatial Audio when users enter those spaces. This subtle yet significant alteration means that users can enjoy a more fluid audio experience, as the device can promptly adjust to the specific acoustic environment without needing manual modifications.

Alongside the Spatial Audio enhancements, visionOS 26.4 brings support for foveated streaming, utilizing Nvidia’s CloudXR technology. This feature amplifies the immersive experience for apps and games, especially in simulations. Users can now interact with advanced flight simulations such as X-Plane and racing simulations like iRacing, experiencing unparalleled levels of immersion and fidelity.

In summary, visionOS 26.4 demonstrates Apple’s dedication to advancing technology with the Apple Vision Pro, offering users a more intuitive and interactive experience. The combination of expedited Spatial Audio initialization and foveated streaming support represents a noteworthy advancement in the capabilities of augmented reality and immersive applications.

### Apple AirPods Max 2: Specifications, Release, and Cost

Apple has officially unveiled the AirPods Max 2, representing a major enhancement over its predecessor. Currently available for pre-order, these headphones are expected to ship between April 1 and April 3, staying true to Apple’s commitment of early April release.

#### Main Specifications of AirPods Max 2

A key highlight of the AirPods Max 2 is the integration of Apple’s H2 chip, which significantly improves the overall audio quality. This chip, which is also present in the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4, enables sophisticated features such as:

– **Active Noise Cancellation**: Enhanced technology that efficiently eliminates surrounding sounds for a deeply engaging listening experience.
– **Superior Sound Quality**: The H2 chip ensures exceptional audio clarity, enhancing both music and call experiences.
– **Adaptive Audio Mode**: This feature intelligently modifies the sound based on the surroundings, providing an ideal listening experience.
– **Live Translation**: A groundbreaking function that empowers users to translate dialogues in real-time, facilitating easier communication in various languages.

#### Design and Color Variations

The design of the AirPods Max 2 closely mirrors that of the original model, maintaining a polished look with fresh color selections such as midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue. The transition to USB-C charging aligns the headphones with Apple’s newest products, including the iPhone 15, moving away from the earlier Lightning connector.

#### Cost and Release Timeline

The AirPods Max 2 are priced at $549, aligning with the original model’s pricing. Customers who pre-order from Apple’s website can benefit from complimentary custom engraving. Furthermore, AppleCare+ is offered at $2.99 per month or $29.99 annually, with the option to include the AirPods Max in AppleCare One along with two other devices at $19.99 monthly.

#### Summary

With the debut of the AirPods Max 2, Apple continues to push boundaries in the audio market, providing improved features and a contemporary design. The synergy of cutting-edge technology and stylish visuals positions these headphones as an attractive option for both audiophiles and casual users. Pre-orders are currently accepted, and eager customers can look forward to receiving their devices in early April.

Apple executives previously projected that smart glasses would take the place of the iPhone by 2029, a forecast that Eddy Cue later adjusted to 2035. Nonetheless, Neal Stephenson, a well-known supporter of this idea, has changed his position, now claiming that smartphones will persist for at least 20 more years.

Stephenson, who coined the term “metaverse” in his book *Snowcrash*, once firmly held that smart glasses would eventually supplant smartphones. Apple’s internal conversations in 2019 reflected this belief, indicating that such devices could replace smartphones in less than ten years. Eddy Cue reaffirmed this perspective, asserting that significant technological transformations could make the iPhone outdated.

Recently, Stephenson unveiled his shift in opinion, indicating that portable devices will continue to be common, particularly if the alternative entails donning devices on one’s face. He highlighted the difficulties in rendering smart glasses attractive, citing the unfavorable reception of Google Glass and analogous products.

While some argue that smart glasses will carve out a niche for themselves, many others, including commentators at 9to5Mac, contend that they will not supplant smartphones. The functionality and familiar design of smartphones suggest that they will endure, even with progress in wearable tech.

### AI Chatbot Privacy Ratings: An In-Depth Examination

In a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more embedded in our everyday routines, it is vital to comprehend the privacy implications associated with AI chatbots. A VPN provider, Surfshark, has carried out an investigation into the data gathering practices of the ten most prevalent AI chatbots listed on the App Store, culminating in a ranking that reflects their privacy ratings.

#### Data Gathering Practices

Surfshark’s research indicates that AI chatbots generally gather an average of 14 different kinds of personal information from users. This data encompasses a broad spectrum of details, from basic identifiers to more sensitive content. Notably, around 70% of the apps scrutinized collect users’ location data, raising considerable privacy issues.

The analysis was based on the privacy descriptions available on the Apple App Store, where developers must reveal the types of personal data they gather. Surfshark supplemented this data with a review of the privacy policies of individual chatbots, like DeepSeek and ChatGPT, to obtain more comprehensive insights into their data retention methods.

#### Ranking of AI Chatbots

The results indicated that Meta AI was the worst offender concerning data collection. It was found to gather 33 out of a possible 35 types of data, representing nearly 95% of the total. This includes sensitive categories like financial information, racial or ethnic data, sexual orientation, and biometric information.

Close behind was Google Gemini, which collects 23 distinct data types, including precise location information. Gemini also accumulates a substantial amount of data across various categories, including contact details, user content, and browsing history.

#### Complete Rankings

Although the complete rankings were not furnished in the original report, the focus on the data collection habits of Meta AI and Google Gemini underscores the necessity of examining the privacy policies of AI chatbots prior to usage.

#### Implications for Users

As highlighted by 9to5Mac, users need to recognize that many AI chatbots employ user interactions as training data for their models. This implies that even if a service is free of charge, users may unintentionally become the product being marketed. The gathering of extensive data heightens the risk of specific user accounts being linked back to individual chat sessions.

For privacy-conscious individuals, utilizing AI chatbots via platforms such as Siri may present a more secure option. Apple has secured agreements that anonymize user inquiries and prevent their inclusion as training data, thereby offering a level of protection that is often not assured with many independent chatbot applications.

#### Conclusion

As AI chatbots progress and integrate into a variety of applications, comprehending their data collection methods is crucial for safeguarding privacy. Users are advised to scrutinize the privacy policies of these services and consider the ramifications of their data being collected and used.

Poland is reportedly advancing a proposal to impose a tax on specific digital services revenue of up to 3%, which could impact firms like Apple. Here are the details.

### New tax proposal could impact various Apple services

Last year, Poland’s Ministry of Digital Affairs introduced a new legislative initiative aimed at taxing the income generated by certain digital services within the country.

As noted by Reuters, the initiative faced strong objections from the U.S. ambassador to Poland, Tom Rose, who labeled it in a post on X as “a self-destructive tax that will only harm Poland and its relations w/USA.”

Now, as per Reuters, the nation has indicated that it will begin addressing the bill, “setting the stage for a possible confrontation with its key ally, the United States.”

The draft suggests that income from certain digital services rendered in Poland would be taxed at up to 3%, which Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs, Krzysztof Gawkowski, characterized as a means to establish a more equitable environment for domestic and foreign companies:

> “Currently, the competition in the digital market in Poland is skewed. Entities that pay taxes on their operations in Poland find themselves at a disadvantage compared to those that deliver digital services from abroad. This undermines the competitiveness of local businesses, restricts our digital sovereignty, and considerably decreases state budget revenues that could be reinvested into enhancing our country’s technological capabilities. The economy is progressively transitioning into the digital realm, and over time, these disparities will only intensify.”

As often seen with proposals of this nature, the draft law employs broad terminology that allows for interpretation regarding what precisely would be included.

From the draft law:

> The draft suggests implementing a compensatory tax on services rendered within the Republic of Poland comprising:
> – Displaying targeted advertising on a digital interface aimed at users of that interface;
> – Offering users a multi-faceted digital interface to enable interactions between users or facilitate the underlying supply of goods or services directly among users;
> – Selling, licensing, or otherwise transferring collected user data, both individually and as aggregated data, produced through user interactions on digital interfaces.

The draft also specifies multiple exemptions, indicating that the tax would not be applicable to:

> – Providing users with a digital interface where the sole or primary purpose is to distribute digital content owned by the provider or for which it has obtained distribution rights, or delivering communication or payment services to users;
> – Selling products or services online through the supplier’s own site, where the supplier does not serve as an intermediary;
> – Delivering regulated financial services by entities under supervision as per Article 1(2) of the Act of July 21, 2006, concerning financial market oversight;
> – Offering, by a trading venue or systematic internaliser, any services included in Section A points 1–9 of Annex I to Directive 2014/65/EU of the European Parliament and Council dated May 15, 2014, on markets in financial instruments, along with amending Directive 2002/92/EC and Directive 2011/61/EU;
> – Offering, by a regulated crowdfunding service provider, any services listed in Section A points 1–9 of Annex I to Directive 2014/65/EU or services that facilitate loan provision.

Thus, while the text allows for considerable interpretation, the language implies that offerings such as the App Store, Apple TV, Apple Music, Apple Books, Apple Podcasts, and Apple’s expanding advertising business could be captured by the new legislation.

Simultaneously, the exemptions are broad enough that Apple may contend that some of its services do not fall within the tax’s reach.

Lastly, although Apple is not the sole corporation that would likely be impacted by this law, certain criteria would limit its scope. If passed, it will only pertain to companies with global revenues exceeding 1 billion euros (approximately US$ 1.16 billion) and over 25 million zlotys (around US$6.8 million) in domestic revenue during the preceding reporting period.

Apple has not yet made a statement regarding the draft law.

Apple has garnered 15 nominations across nine Apple TV series for the 2026 BAFTA Television Awards, set to take place on May 10 in London. This signifies an ongoing acknowledgment of Apple’s achievements in the television sector, following four victories in 2025, 2024, and 2023, along with two wins in 2022.

The BAFTA Television Awards honor the finest in British television, highlighting exceptional programs, performances, and productions. Leading Apple’s nominations is the series “Slow Horses,” which secured four nominations, closely followed by “Severance,” which received three.

Here is the full list of Apple TV nominees:

### Severance
– International
– Director: Fiction (Sam Donovan)
– Photography & Lighting: Fiction (Suzie Lavelle)

[Watch Severance on Apple TV](https://apple.co/4mI15ey)

### Pluribus
– International

[Watch Pluribus on Apple TV](https://apple.co/3LIn4DR)

### The Studio
– International

[Watch The Studio on Apple TV](https://apple.co/3H0ycKh)

### Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars
– Factual Entertainment

[Watch Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars on Apple TV](https://apple.co/48yxyiC)

### Vietnam: The War That Changed America
– Specialist Factual
– Director: Factual (Rob Coldstream)

[Watch Vietnam: The War That Changed America on Apple TV](https://apple.co/47RSsbi)

### Smoke
– Leading Actor (Taron Egerton)

[Watch Smoke on Apple TV](https://apple.co/44cq2Y1)

### Down Cemetery Road
– Supporting Actor (Fehinti Balogun)

[Watch Down Cemetery Road on Apple TV](https://apple.co/4ofLFym)

### Slow Horses
– Writer: Drama (Will Smith)
– Editing: Fiction (Fiona Brands)
– Make Up & Hair Design (Lucy Sibbick, Victoria Money)
– Sound: Fiction (Andrew Sissons, Martin Jensen, Ben Tisdall, Joe Beal, Duncan Price, Conor Thompson)

[Watch Slow Horses on Apple TV](https://apple.co/4l0Op0G)

### Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age
– Special, Visual & Graphic Effects (Russell Dodgson, Framestore, Andy Jones, Simon Bland, Francois Dumoulin, Gavin McKenzie)

[Watch Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age on Apple TV](https://apple.co/4rTnpmK)

In addition to the BAFTA nominations, Apple has obtained six nominations from the Royal Television Society. “Slow Horses” received three Programme Awards nominations, including Drama Series, alongside supporting actor nominations for Christopher Chung and Saskia Reeves. “Down Cemetery Road” earned three nominations for the West of England Awards in Production (Scripted), On Screen Talent (Emma Thompson), and Sound.

Apple TV is available for $12.99 monthly and features popular shows and films, such as “F1 The Movie,” “Pluribus,” “Severance,” “The Studio,” “The Morning Show,” “Shrinking,” and “Silo.”

**Apple Maps Unveils Advertising and Recommended Locations Feature**

Apple has formally revealed that ads will be incorporated into Apple Maps commencing this summer in the United States and Canada. This initiative is part of a larger plan to boost the visibility of businesses via a new platform named Apple Business, which enables businesses to craft advertisements that appear within Maps.

### The Launch of Ads

As per Apple’s press release, advertisements will appear when users search for places in Apple Maps. These ads will be positioned at the forefront of search results according to relevance and will also prominently feature in a newly established Suggested Places section. This segment is intended to offer users recommendations based on popular nearby locations, recent searches, and other criteria. Notably, Apple has stressed that advertisements will be distinctly labeled to ensure transparency for users.

### Recommended Places Feature

In conjunction with the launch of ads, Apple is also introducing the Suggested Places feature. This enhancement aims to streamline the process of finding new locations within the application. Although details regarding how suggestions will be generated remain under wraps, the feature is anticipated to improve user experience by delivering customized recommendations.

### Comparison with Rivals

The Suggested Places feature seems to be a reaction to comparable functionalities already present on platforms like Google Maps for several years. By leveraging real-time popularity data, Apple Maps aspires to foster a more engaging and user-friendly browsing experience.

### User Feedback

The unveiling of ads in Apple Maps has elicited mixed responses from users. Many value the prospective advantages of the Suggested Places feature, particularly for those navigating unfamiliar cities. Nonetheless, some users voice disappointment regarding the introduction of advertising, perceiving it as a potential detriment to the premium, uncluttered experience that Apple Maps has typically provided.

### Conclusion

As Apple Maps gears up to launch these new features, users are left to consider how the inclusion of ads will influence their overall experience. The challenge of balancing useful recommendations with a clean interface will be vital as Apple ventures into this new area. Users are invited to share their opinions on how these modifications may impact their selection of mapping applications.

# Enhancing Your Mac Environment: Key Accessories for Boosted Efficiency

Improving and fine-tuning a Mac environment can greatly increase efficiency and productivity. Whether you’ve just received a new M4 MacBook Pro or are thinking about moving to an M5 MacBook Air or MacBook Neo, there are plenty of accessories that can enrich your experience. Below is a selected list of key accessories that can revamp your workspace.

## Table of Contents
1. [Logitech MX Master 4](#h-logitech-mx-master-4)
2. [Satechi Desk Mat](#h-satechi-desk-mat)
3. [OWC Thunderbolt 5 Dock](#h-owc-thunderbolt-5-dock)
4. [Satechi USB-C 165W Charger](#h-satechi-usb-c-165w-charger)
5. [Laptop Stands from Twelve South](#h-laptop-stands-from-twelve-south)
6. [Beats Pill](#h-beats-pill)
7. [iPhone Stand](#h-iphone-stand)
8. [Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID](#h-apple-magic-keyboard-with-touch-id)
9. [Apple Magic Trackpad](#h-apple-magic-trackpad)
10. [Satechi Headphone Stand](#h-satechi-headphone-stand)
11. [HomeKit Light Strips](#h-homekit-light-strips)
12. [Philips Hue Play Light Bar](#h-philips-hue-play-light-bar)
13. [HomeKit Desk Lamp](#h-homekit-desk-lamp)
14. [Under-desk Storage Shelf](#h-under-desk-storage-shelf)
15. [Cleaning Solutions](#h-cleaning-solutions)

## Logitech MX Master 4
The Logitech MX Master 4 represents an upgrade of the cherished MX Master line. It boasts enhanced build quality, haptic feedback, and a more resistant finish to stains. This mouse is perfect for enhancing productivity, featuring customizable buttons and effortless connectivity.

[Buy on Amazon](https://geni.us/eOqdGUp)

## Satechi Desk Mat
A chic desk mat can elevate the visual appeal of your workspace. The Satechi eco-leather desk mat is robust, adaptable, and available in various colors for $39.99. Its dual-sided design ensures a sleek appearance without branding.

[Buy on Satechi](https://geni.us/Hp5TfdA)

## OWC Thunderbolt 5 Dock
The OWC Thunderbolt 5 Dock streamlines connectivity through a single cable for connecting your display and peripherals. It offers several Thunderbolt 5 ports along with USB-A options, contributing to a neat desk arrangement.

[Explore OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub](https://geni.us/iyTS)

## Satechi USB-C 165W Charger
Equipped with four USB-C ports, the Satechi USB-C 165W Charger facilitates fast charging for multiple devices at once. Its compact form factor makes it an indispensable complement to any desk.

[Buy on Satechi](https://geni.us/7m7unb)

## Laptop Stands from Twelve South
For enthusiasts of a clamshell configuration, the Twelve South BookArc supports your MacBook in an upright position, creating more desk space. Conversely, the Twelve South Curve is ideal for scenarios requiring the lid to be open, offering ergonomic advantages.

[Explore Twelve South BookArc](https://geni.us/jgu6i)

## Beats Pill
The Beats Pill is a compact speaker that merges aesthetics with audio performance. Offered in multiple colors, it is excellent for both workplace usage and portable listening.

## iPhone Stand
The Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe functions as an upright charger for your iPhone and provides additional wireless charging for AirPods, along with a built-in charging pad for Apple Watch.

[Buy on Twelve South](https://geni.us/AqA8o)

## Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID
The Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID provides seamless compatibility with your Mac, facilitating quick access and secure transactions. Its design ensures a consistent typing experience across different devices.

[Buy on Apple](https://geni.us/URhDW)

## Apple Magic Trackpad
The Apple Magic Trackpad pairs well with the MX Master mouse, offering gesture controls for tasks such as editing and navigating. This dual configuration boosts productivity for those spending extended hours at their workstations.

[Buy on Apple](https://geni.us/fuBey8)

## Satechi Headphone Stand
The Satechi 2-in-1 Headphone Stand not only accommodates your headphones but also includes a Qi charging pad for your iPhone or AirPods, plus USB-C ports for extra convenience.

[Buy on Satechi](https://geni.us/KkAHTc)

## HomeKit Light Strips
Home

### Safari 26.4: New Enhancements, Corrections, and Retirements

An update on Apple’s WebKit blog underscores the new enhancements, corrections, and a retirement present in Safari 26.4’s WebKit. This version aims to improve the web development experience by responding to developer input and refining existing features.

#### Key Features

As stated by Jen Simmons, Apple Evangelist with the Web Developer Experience team, the update comprises:

– **44 New Enhancements**: The standout addition is **CSS Grid Lanes**, which simplifies the process of developing intricate visual galleries and layouts.
– **WebTransport Compatibility**: This feature provides a contemporary substitute for WebSocket, facilitating low-latency experiences for applications such as multiplayer games and real-time collaboration tools.
– **Keyboard Lock API**: This new API improves support for keyboard shortcuts, enabling web applications to capture specific keyboard inputs that are typically controlled by the browser. This is especially advantageous for games and creative applications that need oversight over key actions.

#### Retirement

The update includes the elimination of the deprecated `FontFaceSet` constructor from the CSS Font Loading API, in accordance with a conclusion from the CSS Working Group that regarded it as unnecessary.

#### Corrections

Safari 26.4 resolves a total of **191 issues**, enhancing the performance of SVG, tables, MathML, CSS Zoom, and other domains, thereby improving overall browser reliability and efficiency.

For further detailed insights on the updates and features in Safari 26.4, you can check out the [WebKit blog](https://webkit.org/blog/17862/webkit-features-for-safari-26-4/).