Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

Apple TV Unveils Vibrant New Intro Crafted with Actual Glass and Practical Effects

Apple TV+ has recently undergone a major rebranding and is now simply called Apple TV. This change features a lively new logo and an intriguing intro for its content, created using real glass and practical effects instead of just computer-generated imagery. This creative method highlights Apple’s dedication to craftsmanship and authenticity in its visual narrative.

The new intro sound was crafted by FINNEAS, an Oscar-winning artist, further enriching the cinematic experience Apple seeks to provide. The visual identity was created in partnership with TBWAMedia Arts Lab, a long-standing collaborator of Apple, which underscores the company’s commitment to superior production values.

Apple’s design team also rolled out a bespoke typeface named SF TV, a variant of the existing San Francisco typeface, to complement the refreshed branding. The complete visual identity varies across formats, from a succinct five-second show opening to an extensive cinematic version for films, illustrating the depth and creativity behind the rebranding initiative.

The choice to employ practical effects is consistent with Apple’s philosophy of appreciating tactile detail and artistry. Tor Myhren, Apple’s VP of marketing communications, emphasized this commitment during a presentation at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, asserting that Apple will keep prioritizing human artistry, even as it integrates AI tools into its workflows.

For those curious about the behind-the-scenes journey of developing the new intro, AdAge offers exclusive insights and clips that display the careful work involved in capturing the visuals. The revamped branding will refresh the Apple TV experience and reinforce the company’s commitment to quality and innovation in the entertainment industry.

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EU Accuses Apple of Jeopardizing Users; Apple Retorts with Allegations of EU Hypocrisy

As part of a probe into whether Apple adheres to the Digital Services Act (DSA), the EU has indicated it believes the company is not adequately shielding its customers from scams. The Cupertino firm is also charged with not offering sufficient safety precautions for children using its devices.

The heated exchange between Apple and the EU has escalated in recent days, mere weeks after both parties faced off in court over the legality of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). In that situation, Apple claimed that the EU was enforcing onerous regulations, while the EU asserted that Apple was attempting to secure user loyalty for inflated profits.

The current dispute revolves around the DSA, which requires that tech giants take appropriate measures to safeguard users from harm, including protecting customers from fraudulent apps and ensuring the safety and privacy of children. The EU has voiced concerns that Apple has not enacted enough measures to lessen the risks of financial scams through its App Store and to protect younger users.

In retaliation, Apple’s VP of Legal, Kyle Andeer, sent a pointed letter accusing the EU of double standards. He argued that the DMA’s stipulations undermine Apple’s capability to effectively protect users. Apple maintains that the DMA compels the firm to permit developers to connect to external platforms without adequate safeguards, placing users at risk for potential fraud and scams.

Apple additionally reproached the EU for purportedly shifting focus from problems caused by its own regulations, asserting that the Commission has overlooked misconduct by developers misleading users, including minors.

The continuing conflict emphasizes the intricacies of regulatory systems in the tech sector, where laws designed to foster competition and safeguard consumers can sometimes clash, resulting in difficulties for companies like Apple in finding a balance between compliance and user safety.

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Huawei Mate 70 Air: A Fresh Contender to the iPhone Air

### Huawei Mate 70 Air: A New Player in the Slim Smartphone Arena

The Huawei Mate 70 Air has surfaced as a formidable entrant in the smartphone arena, particularly in competition with the iPhone Air and the Motorola Edge 70. Though it is marginally thicker and heavier than the iPhone Air, the Mate 70 Air makes up for this with enhanced features, including an advanced camera system and impressive battery endurance.

#### Design and Build

Measuring 1mm thicker and weighing 30% more than the iPhone Air, the Mate 70 Air retains a stylish silhouette that attracts users looking for a fashionable device. The full-view display features a high refresh rate and an expansive aspect ratio, delivering vibrant visuals from multiple angles. This design approach enhances the overall user experience, especially for viewing media.

#### Camera Capabilities

A highlight of the Huawei Mate 70 Air is its remarkable camera configuration. It boasts four rear cameras:

– **50MP Main Camera**: Crafted for outstanding images, particularly in dim lighting.
– **12MP RYYB Telephoto Camera**: Elevates zoom functionality while preserving image sharpness.
– **8MP Ultra-Wide-Angle Camera**: Ideal for capturing broad landscapes or group shots.
– **1.5 Million Multi-Spectral Channels Red Maple Primary Color Camera**: An exceptional addition focused on enhancing color precision and detail.

The front camera showcases a punch hole design, akin to the Motorola Edge 70, facilitating a seamless display experience.

#### Battery Life and Charging

The Huawei Mate 70 Air is powered by a significant 6,500 mAh silicon carbon-anode battery, which Huawei asserts can provide up to 50 hours of usage—roughly double that of the iPhone Air. This remarkable battery capacity is paired with a 66W superfast charger, ensuring that users can swiftly recharge their devices.

#### Competitive Landscape

While the Mate 70 Air may not convert die-hard Apple enthusiasts, it signifies a notable progression in the competitive smartphone terrain. The device tackles frequent criticisms related to battery performance and camera quality in slim smartphones, areas where rivals such as Apple and Samsung have encountered scrutiny.

As Huawei continues its innovative journey, the Mate 70 Air establishes a high benchmark for forthcoming smartphone models, especially as Apple purportedly develops a second-generation iPhone Air. The launch of such devices promotes vigorous competition, ultimately providing consumers with superior choices and features.

In summary, the Huawei Mate 70 Air distinguishes itself with its superior camera array, outstanding battery life, and elegant design, making it a strong contender in the smartphone industry.

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IKEA Launches 21 Innovative Matter-Compatible Smart Home Devices

**IKEA Introduces 21 New Matter-Compatible Smart Home Offerings**

IKEA has just rolled out a thrilling new range of 21 smart home offerings that support Matter, a universal connectivity framework aimed at improving compatibility among smart home gadgets. This news is especially exciting for HomeKit fans seeking economical alternatives.

### Overview of the New Range

The fresh collection features:
– **11 Smart Bulbs**: Multiple varieties and specifications to meet diverse lighting requirements.
– **5 Sensors**: Engineered to boost home automation and security.
– **3 Remote Controls**: For straightforward management of smart devices.
– **1 Smart Plug**: Transforming standard appliances into smart solutions.

### Shift to Matter Compatibility

Upon its initial entry into the smart home sector, IKEA’s products gained recognition for their cost-effectiveness in comparison to rivals. While the company committed to HomeKit integration, it took a while to fulfill that promise. With the new rollout, IKEA has completely adopted Matter compatibility, making all new offerings inherently compatible with HomeKit. This indicates a notable reintroduction of its smart home products, featuring both fresh and upgraded items developed from in-depth research and consumer insights.

Stjepan Begic, a Product Developer at IKEA of Sweden, highlighted the objective of streamlining the smart home experience: “This launch aims to enhance the smart home journey, making it broader… keeping things straightforward from installation to everyday use.”

### New Product Highlights

#### Smart Bulbs

1. **E27/E26 Bulbs**: Offered in various specifications including color-shifting and dimmable features.
2. **P45 E14 Bulbs**: Compact bulbs with both color and white light options.
3. **GU10 Spotlight**: Directional spotlight with color-shifting capabilities.
4. **Clear-Glass Decorative Bulbs**: Dimmable options in multiple sizes.

#### Sensors

1. **MYGGSPRAY**: Motion detector for automated lighting.
2. **MYGGBETT**: Door/Window detector for security alerts.
3. **TIMMERFLOTTE**: Temperature and Humidity Sensor for climate oversight.
4. **ALPSTUGA**: Air quality detector measuring CO₂ levels and particles.
5. **KLIPPBOK**: Water leak detector for early-warning against leaks.

#### Remote Controls

1. **BILRESA Remote Control with Dual Button**: For fundamental control of smart devices.
2. **BILRESA Remote Control with Scroll Wheel**: For more intricate control of lighting and scenes.
3. **BILRESA Remote Control Kits**: Vibrant kits available in various designs.

#### Smart Plug

– **GRILLPLATS Smart Plug**: Enables remote control of everyday appliances and monitors energy consumption.

### Conclusion

IKEA’s recent smart home product launch signifies a crucial advancement in making smart technology approachable and user-centric. With the addition of Matter compatibility, these offerings are crafted to operate harmoniously within a smart home environment, providing customers with a wide array of choices to elevate their living areas.

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iOS 26.2 Brings Offline Lyrics Functionality for Apple Music

### Apple Music Unveils Offline Lyrics with iOS 26.2

Apple has just rolled out the inaugural beta of iOS 26.2, which brings a host of updates throughout its ecosystem, most notably upgrading Apple Music with the much-anticipated offline lyrics feature. This addition represents a significant enhancement for users who appreciate interacting with song lyrics while enjoying their preferred tracks.

#### The Progression of Lyrics in Apple Music

Since its launch in 2016, Apple Music has steadily improved its lyrics feature. Throughout the years, the platform has embraced numerous capabilities such as lyric search, live lyrics, karaoke mode, and lyric translations. However, one drawback persisted: accessing lyrics necessitated a reliable internet connection, whether via Wi-Fi or cellular data.

#### The Latest Offline Lyrics Functionality

With the debut of iOS 26.2, Apple Music users can now view lyrics even when not connected to the internet. This update has been eagerly awaited by many users, since it allows them to enjoy lyrics in situations where connectivity is challenged, such as during air travel or in locales with weak signals. In the past, users were unable to see lyrics in these scenarios, but the new update rectifies this issue.

#### Advantages of Offline Lyrics

The capacity to view lyrics offline significantly enriches the user experience, offering an effortless way to engage with music sans the need for an internet connection. This feature is especially advantageous for those who travel often or find themselves in areas with inconsistent service. It also positions Apple Music favorably against competing streaming platforms like Spotify, which still mandates an internet connection to access lyrics.

#### User Reactions and Expectations

The rollout of offline lyrics has been met with excitement from the Apple Music user community. Users have long advocated for this functionality, and Apple’s move to implement it signifies the company’s attentiveness to customer suggestions. The offline lyrics feature is regarded as a quality-of-life enhancement that, while not immediately evident, will be valued when users require it.

#### Conclusion

The inclusion of offline lyrics in Apple Music with iOS 26.2 is a notable enhancement that meets the desires of users who enjoy following along with lyrics. As Apple continues to innovate and address user demands, features like this contribute to solidifying Apple Music’s standing in the competitive streaming arena. Whether you are a regular traveler or simply someone who enjoys music, the ability to access lyrics offline is a valued improvement that amplifies the listening experience.

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Second-Generation iPhone Air Anticipated to Include Dual Camera Setup

### The iPhone Air’s Future: Perspectives on the Upcoming Second Generation

The iPhone Air, even with its initial modest response, remains a key focus for Apple as they delve into improvements for its second iteration. Recent leaks suggest that Apple is contemplating a new variant that could tackle some of the feedback directed at the first model, especially concerning its camera functions.

#### Current Position of the iPhone Air

Although the iPhone Air has not reached the popularity that Apple expected, the firm remains dedicated to its progression. A reliable informant indicates that Apple is exploring the possibility of adding a dual-camera setup to the iPhone Air series, which could greatly enhance its attractiveness to photography lovers.

#### Aesthetic and User Interaction

The design of the iPhone Air has been lauded for its visual appeal and comfortable handling. Users have remarked that the device feels exceptionally lightweight and easy to grip, even with its slender edges. The design strategy behind the iPhone Air underscores a streamlined silhouette, with most of the components integrated into the camera area, a design choice also evident in the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

#### Camera Improvements for the Second Generation

A significant drawback of the initial iPhone Air was its single-camera configuration, limiting its photographic adaptability when compared to the iPhone Pro variants. To remedy this, the forthcoming second-generation model, tentatively named the iPhone 18 Air, is said to include an ultra-wide lens alongside the primary 48MP camera. This enhancement could render the device more appealing to users who prioritize enhanced photography features.

Apple is also allegedly looking into a digital crop capability to offer a 2x telephoto option, which may not fully meet the expectations of users familiar with the optical zoom of higher-tier models but could still present a useful alternative for casual photography.

#### Summary

As Apple works on perfecting the iPhone Air, the potential launch of a dual-camera system could prove transformative for the device. For potential users who have refrained from embracing the iPhone Air due to its camera restrictions, these advancements might provide the motivation necessary to rethink their stance. The second-generation version is still in its nascent phases of development, but it showcases Apple’s attentiveness to user input and its dedication to innovation in smartphone design.

As the release date nears, it will be intriguing to observe how these modifications are received by consumers and whether the iPhone Air can establish a more prominent presence in the competitive landscape of smartphones.

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Anker Introduces Exclusive 14-in-1 Docking Station for MacBook: An In-Depth Review

### Anker DL7400 Desktop Dock: A Thorough Summary

Recently, Anker revealed a partnership with Black Myth, launching a collection of special edition themed products, beginning with the 14-in-1 DL7400 desktop dock. This dock aims to improve connectivity for users, especially for those with Mac devices.

#### Product Summary

The Anker DL7400 dock boasts an impressive selection of 14 ports, which includes:

– **1 x 10Gbps, 140W USB-C uplink port** for connecting to a Mac.
– **3 extra 10Gbps USB-C ports** on the front for device linkage.
– **SD and microSD slots** for accessing memory cards.
– **3 USB-A ports** for conventional USB devices.
– **2 HDMI ports** and **1 DisplayPort** for video output.
– **1 audio jack** for audio equipment.
– **1 x 2.5GB Ethernet port** for wired internet access.

This broad assortment of ports is especially advantageous for MacBook Air or iMac users, which mainly provide USB-C ports. The dock also offers up to 140W of power, enabling quick charging for connected devices.

Among the notable features of the DL7400 is its capability to support three displays through DisplayLink technology, all using a single USB-C cable. It can accommodate one 8K display or two 4K displays, rendering it a powerful option for users requiring multiple monitors. This function is particularly beneficial for older Apple Silicon Macs, which usually support just one external display.

Moreover, the dock comes with an LCD screen that gives real-time data on charging speeds and port connections, along with adjustable settings via a side dial.

#### Initial Thoughts

The limited edition design of the dock is aesthetically pleasing, showcasing elements influenced by the Black Myth Wukong series. While the design brings a distinct style compared to standard versions, it is priced at a premium of $339, in contrast to $299 for the standard edition.

In practical terms, the Anker DL7400 has shown to be quite efficient. It has minimized desk clutter by merging multiple cables into one dock, making it an outstanding choice for both MacBook and iMac users.

#### Pricing and Availability

The Anker DL7400 desktop dock is currently for sale on Amazon. The standard model is priced at $225, while the limited edition Black Myth variant retails for $339. Interested customers can also buy directly from Anker’s website.

For those seeking to elevate their workspace with a versatile and robust docking solution, the Anker DL7400 desktop dock offers a compelling choice.

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Apple Limits iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 Beta Installations on Devices Featuring C1 Modem

Following the launch of the initial developer betas for iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 earlier this week, Apple is now blocking the update from being installed on devices featuring the C1 modem. Here are the specifics.

### OTA Appears as Available, Yet Fails to Install

This week has been unusual for developer betas. In spite of releasing test versions for iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, watchOS 26.2, tvOS 26.6, and visionOS 26.2, Apple has not yet made available the macOS 26.2 beta.

Currently, as pointed out by Aaron Perris on X, Apple is stopping the iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2 betas from being installed on devices with the C1 modem, which covers the iPhone 16e, the iPhone Air, and the M5 iPad Pro (Cellular).

Here’s the original message from Aaron:

> Apple has removed iOS/iPadOS 26.2 beta 1 for C1 devices.
> This encompasses:
> iPhone Air
> iPhone 16e
> M5 iPad Pro (Cellular)
> The update will continue to appear in settings but will not install.

It remains unclear why Apple has withdrawn the betas for these devices, but it is significant that they all feature the C1 modem. We have contacted the company and will update this article if we receive a response.

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Apple Music Co-Lead to Speak at Web Summit in Lisbon Next Week

### Ole Obermann to Present at Web Summit 2025

Ole Obermann, who has recently taken on the role of co-lead at Apple Music, is scheduled to present at the forthcoming Web Summit 2025 in Lisbon. This gathering, taking place from November 10 to 13, has evolved into a vital platform for leaders in technology and business, drawing notable personalities from diverse sectors.

#### Insight into Ole Obermann

Obermann became part of Apple in May 2025, bringing a vast array of experience from his former position as Global Head of Music Business Development and IP Rights at ByteDance. His impressive career also encompasses leadership roles at prominent music firms like Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group. At Apple Music, Obermann manages a broad array that consists of Shazam, Platoon, and numerous label and publishing collaborations.

#### Web Summit Features

The Web Summit has a tradition of showcasing distinguished Apple executives, with former speakers such as Sarah Herrlinger and Craig Federighi. This year, participants can anticipate Obermann discussing Apple’s collaborative strategies and projects within the music sector, although specific information regarding the title or theme of his session is still pending.

Alongside Obermann, the event will feature a variety of speakers, including Lovable CEO Anton Osika, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon, actress Jameela Jamil, and The New York Times Publisher A.G. Sulzberger.

For further details regarding the Web Summit, please check their official website.

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Nintendo Store App Launched Worldwide, Showcasing Games, Consoles, Merchandise, and Additional Offerings

After several years of exclusivity in Japan, the official Nintendo Store app is now accessible in various countries, including the US. Here’s what you can accomplish with it.

## Purchase Switch games, merchandise, and more

In 2020, Nintendo introduced the “My Nintendo” app in Japan, enabling iOS and Android users to view content, such as Nintendo Direct streams, and acquire software, hardware, and services.

Now, as reported by *The Verge*, the company is broadening the app’s reach under the Nintendo Store title, launching it in areas like Brazil, Canada, Mexico, the UK, the US, and much of Europe.

As per the app’s current description in the App Store, users can browse and buy consoles and accessories, in addition to digital games and merchandise. They can also check in at official Nintendo stores and events to collect rewards.

Nintendo mentions that hardware availability might differ by region and that users can log in with their Nintendo Accounts for a more customized experience, including access to their gaming activity.

Here’s Nintendo’s complete description of what users can look forward to doing in the app:

– **Shop at My Nintendo Store:** This app allows you to browse Nintendo Switch™ 2 / Nintendo Switch systems and accessories, both physical and digital games, as well as other Nintendo products and merchandise—and then head straight to My Nintendo™ Store to make purchases. Note: Physical products may not be offered in all countries/regions.

– **Get the newest updates on games:** Keep informed with the latest news regarding Nintendo games, events, and additional content!

– **Receive alerts about sales:** Enable push notifications for when items on your Wish List are on sale.

– **Review your gaming activity:** Log in with your Nintendo Account to check your Nintendo Switch 2 / Nintendo Switch gaming activity. If you owned a Nintendo 3DS™ or Wii U™ system, you can see your gaming activity recorded before February 2020. Note: To access your Nintendo 3DS and Wii U gaming activity, you must link your Nintendo Network ID (NNID) to your Nintendo Account.

– **Check in at events:** Utilize the app to check in at official Nintendo stores and events and earn related rewards! Your check-in activity will also be available within the app.

The Nintendo Store app is available for iPhone and iPad.

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