AllYouCanTech

iOS 26 Brings Back Disputed AI Feature: Major Updates and Modifications

**iOS 26: The Resurgence of Notification Summaries for News and Entertainment Applications**

iOS 26 brings forth a notable update with a variety of enhancements to Apple Intelligence, prominently featuring the reintroduction of notification summaries for News and Entertainment apps. This capability, which previously encountered criticism due to inaccuracies, has returned, and Apple seems to have implemented enhancements to tackle earlier issues.

### News Summaries: A Disputed History

When Apple Intelligence was initially launched, it managed to sidestep significant controversies, benefiting from efficient guardrails on AI image generation technologies. Nevertheless, the notification summaries pertaining to news content soon became a contentious subject. Leading news organizations, such as BBC News, chastised Apple for incorrect summaries that misrepresented actual news events. One particularly significant case involved an incorrect report linking a serious occurrence to a public figure, resulting in widespread backlash and leading Apple to suspend the feature for News and Entertainment apps.

### The Resurgence in iOS 26

In spite of prior challenges, Apple has opted to reactivate notification summaries in iOS 26. Although the company has not revealed particular alterations made to the summarization models, it is clear that improvements have been implemented to lessen the occurrence of mistakes. Users now receive a cautionary message in red text when activating the feature, signifying that inaccuracies may still arise. Furthermore, a new footer stating “Summarized by Apple Intelligence” is appended to the notifications, enhancing clarity about the summary’s origin.

### Effectiveness and User Experience

Following the feature’s reinstatement, initial reports indicate that the notification summaries are functioning better than before. With the rising use of AI-enabled devices, the overall user experience has seen an uplift. Anecdotal feedback suggests that users are facing fewer inaccuracies compared to the earlier version of the feature. For example, one user mentioned a notable decline in erroneous summaries, remarking that they hadn’t encountered any mistakes since the feature was brought back.

### Conclusion

The reemergence of notification summaries for News and Entertainment apps in iOS 26 signals a crucial moment for Apple Intelligence. With improvements focused on boosting accuracy and user experience, the feature has the capability to restore user confidence. As more individuals interact with the refreshed summaries, input will be vital in influencing the future of this AI-driven feature.

How has your experience been with the notification summaries in iOS 26? Have you noticed any enhancements in accuracy? Share your feedback and experiences.

Apple TV’s Latest Pluribus Series: A Significant Advancement in Contemporary Television, As Per NYT

**Pluribus: A High-Budget, High-Concept Sci-Fi Series Launching on Apple TV**

Next week, Apple TV will unveil the eagerly awaited sci-fi series *Pluribus*, crafted by Vince Gilligan, famed for his work on *Breaking Bad*. The premiere is scheduled for **November 7**, with the initial two episodes being released at once. This series has been in development for over three years, and anticipation is growing as additional details are revealed.

**A Daring Move for Apple TV**

As per a preview released by *The New York Times*, *Pluribus* signifies a major commitment for Apple TV, both financially and creatively. The series is characterized as “high-budget, high-concept,” merging science fiction with intricate character explorations, philosophy, and sociopolitical topics. The word “pluribus,” translating to “many,” embodies the show’s broad vision, which Gilligan has developed with careful precision.

The production has been acknowledged for its grandiosity, with sources indicating that Apple has pledged to two seasons, although what lies ahead remains unclear. The series is set in an upper-middle-class suburban environment and is regarded as a potentially risky venture for Apple, considering the industry’s current inclination toward safer, more commercially successful endeavors.

**Narrative and Characters**

*Pluribus* revolves around the character Carol, played by Rhea Seehorn, a distinguished author who finds herself clashing with a newfound utopia on Earth. The storyline concerns the enigmatic emergence of peace, which leaves her as the sole discontented individual in a realm devoid of conflict and self-hatred. This compelling premise delves into themes of joy and satisfaction, drawing from Gilligan’s own life experiences and challenges.

Gilligan designed the character of Carol specifically for Seehorn, having penned several scripts before ever discussing the part with her. The series also consciously steers clear of familiar settings from Gilligan’s earlier works, promising a fresh narrative journey.

**Links and Inspirations**

The series has been likened to iconic films and literature, such as *Invasion of the Body Snatchers*, *Brave New World*, and *Fahrenheit 451*. These associations suggest the philosophical inquiries the show will explore, positioning it as a stimulating contribution to the sci-fi realm.

In conclusion, *Pluribus* is set to be a notable addition to Apple TV’s offerings, highlighting Vince Gilligan’s distinctive storytelling and character crafting. As the premiere date nears, audiences are keen to see how this ambitious endeavor develops.

Current Savings: $200 Off M4 MacBook Pro, $150 Off 24GB Mac mini, New M5 iPad Pro, Milanese Loop, MagSafe Charger, and Additional Items

**Monday’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break Deals: Tech Savings Abound**

As the week kicks off, tech aficionados can capitalize on considerable savings on popular Apple devices. This week’s promotions showcase impressive price reductions on the newest M4 MacBook Air, M4 Mac mini, M3 iPad Air, and more. Here’s an in-depth look at the prime deals currently available.

### Latest M4 MacBook Air: $200 Off

At present, both Amazon and Best Buy are providing a **$200 discount** on various variants of the M4 MacBook Air, lowering the price to **$799**. Following a minor increase in prices after October Prime Day, these promotions offer a strong chance for those wanting to grab the latest model. Although there were larger discounts on the M3 series recently, the $200 off the M4 variants is still a remarkable deal. Best Buy currently boasts a broader selection, making it a dependable choice for consumers seeking specific colors or models.

### Enhanced 24GB/1TB M4 Mac mini: $150 Off

B&H is presenting a **$150 discount** on the enhanced **24GB/1TB M4 Mac mini**, now available for **$1,049**. This version typically sells for **$1,199** at Apple, creating an attractive offer for those desiring increased RAM and storage. While Amazon frequently has competitive prices on Mac minis, this particular configuration is exclusive to B&H, underscoring the need to check multiple retailers for the best bargains.

### 1TB M3 iPad Air: Lowest Price at $374 Off

Amazon has reduced the price of the **1TB M3 iPad Air** by **$374**, dropping it to **$874.64**. This model, which once retailed for **$1,249**, is now offered at its lowest price ever recorded on Amazon. Discounts on higher-end iPad Air models are rare, making this an outstanding chance for buyers seeking a robust tablet.

### Apple Watch Milanese Loops: Price Cuts

Alongside the major discounts on Apple’s computing products, there are also newly reduced prices on **Apple Watch Milanese Loops** available via Amazon. These fashionable accessories are ideal for those aiming to upgrade their Apple Watch experience affordably.

### M4 iPad Pro: $200 Off

For those keen on the latest iPad Pro, Amazon is offering the **1TB M4 iPad Pro Wi-Fi + Cell** model for **$1,599**, representing a **$200 discount** from its regular price of **$1,799**. This offer matches the lowest price noted since its debut in May 2024. While the M5 iPad Pro models are also experiencing price cuts, the M4 presents an appealing option for users looking for a powerful tablet at a lower cost.

### Accessory and Charging Promotions

Beyond the major product discounts, there are also various accessory and charging offers available. Notably, Amazon has reintroduced a **4-pack of AirTags** for **$64.99**, a significant cut from its list price of **$99**. This deal provides an excellent opportunity for those looking to enhance their Apple tracking capabilities.

### Conclusion

With these significant reductions on Apple products, now is a prime time for tech enthusiasts to refresh their gadgets. Whether you’re in the market for a new MacBook, Mac mini, iPad, or accessories, these offers present substantial savings and are worth investigating before they vanish.

New Functionality: Vanishing Posts Now Accessible on Threads

**Threads Unveils Phantom Posts: A Fresh Approach to Expressing Thoughts**

Threads, the social media service created by Meta, has recently unveiled a new feature known as phantom posts. This creative addition enables users to convey their thoughts in a transient manner, with posts automatically vanishing from the timeline after 24 hours. Once the designated time elapses, these posts are stored away, offering a distinctive way to articulate oneself without the burden of permanence.

### Here Today, Vanished Tomorrow

The main goal behind phantom posts is to inspire users to disclose their unfiltered thoughts. Meta seeks to cultivate a more genuine atmosphere where users can participate in conversations without the anxiety of their posts remaining indefinitely. This feature is crafted to encourage spontaneity and authentic expression, simplifying the process for users to share their instant reactions and ideas.

### Mechanism of Phantom Posts

When a user submits a phantom post, the likes garnered are only visible to the creator. This privacy feature enables users to assess their post’s reception without outside validation. Furthermore, if someone responds to a phantom post, the reply is sent as a direct message, ensuring that only the original poster can view it. This capability could potentially boost engagement on Threads, especially with the platform’s independent inbox, which has faced challenges in drawing user interaction compared to comparable features on other social media networks.

To compose a phantom post, users merely need to click the phantom icon in the composer interface. After publication, these posts show up on the timeline as a subtly muted dotted speech bubble, setting them apart from standard posts and clarifying to followers that the content is fleeting.

### Conclusion

The debut of phantom posts on Threads marks a notable transformation in how users can engage on the platform. By enabling temporary sharing of thoughts, Meta is promoting a more laid-back and genuine mode of communication. As users acclimate to this new capability, it will be intriguing to observe how it affects engagement and the overall user experience on Threads.

Apple Poised to Unveil Four New ‘Pro’ Apps for iPad Shortly

Apple is said to be gearing up for a major increase in its iPad application lineup with the possible launch of four new professional-grade applications: Pixelmator Pro, MainStage, Motion, and Compressor. This progression comes on the heels of last year’s rollout of Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for the iPad, further enhancing Apple’s creative toolset for mobile users.

This information was revealed by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris, who noticed new App Store IDs associated with these impending applications. Each app has a specific role in the creative process:

– **Compressor**: A tool for media encoding and delivery that enables users to adjust export settings for video and audio projects. It is meant to operate alongside Final Cut Pro, adding extra capabilities for video professionals.

– **Motion**: This application concentrates on motion graphics, allowing users to generate titles, transitions, and visual effects. Like Compressor, it supports Final Cut Pro, improving the overall video editing experience.

– **MainStage**: Designed as a companion app for Logic Pro, MainStage is optimized for live performance scenarios. It enables musicians and performers to establish customizable instrument and vocal setups on stage, making it a vital asset for live music production.

– **Pixelmator Pro**: Following Apple’s purchase of Pixelmator last November, the upcoming Pixelmator Pro app is anticipated to deliver advanced image editing functionalities, exceeding those of the currently available, less capable version on the iPad. This app is aimed at bringing the comprehensive features of the Mac edition to the iPad, serving professional graphic designers and photographers.

While an official release date for these applications has not yet been announced, their launch would represent a significant upgrade to Apple’s professional app collection for the iPad, especially considering the recent debut of the M5 iPad Pro. The timing of these announcements has sparked speculation, as many expected Apple to reveal these new applications in conjunction with the new hardware, much like the launch from the previous year.

The introduction of Compressor, Motion, MainStage, and Pixelmator Pro could potentially transform the experience for iPad users, particularly those in creative sectors. As Apple continues to broaden its offerings, the effect on user workflows and the overall attractiveness of the iPad as a professional instrument remains uncertain.

EU Asserts Meta and TikTok Failed to Protect Children, Possible Fines of 6% of Revenue Enforced

The European Union has recently pinpointed considerable deficiencies in child protection measures enacted by both Meta and TikTok, especially with regard to the reporting of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on their services. According to initial findings from the EU, both firms have breached rules established in the Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires that online platforms guarantee user safety, particularly for minors.

The EU’s inquiry revealed that Meta and TikTok have erected obstacles that prevent researchers from obtaining essential data needed to evaluate children’s exposure to illegal or harmful content. This opacity not only hampers research initiatives but also brings into question the effectiveness of the companies’ content moderation strategies.

Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, has faced particular criticism for making it difficult for users to report illegal content. The platforms reportedly do not have a clear and accessible ‘Notice and Action’ system, which is crucial for users to alert about harmful material. Additionally, Meta has been accused of utilizing “dark patterns,” or misleading design tactics, that complicate and confuse the reporting process unnecessarily.

In light of these findings, both companies will have the chance to review the report and provide their responses. If the EU deems these responses unsatisfactory, they may incur penalties of up to 6% of their global annual revenue.

Beyond the EU’s conclusions, Meta is presently contending with legal issues in the United States. Several states have initiated lawsuits against the company, claiming that it has intentionally designed its applications to be addictive, while being aware of the potential detriment to teenagers. This follows disclosures from internal studies indicating that Instagram could negatively affect the mental well-being of young girls. The company has been accused of suppressing this data and seeking to insulate itself from responsibility through legal strategies.

A recent decision by Judge Yvonne Williams has permitted the DC attorney general to utilize Meta’s internal documents in the ongoing lawsuit, dismissing the company’s assertions of attorney-client privilege. The judge concluded that the communications in question fell under the crime-fraud exception, as they were intended to obscure possible legal liabilities.

As the legal processes progress, the repercussions for both Meta and TikTok could be substantial, particularly regarding their obligations to safeguard vulnerable users and foster a safer online environment for children. The first of the lawsuits against Meta is anticipated to be heard next year, representing a pivotal moment in the ongoing examination of social media platforms and their influence on youth.

Insights on Two Upcoming iPhone Designs for Next Year’s Models Unveiled by Leaker

### iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 17e Design Insights: What to Anticipate

Today, we shared news regarding camera enhancements for the iPhone 18 Pro. Now, the same source has outlined what to anticipate regarding the designs of two upcoming iPhone models slated for next year.

The leaker known as Digital Chat Station (DCS), who initially mentioned the iPhone 18 Pro adopting a variable aperture lens, has now provided insights into the anticipated designs for two new models: the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone 17e.

In the comments to his initial post, the Weibo leaker elaborated further on the 18 Pro and also highlighted features coming to the iPhone 17e.

As for the iPhone 18 Pro, he asserts that the new model will maintain the same fundamental rear camera design as the current 17 Pro model. This indicates that the full-width camera ‘plateau’ will be the same as what was introduced in this year’s Pro models. It remains uncertain whether this will affect the appearance of the glass cutout beneath the plateau. Earlier, DCS mentioned that the cutout would have a slightly different transparent appearance on the 18 Pro. So aside from speculated new colors, there may still be an alteration to the lower half of the device.

Concerning the iPhone 17e, anticipated for early next year, DCS notes that the display will incorporate a Dynamic Island. The existing iPhone 16e utilizes a conventional notch design. This aligns with previous information DCS has shared about the 17e, but this time he includes a new detail: the display will be limited to 60Hz. This isn’t a significant revelation, as Apple has only recently introduced ProMotion support to the base model iPhone for the first time with the iPhone 17. We may need to wait at least another year before ProMotion appears in the budget ‘e’ model.

Finally, in response to inquiries regarding the basic model iPhone 18, DCS stated that he has not yet encountered specifications for that particular design, only for the iPhone 18 Pro.

What design modifications would you like to see in the upcoming iPhone? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Neato Cloud Closure Emphasizes Difficulties Encountered by Businesses in Backing Smart Devices

The Neato cloud server essential for operating the shuttered company’s robotic vacuum cleaners is set to be terminated three years ahead of the original schedule, effectively transforming the smart devices into non-functional ones.

The parent firm had originally assured that the MyNeato app would remain operational until 2028, but it has now reversed this commitment and will discontinue support before the end of this year. This serves as a further reminder of the significance of choosing smart products that feature either HomeKit or Matter compatibility.

## Smart products rendered useless or downgraded

Regrettably, it’s not unusual for a company’s demise to lead to smart products being entirely rendered unusable or, at best, downgraded to basic functionality. Numerous applications necessitate server access, so when a company collapses or halts operations and the server goes offline, the smart capabilities can be forfeited. In extreme scenarios, a product may become wholly inoperable.

We first drew attention to this problem back in 2023 when the electric bike manufacturer VanMoof went bankrupt, leaving users facing the possibility of being unable to unlock their bicycles.

> While unlocking is enabled via Bluetooth when the phone approaches the bike, it depends on a rolling key code – and that feature in turn depends on access to a VanMoof server. If the company fails, then with no server, there’s no key code generation, hence no unlock.

Fortunately, in that instance, a third-party entity stepped forward with a solution, and the company was eventually saved.

A similar situation arose last year with smart home firm Brilliant.

> If the company’s servers become unavailable, Brilliant light switches will continue to function, but you will be unable to modify existing scenes, create new ones, or incorporate additional devices. This would be a significant setback for customers who have invested heavily in devices marketed as semi-professional equipment, with each switch priced between $399 and $549.

## Neato robovacs will operate only manually

Neato Robotics ceased operations in 2023, but the parent company had vowed that the MyNeato app would stay functional for an additional five years. However, The Verge has reported today that the company has notified customers, retracting this assurance.

> Users are receiving messages informing them that their Neato robovacs will lose access to cloud services, meaning they can no longer be managed through the robots’ MyNeato app.

In a correspondence obtained by The Verge, Neato Robotics clarified the reasoning behind the decision, stating, “Since Neato ceased operations in 2023, Vorwerk has continued to support the Neato cloud platform to fulfill the original five-year service commitment. However, advancements in cybersecurity standards, compliance requirements, and regulations have made it impractical to securely and sustainably operate these legacy systems.”

As a result, the only method to utilize the vacuums will be by manually pressing the start button, and it will not be feasible to adjust the cleaning schedules or select options for targeted cleaning in specific rooms or areas.

## The significance of HomeKit or Matter compatibility

As previously mentioned, such occurrences emphasize the necessity of purchasing only smart home products that are compatible with either HomeKit or Matter.

> There isn’t a flawless solution since some features may be limited to the company’s proprietary app or require access to the company’s server. However, opting for devices that are either HomeKit or Matter compliant will at least guarantee that they cannot be rendered inoperable if a company ceases to exist. It will always be feasible to retain access to at least core functionalities – including modifying and creating new scenes – via Apple’s Home app.

Apple Pay VP Talks About New Wallet Capabilities, Digital Identifications, and Further Improvements

### Apple Pay and Apple Wallet: Innovations and Impact

At the recent Money20/20 USA conference, Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s Vice President of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, provided important updates regarding the company’s payment solutions, emphasizing their progress in fraud mitigation and the increasing features of Apple Wallet.

#### Fraud Prevention Success

Bailey disclosed that Apple Pay has successfully thwarted over $1 billion in fraudulent activities in the previous year. This remarkable statistic highlights the efficiency of Apple Pay’s security protocols, which reportedly diminish fraud incidences by more than 60% when contrasted with traditional credit and debit card methods. In certain instances, this drop can soar to 90%, showcasing the formidable fraud prevention capabilities of Apple Pay.

#### Widespread Acceptance

The adoption of Apple Pay has surged dramatically since its inception in 2014. Presently, it is accepted by 90% of retailers across the United States, a substantial rise from a mere 3% at the start. Apple Pay is now operational in 89 markets worldwide, collaborating with 11,000 banks and payment networks, rendering it a broadly endorsed payment option.

#### Expanding Apple Wallet Features

Apple Wallet’s capabilities have progressed beyond merely Apple Pay. It now encompasses a range of functions such as transit cards, hotel keys, automobile keys, and digital IDs. Although these offerings have experienced slower uptake compared to Apple Pay, their utilization is gradually rising.

– **Transit Features**: Accessible in 250 regions and 800 cities globally.
– **Hotel Room Keys**: More than 2 million hotel room keys have been issued through Apple Wallet, backed by over 65,000 hotel rooms.
– **Car Keys**: Compatible with 29 automotive manufacturers, permitting users to unlock and start their vehicles with their iPhones.

One of the prominent features of Apple Wallet is its capability to store IDs and driver’s licenses. This feature, which commenced rollout in 2021, is presently supported in 12 states and Puerto Rico, as well as Japan’s My Number Card. Recently, West Virginia became the latest state to implement this feature.

#### Upcoming Features

Bailey also stated that Apple intends to introduce support for US passports in Apple Wallet by year’s end. This functionality will enable users to present their IDs at select TSA checkpoints during domestic flights, enhancing air travel convenience.

#### Tap to Pay Expansion

Another notable development is the broadening of the Tap to Pay on iPhone feature, permitting businesses to accept payments using solely an iPhone. This capability is presently available in 48 markets and employed by 15 million merchants, further reinforcing Apple’s standing in the payment processing arena.

#### Conclusion

The progress in Apple Pay and Apple Wallet signifies Apple’s dedication to improving user experience and security in digital transactions. With the increasing endorsement of Apple Pay and the growing features of Apple Wallet, users are progressively able to depend on their devices for a wide array of transactions and identification requirements. As these technologies continue to advance, they are set to transform the manner in which consumers engage with payment systems and digital identity.

Spotify Unveils Upgraded Apple TV 4K Application with Major Feature Enhancements

**Updated Spotify Application for Apple TV: An Enhanced Experience**

New Apple TV 4K hardware is anticipated to launch shortly, and today Spotify revealed an updated tvOS application that aims to enhance the Spotify experience for Apple TV users like never before.

### Spotify for Apple TV Offers Improvements in Many Aspects

Today, Spotify is introducing a completely new, redesigned Apple TV app. Accessible through the tvOS App Store, the revamped app has been “rebuilt from the ground up to provide a quicker, more intelligent, and visually appealing experience based on user insights,” according to a Spotify representative.

Key features of the new Spotify app consist of:

– Fresh, updated design tailored for tvOS
– Enhanced video options for viewing podcasts or music videos
– Remote control functionality through Connect
– Newly available lyrics
– Spotify DJ suggestions
– Management of the queue
– Ability to modify podcast or video playback speed

The disparity between Apple Music and Spotify’s tvOS applications has historically been quite large. However, with this new update, it is hoped that Apple TV users will no longer feel like they are missing out on a premium big-screen experience with Spotify.

The advancements in video are particularly noteworthy as video podcasts have emerged as a significant growth sector for Spotify. Recently, Spotify secured a deal for select podcasts to be streamed exclusively via Netflix, and today’s Apple TV update represents another vital move toward enhancing Spotify content in the living room.

Will you be utilizing the new Spotify application for Apple TV 4K? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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