Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

**Meta’s Upcoming Smartwatch: A Companion to Smart Glasses**

A recent article suggests that Meta is planning to introduce a smartwatch later this year, though it is not expected to directly rival the Apple Watch. Instead, this device may act as an accessory to Meta’s forthcoming smart glasses.

The notion of a Meta smartwatch was initially alluded to in 2021 via a leaked image discovered in the Ray-Ban Stories app. While early plans encountered delays and were allegedly shelved, later reports have indicated that the initiative has been revitalized, with a possible launch imminent.

As per a paywalled article from *The Information*, Meta aims for a release towards the end of this year. The smartwatch is anticipated to enhance the functionality of the company’s upcoming smart glasses, which may include a display. CNET speculates that the watch will mainly operate as a supplementary device, improving the features of the smart glasses.

Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, has previously noted that the neural band introduced with the Ray-Ban Display glasses could ultimately sync with a smartwatch. This aligns with the vision of a neural-enhanced watch launching alongside the next-gen Ray-Ban Display glasses, especially as rivals like Apple and Google prepare to penetrate similar markets.

From a strategic perspective, it seems that Meta is prioritizing smart glasses as its main conduit for delivering AI functionalities. The incorporation of a fitness tracker within an accompanying neural band appears to be a sensible development.

Although the Meta smartwatch may not significantly threaten the Apple Watch, the competitive environment could change dramatically with the eventual introduction of Apple Glasses. As the wearable technology market keeps evolving, the interaction between these devices will be vital in influencing consumer choices and technological progress.

**Immersion Reading: The Next Frontier of Reading and Listening with Amazon’s Audible and Kindle**

In the changing realm of digital literature, Amazon’s Audible has unveiled a groundbreaking feature referred to as immersion reading. This latest innovation resolves a frequent challenge encountered by readers: deciding between reading an ebook or listening to its audio version. With immersion reading, users can now effortlessly experience the advantages of both options.

**What is Immersion Reading?**

Immersion reading is a functionality that aligns Kindle ebooks with Audible audiobooks, enabling users to follow highlighted text while listening. This “read and listen” setting enriches the reading journey by offering a blend of visual and auditory input that accommodates various learning styles and preferences.

**How It Functions**

The immersion reading feature is automatically triggered within the Audible app when users possess both the audiobook and ebook versions of a title in their libraries. Once activated, the app displays the synchronized text, allowing readers to view the words as they are narrated. This not only supports understanding but also enhances information retention.

**Comparison with Whispersync for Voice**

Previously, Amazon provided a functionality called Whispersync for Voice, permitting users to alternate between reading and listening while tracking their progress. Nevertheless, immersion reading elevates this experience by enabling users to interact with the material in both formats at the same time, eliminating the need to choose one over the other.

**User-Friendly Experience**

Amazon has crafted immersion reading to be intuitive for users. The Audible app automatically detects which ebooks in a user’s Kindle library have matching audiobooks. A specialized library filter simplifies the process for users to locate all available titles that support this feature, reducing the need for exhaustive searches.

**Conclusion**

Immersion reading signifies a major leap forward in how we engage with literature, merging the physical experience of reading with the ease of listening. As digital reading continues to expand, features like immersion reading may transform our interaction with books. Readers are invited to express their opinions on whether similar functionalities should be embraced by other platforms, such as Apple Books.

For several years, the MacBook Air has been the optimal choice for the majority. However, this might soon change as the suffix-free ‘MacBook’ makes a comeback.

### Apple’s Previous ‘MacBook’ Attempt Fell Short Against the MacBook Air

The last introduction of a new ‘MacBook’ by Apple was in 2015, and it seemed to specifically target the MacBook Air. Similar to the Air, this new MacBook emphasized being lightweight and slim, removed ports, and presented a fresh design intended to shape the future of Mac aesthetics. Nonetheless, even though it attracted a number of dedicated fans, the MacBook struggled to resonate with the wider audience. Instead, most consumers chose to continue purchasing the more affordable MacBook Air.

However, within just a few weeks, Apple is rumored to be launching a completely new MacBook again. Over a decade since the last MacBook was released, this new iteration stands a better chance of overtaking the MacBook Air and establishing itself as the primary Mac for the majority.

### New MacBook May Become Popular Thanks to Lower Price, Vibrant Colors, and Solid Specs

For most individuals seeking a new computer—whether for educational, professional, or personal purposes—it’s going to be tough to surpass the upcoming MacBook. This is partly due to its expected lower pricing, with estimates suggesting it might be around $699.

Additionally, the “vibrant colors” will help the device to be more appealing. The sales impact of colors was evident with the iPhone 17 Pro’s Cosmic Orange. More significantly, the MacBook will cater to the needs of most users:

– Basic web surfing
– Emailing
– Messaging
– Document editing, spreadsheets, presentations
– Other everyday computing activities

The close integration with the iPhone will also serve as a significant advantage, especially for iPhone users currently utilizing a PC or Chromebook. Although Apple’s A18 Pro chip with an anticipated 8GB of RAM may not meet the needs of all users, it’s improbable that the “average consumer” will encounter any issues.

It’s quite straightforward: if you can get a MacBook that’s considerably more affordable, available in vibrant colors, and meets all your needs—why opt for any other option?

If you have been a dedicated Mac user, particularly if you identify as a “power user,” the impending MacBook is likely not the ideal device for you. But for the general public? The MacBook may be quite hard to resist.

**iOS 26.4 Introduces Voice-Driven AI App Compatibility to CarPlay**

Earlier this month, Bloomberg disclosed that Apple was gearing up to enhance CarPlay with the ability to support voice-driven interactions in AI applications such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. This week’s rollout of iOS 26.4 beta 1 officially brings that capability.

For those who are not aware, Apple restricts the types of apps that can be used in CarPlay. This is implemented for safety considerations, as well as the design constraints of Apple’s CarPlay framework. Unlike iPhone apps, CarPlay applications must be developed using Apple-supplied templates within the CarPlay framework.

In the February 2026 version of its CarPlay Developer Guide, Apple indicates that “voice-driven conversational apps” are now allowed in CarPlay. Here’s the comprehensive list of supported app categories:

– Audio apps
– Communication apps (SiriKit Messaging or VoIP Calling)
– Driving task apps
– EV charging apps
– Fueling apps
– Navigation apps (providing turn-by-turn route guidance)
– Parking apps
– Public safety apps
– Quick food ordering apps
– Voice-driven conversational apps

Apple clarifies that “voice-driven conversational apps must prioritize voice as the main mode upon launch; and subsequently, respond appropriately to inquiries or requests and execute actions.” These applications should “optimize for voice interaction within the driving context” and refrain from showing text and images in response to queries.

The key point is that this will necessitate engagement from app developers. While Apple has provided foundational support for these app types in CarPlay with iOS 26.4, it is up to developers such as OpenAI and Google to modify their applications for CarPlay compatibility.

Furthermore, these applications will not serve as replacements for Siri in CarPlay. Users will be able to access something like ChatGPT in CarPlay only by launching the specific ChatGPT app on their vehicle’s infotainment display.

Whether Google and OpenAI capitalize on this opportunity is yet to be determined. OpenAI currently has native ChatGPT applications for Mac and iPhone, while Google offers a native Gemini app for iPhone.

Besides the introduction of support for voice-driven conversational apps, iOS 26.4 also further establishes the infrastructure for video playback through CarPlay.

An exposed database containing tens of millions of distinct Social Security numbers, along with email addresses and passwords, has been revealed by security experts. This database, discovered by the cybersecurity firm UpGuard, is thought to have been assembled from multiple data breaches over the last ten years. Although the information is dated, it presents a considerable risk due to the sensitive nature of the details.

The database is said to comprise around 3 billion email addresses and passwords, in addition to about 2.7 billion entries containing Social Security numbers. Nevertheless, the actual count of unique records is projected to be in the tens to hundreds of millions. UpGuard managed to validate a sample of the information, confirming that nearly a quarter of the Social Security numbers were legitimate.

The data seems to cover a span of ten years, with certain records possibly originating from a substantial data leak in 2024 that might have revealed sensitive personal details for people in the US, UK, and Canada. Other entries appear to be older, with researchers estimating their age by examining cultural references in passwords, such as mentions of well-known music groups from around 2015.

Despite the age of the data, it continues to pose a threat for two primary reasons. First, certain types of information, such as Social Security numbers, remain constant over time. Second, the validation process suggested that a significant portion of the data has not yet been leveraged, indicating that many potential victims may be oblivious to the compromise of their information. Frequently, individuals only discover the breach when an attacker tries to use their data.

The results highlight the necessity of maintaining robust, unique passwords across different online platforms. Using a password manager can assist individuals in protecting their accounts against possible breaches, even when the information involved is years old.

**Immersive Viewing on Vision Pro: The Next Era of Sports Entertainment**

Apple has consistently led the way in technological advancement, and its latest initiative in immersive video experiences is no different. With the highly anticipated introduction of immersive viewing features for Formula One (F1) on the Vision Pro, Apple aims to revolutionize how fans interact with live sports.

### The Advancement of Immersive Video

Apple’s foray into immersive video commenced in 2024 with the launch of a scripted short film. The company revealed its intention to broaden its offerings to encompass a range of immersive content, such as music videos, concerts, and major sporting events. Significantly, Apple has already made progress in this domain by supplying immersive streams for select Los Angeles Lakers games, elevating the experience for basketball enthusiasts.

### Anticipation Surrounding F1 Immersive Viewing

As the 2026 Formula 1 season draws near, speculation is growing regarding Apple’s possible announcement of immersive viewing for F1 at the forthcoming event on March 4. John Gruber, a notable commentator, emphasized the timing of this event, noting that the F1 season will kick off in Australia on March 8. Considering Apple TV has become the exclusive broadcasting partner for F1 in the U.S., the incorporation of immersive technology into their broadcasts appears likely.

Gruber noted that if Apple intends to present a live immersive experience for F1 races, the March 4 event would be an optimum stage for such a demonstration. While this remains conjectural, the synchronization of Apple’s recent movements into immersive sports broadcasting and the approaching F1 season indicates that such a feature may soon be realized.

### The Future of Immersive Sports Broadcasting

The opportunity for immersive viewing on the Vision Pro signifies a remarkable advancement in sports entertainment. Fans could experience races from distinctive viewpoints, deepening their connection to the sport. The technology holds the promise of bringing viewers nearer to the action, making them feel as though they are part of the race.

As Apple persists in its innovation, the critical inquiry is not if immersive video will arrive at F1, but rather when it will be completely unveiled. With the company’s history and dedication to enhancing user experiences, the future of immersive sports viewing appears bright.

In conclusion, as we await further announcements from Apple, the enthusiasm surrounding immersive viewing on the Vision Pro continues to escalate. Whether it be for F1 or other sports, the adoption of immersive technology is destined to transform how fans connect with their beloved events.

### Apple’s Mail App Allows Users to Manually Sort Senders in Their Inbox

For numerous users, Apple’s Mail app has served as a dependable solution for handling emails across various devices. With the latest updates in iOS 18, the app unveiled a fresh inbox sorting system that classifies emails into four unique categories: Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. This feature is designed to simplify the email experience, particularly for those overwhelmed with messages.

Nevertheless, the automatic sorting can occasionally misplace crucial emails, causing annoyance. Users might notice that senders they often correspond with do not show up in the Primary category, which can impede productivity and result in overlooked messages.

Thankfully, Apple has incorporated a hidden feature that enables users to manually sort senders. By swiping left on an email and tapping the ‘More’ button, users can find the ‘Categorize Sender’ option. This feature allows users to select the suitable category for specific senders, ensuring that vital communications are consistently routed to the Primary inbox.

This manual sorting feature improves the overall effectiveness of the Mail app’s new system. Users can personalize their inbox experience, aligning it more closely with their individual email preferences. Whether it’s making sure that essential work emails are prioritized or effectively managing promotional content, this feature offers a pragmatic solution to the difficulties posed by automatic sorting.

In summary, while the new inbox categories in Apple’s Mail app can prove advantageous, the option to manually sort senders is a significant tool that boosts user control over their email organization. This feature provides a more customized experience, guaranteeing that important messages are never missed.

Apple is hosting a unique event for the press on Wednesday, March 4, across three global locations, and speculation suggests a plethora of new products might be revealed. Here’s what to anticipate, including hardware releases, format, and additional details.

### Format: In-person gathering for press, potentially featuring multi-day launches

Apple is taking a different route with its March product announcements. Traditionally, the company has occasionally offered live-streamed events or keynote presentations in March, while at other times, it has opted for product launches through press releases. There have also been instances where press members have been invited to private briefings that they couldn’t share details about beforehand.

This March, it seems that Apple will adopt a distinctive strategy.

The company has summoned press to a “special Apple Experience” occurring simultaneously in New York, London, and Shanghai. The invites were distributed without an NDA, leading to swift dissemination online.

Well-informed individuals, such as Mark Gurman, have indicated that Apple plans to unveil new products daily leading up to March 4. This implies that hardware announcements could be made via press release on Monday, March 2, Tuesday, March 3, and Wednesday, March 4. Subsequently, press members would have the opportunity to experience all the new products in person.

Consequently, it seems there won’t be an “event video,” but instead, we might see shorter clips each day alongside new product announcements.

### New products: A comprehensive list of potential hardware launches

Apple is rumored to have an especially extensive lineup of new products on the horizon. New Macs, iPads, and even a new iPhone are anticipated shortly.

Here’s a summary of what might be launched on March 4 or in the days preceding it:

– New Macs
– New iPads
– New iPhone

Additionally, there are a few ‘wildcard’ Apple Home products that have been speculated for some time but haven’t been released yet. Reports suggest that the hardware is being delayed due to Siri’s postponed upgrades, making early March launches unlikely—but it remains a possibility.

Wildcard products include:

– Apple Home devices

9to5Mac’s Chance Miller will attend the event in New York, and we will provide comprehensive coverage of everything Apple reveals leading up to it.

What are your expectations for Apple’s March 4 announcements? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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**AirPods Pro 3: Upcoming Variant Featuring IR Cameras and Upgraded Attributes**

The AirPods Pro 3 were released only a few months ago, yet speculation suggests a second version is on the way this year with a significant enhancement: infrared (IR) cameras. Here are the specifics.

### Premium AirPods Pro 3 Incorporating Cameras for Apple Intelligence Features and Beyond

Despite initial mixed feelings about the AirPods Pro 3 due to personal fitting concerns, a number of users have shared favorable experiences as they adapted to the revamped design. The AirPods Pro 3 have received accolades for their superior audio quality and enhanced Active Noise Cancellation.

Nevertheless, whispers indicate that Apple is gearing up to unveil a more advanced iteration of the AirPods Pro 3, which will feature infrared cameras. This addition aligns with Apple’s approach to boost the product’s artificial intelligence functions.

The incorporation of IR cameras is anticipated to facilitate new functionalities that will aid users in better perceiving their environment and provide critical information. As per Mark Gurman, external cameras and AI will be integral to this feature, emphasizing Visual Intelligence.

Furthermore, there are theories that the upcoming model may do away with pressure-sensitive buttons on the ear stems, potentially substituting them with hand gesture recognition. This modification could cater to the increasing array of functionalities that depend on the existing stem buttons.

While the forthcoming AirPods Pro 3 iteration is likely to preserve numerous traits of the current model, it will probably be priced higher. This strategy reflects Apple’s approach with the standard AirPods, presenting various editions with and without Active Noise Cancellation.

In conclusion, it seems Apple is set to launch two versions of AirPods Pro 3: the existing model and a new variant featuring cameras.

Are you excited about AirPods Pro 3 with cameras? Share your thoughts in the comments.