Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

Google Playfully Mocks Apple During the Pixel 10 Launch Event

**Google Pixel 10 Launch Event: A Bold Leap Forward**

The recent Made by Google event revealed the eagerly awaited Pixel 10, demonstrating a significant show of confidence from the tech giant. Led by Jimmy Fallon, the event was infused with humor, mainly aimed at Apple, as Google showcased the fresh features and enhancements of the Pixel 10.

From the very beginning, Google’s confidence was evident. The company adopted a daring stance, openly mocking Apple, which has become a consistent aspect of their marketing approach. Rick Osterloh, Google’s SVP, commenced the event with a nod to “broken promises,” referencing delays in Apple’s AI progress. He underscored that Google’s Gemini AI is a revolutionary tool, claiming it delivers unmatched assistance on smartphones.

Osterloh also reminded attendees that the Pixel first introduced Car Crash Detection back in 2019, well ahead of Apple. This claim was part of a larger narrative that cast Google as a pioneer in the smartphone arena, contrasting with Apple’s more reserved tactics.

The event proceeded with Fallon and SVP Adrienne Lofton conversing about Google’s product array. Lofton made a subtle dig at Apple’s restrictive ecosystem, asserting that Android is “the most open platform that’s built for genuine freedom of choice.” This notion resonated with many in attendance, especially those who prioritize flexibility in their tech selections.

A key highlight was the debut of Pixelsnap, a feature that enables the Pixel 10 series to seamlessly work with Apple’s MagSafe accessories. Lofton confidently expressed that Google embraces “everybody in the game,” implying that they are undeterred in competing directly with Apple. She also tackled the “green bubble” controversy, dismissing it as an outdated topic in the era of RCS (Rich Communication Services), which both platforms now endorse.

Lofton expressed the significance of communication in today’s mobile environment, emphasizing that RCS offers a unified text standard, improving the messaging experience across platforms. Her comments were aimed at reassuring potential switchers from iPhone to Pixel that they would maintain connectivity with friends and family.

The event, while sprinkled with humor and light-hearted digs at Apple, also centered on the remarkable software capabilities of the Pixel 10. The overall vibe was one of enthusiasm and innovation, a refreshing change from the often-overlooked launches of Android devices in the past.

In summary, the Pixel 10 launch event represented a notable occasion for Google, exemplifying a confident and assertive stance in the competitive smartphone landscape. With its combination of humor and innovation, Google is unmistakably positioning itself as a serious contender, eager to disrupt the status quo and transform the user experience in mobile technology.

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Present Offers: 32GB M4 Mac Mini Price Reduction, $900 Savings on M2 Max Mac Studio, Up to $674 Savings on iPhone 15/16 Pro, and Additional Deals

**9to5Toys Lunch Break: Thrilling Offers on Apple Goods and Accessories**

The newest installment of the 9to5Toys Lunch Break presents a selection of captivating offers on Apple goods, featuring the M4 Mac mini, M2 Max Mac Studio, and iPhones, along with notable markdowns on accessories.

### Uncommon Offer on M4 Mac Mini

Amazon has reduced prices on the M4 Mac mini, with options beginning at just **$499**. Noteworthy is an uncommon deal on a unit with **32GB of RAM** and a **512GB SSD**, priced at **$1,099**, which represents a **$100 discount** from its usual price of **$1,199**. This offer is especially attractive as discounts on 32GB configurations are rare. The base model, fitted with **16GB of RAM** and **256GB of storage**, is also available for **$499**, offering superb value for those in search of a powerful yet budget-friendly desktop option.

### Amazon’s $900 Price Reduction on M2 Max Mac Studio

Another feature is the **M2 Max Mac Studio**, currently available for **$899** in Renewed Premium condition, showcasing a substantial **$900 discount** off its initial price of **$1,799**. This variant boasts a 12-Core CPU and a 30-Core GPU, rendering it an excellent choice for professionals needing high performance. This deal has gained popularity, selling out rapidly in the past, so potential buyers should move quickly.

### Price Cuts on iPhones

For anyone looking for a new smartphone, the **black 1TB iPhone 16 Pro** is now offered at **$1,029**, which is **$470 off** the normal retail price. This model has experienced price variations, but this ongoing deal is among the best available. Other color options, such as Natural, White, and Desert Titanium, are also accessible at comparable discounts.

### Accessory and Charging Offers

Alongside Apple products, there are noteworthy savings on accessories. A remarkable offer includes the **1TB 11-inch M3 iPad Air**, now priced at **$889.70**, a reduction of **$360** from its listed price of **$1,249**. This price drop signifies the lowest ever recorded for this configuration, presenting an excellent chance for those looking to enhance their tablet.

### Sony Headphone Discounts

Finally, Sony is hosting a back-to-school headphone sale, offering discounts on sought-after models starting at **$45**. This sale features various in-ear and over-ear headphones, with added savings available via promo codes on selected items.

### Conclusion

With these thrilling deals on Apple goods and accessories, now is an ideal moment for consumers to capitalize on significant savings. Whether upgrading a desktop, smartphone, or headphones, the current offers provide plenty of opportunities for tech enthusiasts and casual users alike.

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Apple TV+ Raises Monthly Subscription Fee to $12.99 Starting Today

Apple has revealed a rise in the monthly subscription fee for Apple TV+ within the United States and certain international regions. Starting immediately, the subscription will be priced at $12.99, an increase from the former cost of $9.99. Current subscribers will see this price adjustment 30 days after their next renewal date, while prices for annual subscriptions and the Apple One services bundle will stay the same.

In a press release, Apple noted the growth of its original content library since the inception of Apple TV+. The company underscored that Apple One provides a streamlined approach to access all of Apple’s subscription services in a single plan at a competitive price. Subscribers can share their plan with up to six individuals through Family Sharing.

Although Apple has not released specific viewing statistics for Apple TV+, there are signs of an uptick in its popularity. For instance, the viewership for the series “Severance” soared after the launch of its second season, attaining the fifth position on the Nielsen US streaming chart. In its recent earnings report, Apple noted that overall viewership for TV+ rose by strong double digits compared to the previous year.

Apple TV+ has also received accolades within the awards arena, with “Severance” and “The Studio” garnering numerous Emmy nominations this year. The outcomes of these nominations are set to be disclosed on September 15.

Apple TV+ sets itself apart from competing streaming services by providing a single subscription level that encompasses 4K HDR and Spatial Audio quality, all provided without advertisements.

Looking to the future, Apple has an impressive array of new releases lined up for the remainder of 2025, including the fourth season of “The Morning Show” on September 17 and “Slow Horses” on September 24. Moreover, the highly-anticipated series “Pluribus,” from the creator of “Breaking Bad,” will premiere on November 7, along with new films such as “Highest 2 Lowest” and “The Lost Bus.”

For an in-depth schedule of forthcoming content, Apple TV+ users can consult the detailed release schedule guide available online.

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HBO Unveils Fresh Harry Potter Immersive Adventure on Apple Vision Pro

HBO Max has consistently supported Apple Vision Pro since the beginning, providing a comprehensive native app for visionOS that includes an immersive Game of Thrones environment. Recently, HBO revealed an enhancement to the visionOS app, introducing a new immersive setting: the Hogwarts Great Hall.

The Hogwarts Great Hall environment will appeal to Harry Potter enthusiasts, as it stands as one of the most recognizable sites within the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The immersive experience on Apple Vision Pro offers distinct modes for Day and Night, enabling users to fully enjoy the magnificence of the Great Hall, complete with its stunning architecture, floating candles, and lengthy tables. While exploring the HBO Max app in this setting, users will also experience ambient sound effects typical of the Hogwarts Great Hall.

To access this new environment, users should download the latest version of the HBO Max app on their Apple Vision Pro. It is essential to have visionOS 2.6 and HBO Max 6.2.0 or newer to experience the Hogwarts Great Hall.

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iOS 26 Brings Highly Anticipated Functionality for Simplified Credit Card Access

# Making Payments on Your iPhone: The Updated AutoFill Feature for Credit Cards in iOS 26

Making payments on your iPhone is straightforward with Apple Pay. However, there are occasions when you must enter credit card information on a website or in a form, which can be tedious. Thankfully, iOS 26 presents a fix with enhanced AutoFill support for credit cards.

## The Challenge with Accessing Saved Credit Cards

iOS 26 delivers considerable advancements to Apple Wallet, including a capability that lets users manually store complete credit card information for their Apple Pay cards. However, Apple has historically operated a distinct system within Safari that retains all credit card details.

This Safari function uses AutoFill to suggest saved credit cards when inputting payment information on a website. Unfortunately, users frequently discover that these suggestions are absent when they are most needed. This problem may stem from websites not following Apple’s guidelines for designating payment fields.

Consequently, many users often face scenarios where they require credit card information for online forms and must manually find and enter it. Luckily, iOS 26 resolves this issue.

## The Fix: Improved AutoFill Menu in iOS 26

In iOS 26, Apple has introduced a new feature to the systemwide AutoFill menu. Regardless of the application in use or the type of field being filled, users can now retrieve all saved Safari credit cards via this menu.

This menu appears when tapping inside a text field and has historically been known as the ‘copy/paste menu’ or ‘contextual menu.’ Previously, AutoFill provided options for Contacts, Passwords, and Scan Text. Now, Credit Cards has been added as a fourth option, enabling users to access saved credit card information whenever necessary—removing the need for manual entry.

Are you thrilled to see the AutoFill menu now accommodating credit cards in iOS 26? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Vivo Unveils Vision Pro Replica Available for $1,400 and Weighing 398g

Apple’s Vision Pro is an impressive piece of technology, but its $3,400 price tag indicates that even CEO Tim Cook recognizes it as a specialized product, and the over 600g weight leads many to find it uncomfortable to wear for more than an hour.

Chinese manufacturer Vivo has sought to remedy both concerns with a design that closely resembles Apple’s spatial computer.

## Vision Pro Price and Comfort

The primary grievances users have regarding Vision Pro have been its price and comfort. Cook acknowledged last year that the product was not likely to appeal to a broad audience at its current cost, labeling it as “tomorrow’s technology today.” Those who opted to purchase one often report discomfort, feeling too hot and heavy after wearing it for more than thirty to sixty minutes. This was certainly my own perspective after trying it.

## Vivo Vision

Today, Vivo has introduced what it refers to as the discovery edition of the Vivo Vision, a near-exact replica of Vision Pro. Not only does the device closely resemble Apple’s headset in design, but it seems to mimic much of the user interface and high-resolution graphics.

> The Vivo Vision Discovery Edition operates on OriginOS Vision, facilitating natural and intuitive interactions. Information is presented seamlessly in the surrounding environment, allowing users to transition from traditional “tap-through-screen” interactions to “move-and-pinch” gestures. With high-precision eye-tracking at 1.5°, 26 degrees of freedom for fingertip gesture recognition, and a vertical tracking range of 175°, users can enjoy intuitive and responsive controls. Moreover, its Dual Micro-OLED screens offer 8K binocular resolution, 94% DCI-P3 color coverage, and DeltaE At just 398g, with a height of 83 mm and a thickness of 40 mm, it is 26% smaller than the industry average, enhancing overall comfort.

While the company has not officially disclosed a price for the device, Gizmochina reports that company representatives have suggested it will be priced around 10,000 yuan ($1,400).

## It’s Not Real Competition

What Vivo Vision evidently lacks is integration within the Apple ecosystem. It also seems that it may only be available for sale in China. The company has announced that there will be demo sessions conducted in 12 authorized stores throughout major Chinese cities, encouraging potential buyers to test it before making a purchase.

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Meta Charged with Bypassing Apple Privacy Protocols and Dismissing Employee Who Notified It

**Meta’s Reported Evasion of Apple’s Privacy Safeguards: A Contentious Matter**

A previous product manager at Meta, Samujjal Purkayastha, has unveiled serious accusations against the social media behemoth, alleging that the firm bypassed Apple’s privacy safeguards and deceived advertisers. This disclosure follows Apple’s launch of App Tracking Transparency (ATT) in 2021, which necessitates user approval for tracking across applications.

### Overview of App Tracking Transparency

Apple’s ATT initiative was established to bolster user privacy by permitting users to refuse tracking. Before this, Meta depended significantly on targeted advertising, which necessitated monitoring users across different apps to effectively aim at certain demographic groups. After the enactment of ATT, a notable portion of users chose to opt out of tracking, resulting in forecasts of considerable revenue declines for companies such as Meta.

### Accusations Against Meta

Purkayastha contends that, notwithstanding the rollout of ATT, Meta devised methods to identify Apple users who had rejected consent for app tracking. This purported evasion was allegedly aimed at diminishing an estimated $10 billion revenue shortfall that the company encountered due to diminished tracking capabilities.

According to Purkayastha’s submissions, a “covert and secretive” team within Meta participated in “deterministic matching,” which involved associating user information with other identifiable data to monitor users’ actions across the internet without their consent. He claims this practice directly contravenes Apple’s privacy regulations.

### Internal Issues and Termination

Purkayastha maintains that he raised these issues internally several times, only to be terminated from his role. He has subsequently brought his case to an employment tribunal, alleging wrongful dismissal for exposing these actions. However, Meta refutes any misconduct, asserting that Purkayastha was dismissed for unrelated matters.

### Consequences for Advertising and Legal Fallout

The ramifications of these accusations surpass internal company policies. Meta’s dependence on personalized advertising indicates that any breach of privacy laws could result in significant legal consequences, including class action lawsuits. Following the initial claims of employing workarounds to monitor users, a class action lawsuit was lodged against Meta, further complicating the company’s legal situation.

### Summary

As the tribunal gets ready for a comprehensive hearing later this year, the resolution of Purkayastha’s case could have extensive implications for Meta and its advertising strategies. The convergence of privacy, user consent, and corporate accountability remains a debated topic in the technology sector, especially as companies navigate the changing terrain of digital privacy regulations.

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Recent Update Resolves Significant Problem with the X App

**X’s Latest Update: A Long-Desired Resolution for Auto-Refreshing Feeds**

In a major step to improve user experience, X, previously known as Twitter, has tackled a persistent issue regarding its feed functionality. After almost twenty years of user dissatisfaction, the platform’s product head revealed that a solution is being implemented to stop the feed from auto-refreshing unexpectedly, a feature that has frequently resulted in content loss for users.

The matter at hand is one that many social media users can identify with: just as you start to interact with a post, the feed refreshes, causing the content to vanish. This issue was recently brought to light by entrepreneur and investor Jesse Pujji, leading to a response from product lead Nikita Bier, who emphasized that the auto-refreshing behavior was a glitch rather than a deliberate design decision.

Auto-refreshing feeds have become a prevalent practice among social networks, as companies believe that consistently introducing new content can boost user engagement. However, this strategy has backfired for certain platforms, leading to user frustration. Instagram, for instance, recognized this problem last year and chose to eliminate similar practices, acknowledging that user satisfaction should take precedence over engagement statistics.

In a statement, Instagram’s team elaborated on their earlier justification for the auto-refresh feature: it was designed to load content while users were waiting. However, they ultimately determined that the inconvenience caused to users surpassed any possible advantages in engagement.

As X rolls out this update, users are optimistic that the new behavior will enable them to read and interact with posts without the anxiety of losing them to an unanticipated feed refresh. Nevertheless, there is concern that if the change adversely affects engagement metrics, the company may revert to the previous behavior.

While the update is underway, numerous users are still awaiting confirmation of whether the fix has been applied to their accounts. The change is a welcome advancement for those who have long faced the frustrations of auto-refreshing feeds, but the future of this feature remains uncertain as X seeks to balance user experience and engagement.

In summary, X’s choice to tackle the auto-refresh issue indicates a growing awareness among social media platforms that user satisfaction is vital for enduring success. As the update continues to be rolled out, users will be observing closely to see if this change improves their experience on the platform.

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Apple Watch Notifies User of Irregular Heart Rate, Resulting in Detection of Brain Tumor

### The Effects of Apple Watch Health Features: An Analysis of Early Tumor Discovery

The Apple Watch has established itself as more than just a fashionable accessory; it is a robust health monitoring tool. Its health functionalities have played a crucial role in alerting users to possible medical concerns, as illustrated by the recent situation of a 57-year-old woman from Brighton, East Sussex. Her narrative emphasizes the significance of wearable technology in proactive health care.

#### The Notification That Altered Everything

Sam Adams came back from a trip to Costa Rica feeling drained and suffering from headaches. Initially attributing her symptoms to stress, grief from personal losses, and jet lag, she was unaware that her Apple Watch was detecting something far more serious. The device consistently indicated an unusually low heart rate, urging her to take action.

Worried by the continuous alerts, Adams consulted a pharmacist to measure her blood pressure. This first step led to additional medical assessments, which uncovered a treatable heart condition likely causing the unusual heart rate fluctuations. Nevertheless, it was during the assessment of her symptoms that medical professionals opted for a CT scan, which unexpectedly revealed a previously unnoticed brain tumor.

#### The Identification and Continuous Oversight

The tumor, presumed to be benign, necessitates ongoing observation. Adams has been advised to take daily medication and undergo regular scans to monitor the tumor’s condition. Despite the difficulties associated with living alongside a brain tumor, Adams feels grateful for the early alert provided by her Apple Watch.

“I am so thankful for my Apple Watch,” she remarked. “I can’t imagine what might have happened if it hadn’t alerted me. I still live with the tumor, but I’m managing well and appreciate that technology gave me the early notice I didn’t realize I required.”

#### The Wider Consequences of Wearable Technology

Adams’ experience is not unique. Numerous Apple Watch users have shared similar accounts where health alerts encouraged them to seek medical consultation, resulting in life-altering diagnoses. The device’s capability to monitor heart rates, record physical activity, and offer notifications regarding irregularities is vital in motivating users to focus on their health.

As technology progresses, the incorporation of health monitoring capabilities in wearable devices such as the Apple Watch is expected to become more advanced. This could facilitate earlier identification of various health issues, leading to better patient results and improved quality of life for many.

In conclusion, the case of Sam Adams highlights the potential of wearable technology to function as an essential resource in health management. The Apple Watch not only empowers users to remain aware of their health status but also serves as a driving force for seeking necessary medical care, potentially saving lives in the process.

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Unprecedented Amounts of Phone Inquiries at US Border Crossings: Awareness of Your Rights

# Documenting Phone Searches by US Customs and Border Protection: Key Information You Should Have

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has recently disclosed a notable rise in the volume of phone searches carried out on individuals entering or returning to the United States. In the previous quarter, nearly 15,000 devices were examined, setting a new record for the agency.

## The Rise in Device Inspections

Per newly disclosed statistics from CBP, the agency conducted searches on 14,899 devices from April to June of this year. This number eclipses the previous peak of 12,766 searches performed from January to March 2022 by 16.7%. While these inspections cover a variety of electronic devices, it is probable that most are smartphones. The scope of these inspections can range from a quick manual check to thorough forensic investigations involving complete backups of devices.

## Alarm from Civil Rights Organizations

Civil rights groups have expressed concerns about the ramifications of these searches, especially for individuals like journalists and civil rights attorneys who might hold sensitive information on their gadgets. Esha Bhandari, a deputy director at the American Civil Liberties Union, highlighted the chilling impact these searches could exert on all travelers, asserting that the authority claimed by CBP to execute searches without a warrant is virtually boundless.

## The Judicial Framework

The legal context surrounding these inspections is intricate, particularly for US citizens. Generally, courts have determined that border zones do not fall under the protections of the Fourth Amendment, indicating that a search warrant is unnecessary. Nevertheless, there has been at least one federal court decision that disputes this interpretation. While US citizens cannot be refused entry for declining a search, their devices can be confiscated, and they may encounter additional questioning.

For non-citizens, the legal circumstances are more straightforward. CBP retains the power to deny entry for any reason, which encompasses the obligation to present devices for examination upon request.

## Safeguarding Your Privacy

If you are worried about the potential of a device inspection, several measures can help protect your privacy:

1. **Disable Biometrics**: Turn off features such as Face ID and Touch ID to obstruct access to your device during a search. Legal precedents indicate that although you cannot be forced to share a passcode, you might be compelled to provide a fingerprint or facial scan.

2. **Update Your Device**: Make sure your device is operating on the most recent version of its operating system and set a strong alphanumeric passcode.

3. **Remove Sensitive Applications**: If you are concerned about a search, think about deleting applications that contain sensitive information, like messaging apps, and reinstalling them after your trip.

4. **Utilize a Travel Phone**: Some travelers, particularly those with sensitive data, choose to use a separate phone for traveling. This device should not appear as an obvious “burner” phone but should be used normally for a few days prior to travel to avoid raising suspicion.

By implementing these precautions, travelers can enhance the protection of their personal information while dealing with the intricacies of border security.

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