Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

**Perplexity Introduces Personal Computer: A Mac-Centric AI Assistant**

Last month, Perplexity revealed the launch of Personal Computer, a Mac-centric personal AI assistant. Today heralds the debut of the Mac-specific edition of the company’s Perplexity Computer system, drawing inspiration from OpenClaw.

### Perplexity Confirms the Launch of Personal Computer

On March 11, Perplexity introduced Personal Computer, inviting prospective users to sign up for a waitlist. Now, the company has initiated the distribution of Personal Computer to everyone on the waitlist and all Max subscribers starting today.

As noted in a tweet from Perplexity, “Today we are launching Personal Computer. Personal Computer merges with the Perplexity Mac App for secure management of your local files, native applications, and web browser.”

### ‘Secure Management’ Across Files, Apps, and Browser

Personal Computer is crafted to ensure flawless integration with the Perplexity Mac App, allowing secure management across local files, native applications, and web browsers.

Notable features comprise:
– **Local File Connectivity**: Personal Computer can securely link to any directory, enabling it to search, read, and modify files locally.
– **Native App Connectivity**: It operates across iMessage, Apple Mail, Calendar, and various native Mac applications.
– **24/7 Functionality**: When installed on a Mac mini, Personal Computer can perpetually operate in the background, handling tasks across all applications and files.
– **Cross-Device Capability**: Users can trigger tasks from their iPhone, with Personal Computer executing actions on desktop and local files using two-factor authentication (2FA).

Perplexity Max, the company’s premium subscription model, costs $200 per month and grants access to Personal Computer. Conversely, Perplexity Pro, available at $20 per month, does not offer access to Personal Computer but supports Perplexity Computer, a web-based version of the AI assistant.

Furthermore, Perplexity has recently rolled out Comet for iPhone and iPad, broadening its AI browser functionalities from Mac to mobile devices. Users can discover all of Perplexity’s applications for Apple devices via their official platform page.

In conclusion, the introduction of Personal Computer marks a pivotal advancement in embedding AI functionalities into daily Mac operations, boosting productivity and user experience through secure management across diverse applications and files.

**Blackmagic Camera App Update 3.3: Improvements for Video Filmmakers Before NAB 2026**

In anticipation of NAB 2026, Blackmagic Design has rolled out a major update to its Blackmagic Camera app, improving the video recording experience on iPhones. Tailored for video experts, the app provides enhanced control over the iPhone’s camera features compared to the default iOS Camera app. The new version, 3.3, expands on the previous one with several thrilling additions.

**Main Features of the Update**

The highlight in version 3.3 is the new companion app for Apple Watch, enabling users to manage the camera straight from their wrist. This feature is especially beneficial for those filming selfie videos, as it offers a viewfinder display on the watch, which helps in framing better with the iPhone’s rear camera. Although it does not replace a dedicated monitor, it acts as a useful additional tool.

The Apple Watch app displays vital information above the viewfinder, such as timecode, focus settings, resolution, and battery status. Beneath the viewfinder, users can observe audio input levels and reach recording controls.

Users can conveniently toggle the visibility of information around the viewfinder by swiping up or down, ensuring a distraction-free filming environment. Furthermore, switching between the iPhone’s camera lenses is straightforward using the Apple Watch’s Digital Crown.

**Camera Control Features**

This update brings a range of camera control options, which can be modified in the app’s settings:

– **Camera Settings:**
– Auto Focus
– Auto Exposure
– Auto White Balance
– Lock All
– Stabilization
– Flash Light

– **Recording Options:**
– Timelapse
– Off / Speed settings

– **LUT (Look-Up Table) Options:**
– No LUT
– Preview Only
– Record to File

– **Live Streaming:**
– Start Stream

**Extra Enhancements**

In addition to the Apple Watch companion app, the Blackmagic Camera 3.3 update features several other enhancements and bug fixes:

– Support for full-screen portrait mode HDMI output.
– ProRes RAW stabilization support for iOS 26.1 and newer.
– ATEM camera control compatibility with the Blackmagic Camera ProDock.
– Compatibility with Blackmagic Focus and Zoom requests.
– Front camera support for both portrait and landscape modes without rotation on iPhone 17.
– Resolved issues regarding recording ProRes RAW from the front lens.
– Fixed preview delay when utilizing Blackmagic Camera ProDock as an audio source.
– Addressed bit rate problems with open gate H.264 and H.265 recordings.

**Availability**

The Blackmagic Camera app version 3.3, along with its Apple Watch companion app, is now available for free download on the App Store for both new and existing users.

This update fulfills a major request from users for Apple Watch control, enhancing the overall performance of the Blackmagic Camera app. With these new functionalities, video filmmakers can look forward to a more streamlined and effective shooting experience.

**Anthropic Launches Claude Opus 4.7: Progress in AI for Software Development**

Anthropic has revealed its newest AI model, Claude Opus 4.7, only two months following the release of Opus 4.6. This updated version focuses on enhanced software development features, representing a notable advancement in managing intricate coding activities.

### Opus 4.7: Superior Performance in Software Engineering

Claude Opus 4.7 is tailored to require less oversight for demanding coding activities. Users have indicated that they can confidently assign their most challenging coding tasks to Opus 4.7, which shows improved thoroughness and reliability in handling complex, lengthy operations. The model is attentive to directives and has developed methods to validate its outputs prior to delivery.

### Boosted Vision and Creativity

Anthropic asserts that Opus 4.7 incorporates significantly improved vision abilities, enabling it to analyze images at elevated resolutions. Furthermore, the model displays greater creativity and discernment when executing professional assignments, yielding higher-quality results such as user interfaces, presentation slides, and documentation.

### Benchmark Performance

In head-to-head evaluations, Opus 4.7 surpassed its forerunner, Opus 4.6, as well as other models like GPT-5.4 and Gemini 3.1 Pro. However, it still lags behind the more adaptable Claude Mythos Preview, which is not yet broadly accessible to the public and is currently only being shared with a limited number of software platform vendors.

### Key Enhancements

Anthropic emphasizes several significant upgrades in Opus 4.7, such as:

– **Instruction Following**: Enhanced capacity to comply with user directives.
– **Multimodal Support**: Boosted abilities in handling diverse types of data.
– **Memory Utilization**: Improved management of file system-based memory, enabling the model to retain vital notes across various sessions, thereby minimizing the necessity for extensive context in new tasks.

### Consistent Upgrade Schedule

Anthropic has implemented a regular upgrade timetable for its Claude Opus model, delivering updates every two months. Opus 4.7 closely follows Opus 4.6, which itself was launched two months post Opus 4.5.

### Token Usage Modifications

With the launch of Opus 4.7, there are significant alterations in token usage. The model uses a new tokenizer that enhances text processing but may lead to increased token counts for identical inputs. Additionally, Opus 4.7 functions at higher effort levels, especially in complex situations, resulting in a greater number of output tokens.

### Claude Code Enhancements

In conjunction with the new model, Anthropic has made incremental improvements to Claude Code, part of the Claude Mac application. Importantly, the auto mode is now accessible to Max plan subscribers, broadening availability beyond Teams/Enterprise/API customers. Moreover, a new command, “/ultrareview,” has been launched to support focused review sessions that pinpoint potential issues in code modifications.

For additional information, users can check Anthropic’s blog post and the Claude Opus 4.7 System Card available on their website.

### New Reddit Beta for iOS Embraces Liquid Glass Design

Apple’s groundbreaking Liquid Glass design, unveiled in iOS 26, is starting to be embraced by third-party apps, with the Reddit application being among the most recent to adopt this stylish look. The updated design seeks to improve the user experience by offering a contemporary and fluid interface that resonates with Apple’s vision for iOS.

#### Liquid Glass Overview

Liquid Glass is defined by its sleek, translucent look that imparts a feeling of depth and fluidity within the app’s interface. This design feature not only enhances visual attractiveness but also plays a role in providing a more captivating user experience. As developers delve into the potential of this design, many are keen to incorporate it into their applications.

#### Reddit’s Adoption

The most recent beta version of the Reddit app, accessible via TestFlight, displays the Liquid Glass design. Users can observe how this new aesthetic complements the app’s current features, offering a refreshed appearance while preserving functionality. Screenshots shared by users underscore the smooth transition to this design, signaling that Reddit is dedicated to refining its platform in alignment with contemporary design trends.

#### Joining the Beta

For those eager to experience the Liquid Glass design personally, Reddit offers a guide on how to join their beta program. This lets users try out new features ahead of their public release, providing feedback that can assist in shaping the finalized product.

#### Future of the Update

Though it is unclear how much longer Reddit will maintain this update in beta, early testing indicates that the Liquid Glass implementation is sturdy and prepared for a larger audience. Users are encouraged to express their opinions on the new design, promoting a community discussion regarding its efficacy and appeal.

### Conclusion

The incorporation of Liquid Glass into the Reddit app signifies a major advancement in app design, aligning with Apple’s goal for a more immersive user experience. As additional developers embrace this design, users can anticipate a more visually pleasing and engaging interaction with their preferred applications.

Apple’s Weather app has recently received a major update with the launch of Enhanced Safety Alerts, a feature aimed at providing essential information during crisis situations. This upgrade, implemented with iOS 26.2, seeks to offer timely and pertinent alerts when extreme weather conditions occur.

For a long time, the Weather app has been a trustworthy source for weather information, but the latest update prioritizes enhancing the notification of emergency alerts. As stated in Apple’s release notes, Enhanced Safety Alerts can inform users about impending dangers such as floods, natural disasters, and other crises. These alerts are enriched with detailed information, including maps of affected regions and links to further safety recommendations, specifically available in the U.S.

The Enhanced Safety Alerts feature holds significant value during extreme weather incidents when precise information is vital. Users can anticipate a more visually informative alert, which includes a map emphasizing the areas affected by the emergency. This visual component allows users to swiftly evaluate the situation, making it easier to grasp the seriousness and extent of the hazard.

Alongside the visual aspects, the alerts also furnish official advice from local government entities on how to react to the crisis. This marks a substantial advancement over conventional weather alerts, which often depend on text-heavy formats that can be challenging to quickly interpret during high-pressure moments.

Although numerous users may not have yet experienced these Enhanced Safety Alerts, they signify a proactive measure by Apple to bolster user safety and readiness. The feature aims to guarantee that individuals are not only aware of severe weather but also provided with the necessary information to safeguard themselves and their families.

As users grow more accustomed to this feature, it is anticipated that Enhanced Safety Alerts will become pivotal in how individuals address emergencies, ultimately enhancing safety outcomes during extreme weather scenarios.

A recent loyalty survey regarding smartphones conducted by SellCell has revealed important trends in brand allegiance among smartphone users in the United States. The survey, which included over 5,000 participants, showed that Android users are 3.7 times more inclined to switch to an iPhone than vice versa. This result highlights the strong loyalty that Apple has nurtured among its users, which has significantly risen over the last five years.

The survey findings illustrate that an impressive 96.4% of iPhone users intend to buy another iPhone when they next upgrade their device. Conversely, merely 3.6% of iPhone users indicated plans to shift to Android. The scenario is noticeably different for Android users, as 13.6% expressed they would think about transitioning to an iPhone, showing a considerable lean towards Apple’s products.

Brand loyalty for iPhones has experienced a notable increase, ascending from 90.5% in 2019 to 96.4% in 2026, with much of this expansion taking place since 2021. When questioned about why they remained devoted to Apple, a majority of iPhone users (60.8%) cited a preference for the iOS operating system. Furthermore, 17.4% of respondents highlighted their investment in the Apple ecosystem as a crucial aspect of their fidelity. Other factors included product reliability, user-friendliness, and confidence in Apple’s privacy and security protocols.

For the small segment of iPhone users contemplating a switch to Android, pricing emerged as the chief motivating factor. This indicates that while Apple has effectively developed a devoted customer base, price sensitivity remains an essential consideration for certain users.

The survey results offer valuable perspectives on consumer behavior in the smartphone industry, underlining the hurdles Android manufacturers encounter in retaining customers. For more comprehensive findings from the survey, additional details can be found on SellCell’s official blog.

Apple’s satellite collaborator, GlobalStar, was recently purchased by Amazon, resulting in a partnership between the two technology powerhouses. This alliance has ignited speculation about four new satellite functionalities expected to launch on the iPhone shortly.

### 1. 5G Via Satellite

The existing satellite connectivity on the iPhone is considerably sluggish, but this is likely to evolve with the forthcoming iPhone 18 series. Reports indicate that Apple’s new C2 modem, incorporated in the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Ultra, will provide support for 5G via satellite. This improvement is set to significantly boost connection speeds, making satellite features more accessible to users.

### 2. Apple Maps Functionality

Currently, Apple Maps enables users to download maps for offline access, but it usually necessitates a Wi-Fi or cellular connection. However, Bloomberg reveals that Apple is striving to make Apple Maps operational over satellite connectivity. While it is still unclear if this will hinge on the new 5G capabilities of the C2 modem, it remains a possibility that could enhance navigation in isolated regions.

### 3. Sharing Photos in Messages App

Bloomberg has also reported that Apple intends to allow the transmission of photos via the Messages app over satellite. At present, users are limited to sending text messages over satellite, which has been crucial during emergencies. The ability to send images could significantly enhance communication in urgent situations, enabling users to convey visual information like injuries or locations.

### 4. Third-Party API for Applications

Finally, Apple is allegedly crafting an API that will permit third-party developers to incorporate satellite connections into their applications. This endeavor will allow app creators to utilize satellite connectivity for various functions, although not all services may be compatible. Initially, Apple might limit this feature to emergency-related applications, with a more extensive rollout expected as satellite access grows more widespread.

These forthcoming functionalities indicate a remarkable upgrade in the iPhone’s satellite capabilities, potentially revolutionizing how users engage with their devices in remote regions.

As Earth Day approaches next week, Apple has spotlighted its most recent advancements in environmental sustainability. This encompasses the incorporation of 100% recycled materials in three distinct categories. Additionally, the company is providing a 10% discount on AirPods and other accessories when you recycle a qualifying product.

Apple released its latest annual Environmental Progress Report, which monitors the company’s timeline towards its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality across its entire operations by the end of this decade. The report indicates that Apple has reached 30% recycled material throughout its entire product lineup, noting that it has attained 100% in three categories.

Apple has made remarkable progress in utilizing recycled materials. All batteries designed by Apple now feature 100% recycled cobalt, and all magnets consist of 100% recycled rare earth elements. Furthermore, all printed circuit boards designed by Apple are produced with 100% recycled gold plating and tin soldering. The company has also fulfilled its commitment to eliminate plastic from packaging by 2025, having completed the transition to 100% fiber-based packaging last year.

The MacBook Neo has reached new heights in environmental sustainability, boasting 60% recycled content overall, making it the Apple product with the highest recycled content to date. Its enclosure is crafted using a material-efficient forming process that utilizes half the raw materials compared to conventional machining techniques. A new anodization method has also been implemented, achieving a 70% water-reuse rate, converting what was once a water-intensive process into a closed-loop system.

As part of Apple’s Earth Day festivities, customers who recycle an eligible Apple product at their local participating Apple Store from now until May 16 can obtain 10% off Apple AirPods or accessories. Items brought to Apple for free recycling undergo comprehensive assessments, and qualifying devices are directed to Apple’s advanced recycling systems for further processing.

For additional information on the eligible products and terms, please refer to the complete list provided by Apple.

At Canva Create today, the organization is making its most significant advancement yet into the agentic design arena with the unveiling of the research preview of Canva AI 2.0. Here’s what’s different.

## Canva AI 2.0 Expands Beyond Design

With the launch of Canva AI 2.0, the platform is unveiling a cohesive conversational interface for design, automation, and content generation, built on the company’s Proteus, Lucid Origin, and I2V generative image and video models, which are “up to 7x quicker and 30x more affordable than similar leading alternatives.”

In practical terms, today’s announcement allows users to leverage natural language prompts to articulate their needs, while Canva’s novel agentic system generates designs and manages the tools and workflows necessary to create, edit, automate, and even publish work throughout the platform.

Here’s Canva on the announcement:

> Driven by Canva’s cutting-edge AI lab and years of investment in foundational models for design, Canva AI 2.0 converts Canva into a conversational, agentic platform where teams can transition from concept to execution in a single location. The outcome is a robust creative ally throughout the entire process, from the initial idea to the final product.

Canva AI 2.0 merges a new architectural layer with workflow tools that extend beyond design generation into research, automation, and task management.

## The Architecture Layer

The architecture layer powers Canva’s fundamental AI experience, featuring, as stated by the company:

– **Conversational Design:** Articulate an idea, goal, or rough outline, and Canva AI produces a fully editable design with structure, branding, and layout from the outset.

– **Agentic Orchestration:** Clarify a goal, share a rough sketch, or provide a brief, and a new orchestration layer comprehends your intent, chooses the appropriate tools, and coordinates them to fabricate everything you require, in every format.

– **Object-Based Intelligence:** Request Canva AI to modify something, and only that aspect changes. Replace an image, modify a headline, or adjust a font without impacting anything else. Teams can jump in to collaborate, comment, and iterate as the work advances.

– **Living Memory:** Canva AI gathers insights from your work, becoming increasingly beneficial with each use. Customize it with your existing designs to create a tailored memory library and an “About Me” profile that consistently adapts your experience.

## Workflow Features

In addition to the architectural layer, Canva AI 2.0 also introduces workflow features designed to enhance the platform’s utility for planning, collaboration, and everyday tasks, beyond the design process itself. These include:

– **Connectors:** Canva AI can now produce summaries from Zoom transcripts, transform customer emails into personalized sales pitches, or create company newsletters based on activity across Slack. Initial connectors encompass Slack, Notion, Zoom, Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Calendar, with more to follow.

– **Scheduling:** Canva AI can conduct scheduled tasks automatically in the background, even while you’re offline. For example, it can generate a complete batch of social content each Friday or scan your emails every morning and produce briefing documents for upcoming meetings based on calendar events.

– **Web Research:** Conduct research on demand, or schedule it, and Canva AI will compile and organize information from across the web, subsequently delivering it into your design as structured, editable content ready for refinement and sharing.

– **Canva Code 2.0:** Now featuring HTML Importing, describe any interactive concept, and Canva AI constructs a full, responsive experience, structured, interactive, and designed for compatibility across all devices.

## Availability

Canva AI 2.0 debuts today as a research preview, available to the first million users who sign up from the Canva homepage. The company states “access will expand progressively to additional users over the following weeks.”

**Spotify’s Tablet Update Launches on iPad and Android**

Spotify has introduced a fresh iteration of its mobile app tailored specifically for users of iPad and Android tablets. This update seeks to elevate the overall experience by enhancing browsing, navigation, and usability through four essential features.

The newest app version is designed to deliver a “smarter, smoother experience for tablets,” as stated by Spotify. The company highlights that this redesign is not simply an enlarged version of the mobile app but offers a customized experience that fully utilizes the larger screen dimensions. This enables users to effortlessly explore and discover new content while enjoying their current playback.

**A Recognizable Interface and Four New Features**

The revamped Spotify experience on iPad retains a familiar layout for users moving from other devices. Nevertheless, it presents four significant features:

1. **Adaptive Orientation**: The app’s interface now adjusts itself—not just resizes—when toggling between portrait and landscape modes, ensuring a well-balanced and intentional layout in both orientations.

2. **A Collapsible Sidebar**: The updated sidebar allows users to browse and discover content while keeping playback visible. It can be expanded for a more focused experience and features interactive, scrollable content for exploration without disrupting the ongoing playback.

3. **An Improved Video Experience**: The “Switch to Video” toggle is strategically placed, simplifying the transition for users into a more immersive viewing experience.

4. **Parallel Browsing**: Users can maintain music or video on one half of the screen while navigating their library or recommendations on the other, enhancing multitasking capabilities.

This iPad rollout follows a series of updates from Spotify, including options for users to disable video for a more concentrated audio experience, enhancements to playlist flow, and better control over recommendations.

With these enhancements, Spotify continues to polish its platform, ensuring users enjoy a more compelling and user-friendly experience on their tablets.