Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

### Claude Managed Agents Now Include MCP Tunnels and Self-Hosted Sandboxes

Anthropic has recently unveiled two major features for Claude Managed Agents, boosting user oversight concerning security and privacy. These enhancements, MCP tunnels and self-hosted sandboxes, are designed to create a more secure and tailored environment for deploying AI agents.

#### Overview of Claude Managed Agents

Debuted in April, Claude Managed Agents streamline the process of creating and deploying cloud-hosted AI agents. Following the launch of features like dreaming, outcomes, and multi-agent orchestration earlier this month, Anthropic is further extending the functionalities of these agents.

#### MCP Tunnels

The MCP tunnels feature enables users to direct services through a private network, ensuring that Claude Managed Agents can access internal resources without exposing them to the public internet. This feature is especially advantageous for organizations that must uphold stringent security measures.

As per Anthropic, “With MCP tunnels, your agents reach MCP servers inside your private network without exposing them to the public internet. Internal databases, private APIs, knowledge bases, and ticketing systems become tools your agents can call.” This configuration necessitates a lightweight gateway that creates a single outbound connection, avoiding the requirement for inbound firewall rules and public endpoints, while guaranteeing end-to-end encryption of traffic.

At present, MCP tunnels are offered as a limited research preview, requiring users to apply for access prior to implementation.

#### Self-Hosted Sandboxes

The self-hosted sandbox feature enables organizations to set limits for Claude Managed Agents by retaining sensitive files, packages, and services within their own infrastructure or through a managed sandbox provider. While orchestration, context management, and error recovery remain on Anthropic’s infrastructure, tool execution is performed in the user’s defined environment.

Self-hosted sandboxes provide flexibility, allowing the integration of a user’s own sandbox client or making use of services from Anthropic’s partners, such as Cloudflare, Daytona, Modal, and Vercel. This feature is currently in public beta, permitting users to explore its functionalities.

#### Conclusion

These enhancements to Claude Managed Agents demonstrate Anthropic’s dedication to improving security and privacy for users. By launching MCP tunnels and self-hosted sandboxes, Anthropic enables organizations to retain control over their data and infrastructure while utilizing advanced AI functionalities. For further details on these updates, users can visit Anthropic’s official blog.

#### Recent Anthropic News

In related developments, Andrej Karpathy, a research scientist and founding member of OpenAI, has joined Anthropic, indicating a strong commitment to progressing research and development in the field of large language models (LLMs).

### Apple Health Automatically Monitors Daylight Duration with Your Apple Watch

Daylight Duration is a newly introduced measure in the Health app as part of iOS 17 in 2023. This functionality, available since watchOS 10, enables the Apple Watch to automatically record the time spent in sunlight simply by wearing the device.

The Apple Watch leverages its ambient light sensor to assess surrounding brightness, offering an estimation of the duration spent in daylight. There is no necessity for a separate application or tracking mode to be turned on, though users have the option to disable this feature if they choose.

As stated by Apple, “Daylight Duration is an estimate of the amount of time spent in sunlight.” The watch can register this information when there are no obstructions, making it a seamless enhancement to your health monitoring.

### How to Access Daylight Duration Data in Apple Health

For those wearing an Apple Watch, Daylight Duration data can be easily accessed. This metric can date back to June 2023, enabling users to review their historical data.

To view your Daylight Duration data, follow these steps:

1. Open the Health app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap the magnifying glass icon to search.
3. Enter “daylight” in the search field.

Moreover, Daylight Duration can be located in the Mental Wellbeing or Other Data sections within the Health Categories on the search page.

### Redefining How Apple Watch Monitors Healthy Habits

Spending time in sunlight is advantageous for both physical and mental health, and the introduction of Daylight Duration enables users to quantify healthy habits beyond mere exercise. This measure offers insights into daily actions that enhance overall well-being.

For example, a person might find that their most significant Daylight Duration day was not involved with typical outdoor activities but occurred while working outside on a laptop. This insight can assist users in recognizing and valuing healthy choices that might not be captured in exercise minutes alone.

Measuring Daylight Duration can act as a valuable resource for those aiming to enhance their mood and overall health, providing a wider viewpoint on what defines healthy living.

### Additional Resources for Apple Watch and Apple Health

For those keen on learning more about Apple Watch features, the new Apple Watch Series 11 is available for purchase, with prices starting as low as $299 on Amazon.

### 2026 Memorial Day Sales: Best Electronics Offers

The 2026 Memorial Day sales have begun at leading retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy, providing noteworthy markdowns on sought-after electronics. This article emphasizes some of the top offers available, featuring the newest Apple products and gaming consoles.

#### AirPods Pro 3 for $199

A highlighted offer this Memorial Day is the **AirPods Pro 3**, now up for grabs at **$199** on Amazon. This pricing signifies a **20% reduction** from the standard price of $249, establishing it as one of the finest deals this year. The AirPods Pro 3 are lauded for their exceptional sound quality and noise-canceling capabilities, ideal for music lovers. This promotion is part of Amazon’s ongoing Memorial Day sale, expected to showcase additional offers as the holiday nears.

#### 14-inch 24GB M5 MacBook Pro at $1,599

Another remarkable discount applies to the **14-inch 24GB M5 MacBook Pro**, presently available for **$1,599**, which reflects a **$320 reduction** from its usual price of $1,899. This device boasts a 1TB internal SSD and includes an upgraded 96W Apple charger. The offer is notably attractive as it provides considerable savings compared to other retailers, where similar models are often listed at higher prices.

#### Black Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $379.99

For fans of smartwatches, the **Black Apple Watch Ultra 2** is on sale for **$379.99**, marking a **$419 decrease** from its initial price of $799. This refurbished unit is in “Grade A” condition and comes with a one-year warranty, presenting a dependable choice for those aiming to economize on high-end wearables. In contrast, new models are priced around $549, underscoring the appeal of the refurbished choice.

#### Nintendo Switch 2: Select Your Game Bundle for $500

Gaming enthusiasts can seize the opportunity with the **Nintendo Switch 2: Select Your Game Bundle**, currently available for **$500**. This bundle offers a value of up to $580, making it a strong deal for anyone looking to acquire the newest gaming console. The package includes the console along with a variety of games, ensuring a complete gaming experience.

#### More Discounts on Apple Products

The Memorial Day sales also include price cuts on several Apple items, such as:

– **iPad (11-inch)**: Offered at **$299**, presenting an economical choice for casual users.
– **M4 iPad Air**: Priced at **$520**, providing significant savings on a powerful tablet.

These promotions reflect the wider trend of reductions available during the Memorial Day sales, making it an ideal time for consumers to invest in fresh technology.

### Conclusion

The 2026 Memorial Day sales offer a wonderful chance for shoppers to benefit from substantial discounts on a variety of electronics. From contemporary Apple products to gaming consoles, there are plenty of deals to investigate. As the sales progress, consumers are recommended to remain informed for the best opportunities available.

### iOS 27 Unveils Auto-Generated Subtitles: A Revolution for Accessibility

WWDC is approaching, and Apple has started to reveal thrilling new functionalities arriving with iOS 27, especially in accessibility. Among these advancements, the **Auto-Generated Subtitles** feature is a notable leap forward, set to improve the viewing experience for numerous users.

#### iOS 27 Will Enable You to Incorporate Subtitles into Any Video You View

Apple’s recent announcement showcased a range of accessibility features aimed at enhancing the usability of its devices for people with various needs. One of the most significant updates is the **Auto-Generated Subtitles** capability, which will enable iPhones to automatically generate subtitles for any video content. This feature applies to videos on social media, in the Photos app, in Messages, and throughout the complete iOS ecosystem.

According to Apple’s press statement, “While captioning options are becoming more prevalent for users who are deaf or hard of hearing, subtitles for spoken conversation are seldom available for personal videos, content shared by friends and family, and other media.” The Auto-Generated Subtitles feature seeks to address this deficiency by delivering automatic transcriptions of spoken audio for videos that do not have existing captions or subtitles. This functionality employs on-device speech recognition, ensuring that the process is private and secure. Users can anticipate seeing these subtitles appear automatically on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro.

Nevertheless, it should be noted that this feature will initially be restricted to English and will only be available in the U.S. and Canada. Like many of Apple’s innovations, there is potential for future expansion into other languages and regions.

#### Why I’m Thrilled About iOS 27’s ‘Auto-Generated Subtitles’ Feature

The launch of Auto-Generated Subtitles is particularly thrilling for users who enjoy watching videos with subtitles for various reasons. Many people encounter situations where they cannot utilize audio, such as:

1. Viewing videos in public areas where maintaining low volume is crucial.
2. Engaging with other audio content, like podcasts, while wanting to follow video material.

Although captioning solutions are becoming more widely available on multiple platforms, they are not universally accessible. The Auto-Generated Subtitles feature will guarantee that users can obtain subtitles no matter the video source, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Moreover, users will have the option to customize the look of the subtitles via the video playback menu or in Settings, allowing for a more tailored experience. It remains to be seen if Apple will offer choices for temporarily turning off subtitles in certain situations, but many users might prefer to keep this feature activated for ease of use.

#### Conclusion

The impending launch of iOS 27 and its Auto-Generated Subtitles feature signifies a major advancement in making video content more accessible to all. By supplying automatic subtitles for a variety of videos, Apple is fulfilling an essential need in the accessibility sphere. As the feature becomes available, it will be fascinating to observe how users adapt to and leverage this new capability in their daily routines.

Apple has revealed a collection of new accessibility features set to launch in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and various other platforms, including a major upgrade to Voice Control that suggests the upcoming skills of Siri. This yearly preview, typically presented prior to the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), highlights Apple’s dedication to improving accessibility for people with disabilities.

One of the most significant improvements is the incorporation of Apple Intelligence into Voice Control, which will enable users to engage with their devices using conversational language. This feature aims to aid individuals with physical disabilities in managing their iPhones and iPads entirely through voice commands. Users can now express on-screen buttons and controls in everyday terms instead of depending on memorized labels or numbers. For example, they can say phrases such as “tap the guide about best restaurants” or “tap the purple folder” to navigate applications, including those with elaborate visual designs like Apple Maps or Files. This upgrade not only enhances usability but also assists users in overcoming obstacles when elements lack appropriate accessibility labels.

The ramifications of this enhancement go beyond accessibility. Reports suggest that the foundational agentic functions introduced with Voice Control are also being integrated into the upcoming version of Siri. Earlier, Apple had revealed intentions for Siri to take on a broader array of tasks and become aware of on-screen content, although those features faced delays. The recent Voice Control enhancement acts as a glimpse of these functions, implying that Siri will soon be capable of interpreting and reacting to natural language commands in a more advanced way.

Industry analysts, including Mark Gurman, have confirmed that the improvements in Voice Control signify Siri’s growth towards becoming a more proactive and intelligent assistant. The ability for Siri to understand and execute user commands in real-time, as showcased in Apple’s promotional materials, could transform the way users engage with their devices across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro platforms.

As Apple gears up for WWDC, anticipation grows around the potential of these new features. The potential for a more intuitive and responsive Siri, equipped to grasp context and user intent, represents a considerable advancement in the field of personal digital assistants. Users are invited to express their opinions on the expected features and what they hope to witness in the forthcoming release.

In conclusion, Apple’s newest accessibility features not only enhance the experience for users with disabilities but also lay the groundwork for a more intelligent and capable Siri, promising a future where voice interaction becomes increasingly seamless and effective.

Plex has revealed a notable price hike for its Lifetime tier of the Plex Pass plan, which will come into effect on July 1, 2026. The cost will escalate from the existing $249.99 to $749.99, signifying a considerable leap that has caught the attention of users.

In a blog entry outlining the adjustment, Plex admitted that it had contemplated eliminating the Lifetime Plex Pass option entirely, referencing the advantages of ongoing subscription models for long-term viability. Nevertheless, the firm decided to keep the Lifetime option but at a cost that reflects the enduring value of the software.

Plex’s announcement highlighted its foundation as a service developed by film and television enthusiasts for like-minded fans. The original introduction of a Lifetime subscription was intended for clients who favored a single payment for dependable software. In spite of the price increase, Plex assured existing Lifetime Plex Pass holders that their subscriptions would not be affected, and the rates for monthly and annual plans will remain stable.

As a reminder, below are Plex’s current pricing tiers:

– Plex Remote Watch Pass: $1.99 per month or $19.99 per year
– Plex Pass: $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year
– Lifetime Plex Pass: $249.99 (increasing to $749.99 on July 1, 2026)

With roughly six weeks left to secure the Lifetime Plex Pass at the current rate, numerous dedicated Plex users are anticipated to seize this chance before the price rise takes place. The significant price increase could result in a decline in new Lifetime subscriptions, potentially aligning with Plex’s strategy to push more users towards recurring plans.

Apple has unveiled a collection of new accessibility features set to debut with iOS 27 and visionOS 27 later this year, reinforcing its pledge to inclusivity. Among the key points of this announcement is the comeback of the Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand, a sought-after accessory that rapidly sold out following its launch last November.

The Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand was conceived by Bailey Hikawa, an artist and industrial designer based in Los Angeles, as part of Apple’s commemoration of 40 years of accessibility. This accessory was developed with feedback from people with disabilities that impact muscle strength, dexterity, and hand control, ensuring it caters to a wide range of user requirements.

This adaptive accessory is compatible with MagSafe, enabling it to securely attach to any iPhone equipped with this feature. It is crafted to suit various holding styles, minimizing the effort needed to keep the phone steady. The grip is fashioned from high-quality silicone, offering a soft-touch experience, and it can also serve as a stand, stabilizing the iPhone in both vertical and horizontal positions.

The Hikawa Grip & Stand comes in three colors: blue, orange, and stone, with a price tag of $54.95. It can be ordered globally from the Apple Store online, thanks to a partnership with PopSockets, marking its first international availability. Due to its prior popularity, customers are encouraged to act swiftly, as stock levels are unpredictable.

This initiative embodies Apple’s ongoing commitment to improving accessibility through innovative design, ensuring that technology remains usable for all.

**Fortnite Makes a Comeback on the App Store: Epic Games’ Ongoing Struggle with Apple**

Epic Games has revealed that its well-known game, Fortnite, is now accessible on the App Store globally, with one key exception: Australia. This update arrives amid a continuing antitrust lawsuit against Apple, which Epic believes will ultimately support their stance regarding App Store charges.

The company has publicly criticized what it calls “junk fees” imposed by Apple, claiming that these costs are harmful to both developers and consumers. In a recent statement, Epic showcased its belief that the legal actions will force Apple to reveal its App Store fee structure, which they contend is unjust and lacks clarity.

In a post on the social media site X, Epic’s CEO, Tim Sweeney, highlighted the importance of this moment in the broader fight against Apple’s App Store regulations. He denounced Apple’s practice of adjusting fees based on location and negotiating in private, hinting that this lawsuit could signify a pivotal change in the battle against what he labels the “Apple Tax.”

Though the news regarding Fortnite’s return to most regions is encouraging, Epic has pointed out that it has not yet re-entered the Australian App Store due to what it claims is Apple’s disregard for a court decision in that area.

As the legal confrontation persists, the result remains unclear, but Epic’s optimism indicates a belief that a shift is imminent for app developers and consumers alike. The company is dedicated to fighting for this cause on a global scale, advocating for enhanced competition in digital marketplaces and payment systems.

### Apple Card Offer: Complimentary AirPods Pro 3 for New Cardholders

Yesterday saw the debut of an exciting offer for new Apple Card holders, providing a complimentary set of AirPods Pro 3 as a sign-up incentive. This offer is being promoted as the most substantial sign-up incentive ever linked to the Apple Card, which is noteworthy for its lack of an annual fee.

#### The AirPods Pro 3

The AirPods Pro 3 represent the newest version of Apple’s widely acclaimed wireless earbuds, recognized for their exceptional sound quality and active noise cancellation capabilities. This offer greatly enhances the appeal for those contemplating an application for the Apple Card, especially given the strong demand for AirPods in the consumer electronics sector.

Nonetheless, potential applicants must be mindful of the particular requirements and conditions associated with this offer. While the promotion is enticing, the process to obtain the free AirPods may not be as simple as it appears.

#### The Redemption Process

To be eligible for the AirPods Pro 3, new cardholders need to make at least ten purchases every month. This stipulation is intended to ensure that users are actively using their Apple Card. However, the redemption procedure has sparked concerns among potential applicants.

Many users have voiced their frustration regarding the complexity of these requirements, especially existing cardholders who feel excluded from the offer. The enthusiasm surrounding the promotion is somewhat subdued by the necessity for meticulous transaction oversight.

#### One Possible Pitfall

A major caveat pointed out by sources like Macworld is the potential for bundled transactions. Users might think reaching ten purchases is straightforward; however, some vendors, including the App Store, can merge multiple purchases into a single transaction. As a result, if several in-app purchases are made within a short period, they could be charged as one transaction, potentially threatening your eligibility for the AirPods.

This bundling issue is not exclusive to Apple; similar occurrences have been noted with other retailers, such as Amazon. Therefore, it is vital for cardholders to closely track their transactions using the Apple Wallet app.

To successfully navigate this promotion, it is wise to exceed the minimum purchase requirement to cover any bundled transactions that might arise.

### Conclusion

The Apple Card’s latest promotion offering free AirPods Pro 3 is certainly attractive, yet it comes with stipulations that necessitate careful consideration. New cardholders should take an active role in managing their purchases to ensure they fulfill the necessary criteria for the bonus. As always, staying informed and alert can help maximize the advantages of such promotions.

Apple has unveiled major improvements in its accessibility features, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to refine tools like VoiceOver, Magnifier, Voice Control, and Accessibility Reader. These enhancements seek to enrich the user experience for those with disabilities while upholding a strong dedication to privacy.

### VoiceOver and Magnifier Upgrades

VoiceOver and Magnifier serve as essential resources for users who are blind or have low vision. The incorporation of AI facilitates more nuanced image descriptions through the Image Explorer function in VoiceOver. Users can now inquire about what their camera viewfinder shows and receive comprehensive answers, boosting their situational awareness. Likewise, the Magnifier app now recognizes voice commands, allowing users to operate the app with phrases such as “zoom in” or “activate flashlight.”

### Natural Language Processing in Voice Control

Historically, Voice Control required users to remember precise commands. The latest AI enhancements enable users to engage using natural language, making navigation more seamless. This adaptability permits users to describe on-screen items in their own expressions, promoting smoother interaction with apps that might not be ideally labeled for accessibility.

### Enhanced Accessibility Reader

The Accessibility Reader has been improved to cater to a broader spectrum of disabilities, offering a more tailored reading experience. It is now capable of processing intricate materials like scientific articles, complete with on-demand summaries to aid users in quickly understanding content. Moreover, built-in translation features enable users to read text in their chosen language without losing format.

### AI-Generated Subtitles for Videos

Apple has rolled out AI-generated subtitles for all videos, encompassing personal recordings and streamed content. This feature is especially advantageous for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as it automatically transcribes spoken dialogue in videos that do not include captions. On-device processing ensures that user privacy is maintained during this transcription.

### Eye Control for Power Wheelchairs

For users of power wheelchairs, Apple has introduced a novel feature that allows control via eye movements with the Vision Pro device. This breakthrough utilizes sophisticated eye-tracking technology, offering a responsive input method for compatible wheelchair systems, thus enhancing the mobility of users with restricted physical movement.

### Additional Accessibility Enhancements

Apple has also revealed several other improvements, including:

– **Vehicle Motion Cues**: Aimed at minimizing motion sickness for Vision Pro users in moving vehicles.
– **Touch Accommodations**: Providing individualized setup choices in iOS and iPadOS.
– **Refined Hearing Aid Integration**: Improvements for Made for iPhone hearing aids for enhanced connectivity.
– **Expanded Text Support**: Offering larger text size options in tvOS for users with low vision.
– **Name Recognition**: Notifications for users who are deaf or hard of hearing when their name is mentioned.
– **Sign Language API**: Enabling the inclusion of human interpreters during FaceTime calls.
– **Game Controller Compatibility**: Facilitating the use of the Sony Access controller with Apple devices for a personalized gaming experience.

### Conclusion

Apple’s commitment to advancing accessibility through AI underscores its dedication to inclusivity. These developments not only enhance the efficacy of current tools but also lay the groundwork for future innovations aimed at empowering users with disabilities. As the company continues to expand these features, the prospects for further accessibility improvements remain encouraging.