Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

WhatsApp has recently unveiled its inaugural new features of the year, presenting three major upgrades for group chats. These improvements are aimed at enhancing user experience and enabling better communication among groups. The new features consist of Member Tags, Text Stickers, and Event Reminders.

### WhatsApp Introduces Member Tags, Text Stickers, and Event Reminders

As the competition in the messaging app arena heats up, WhatsApp is enhancing its offerings with these new capabilities. The updates are intended to improve the structure and interaction of group chats, allowing users to communicate in a more meaningful way.

#### 1. Member Tags
Member Tags enable users to designate specific roles or identifiers within a group chat. This feature proves particularly advantageous in groups with various participants, as it offers context regarding each member’s role. For example, a user might choose to identify as “Anna’s Dad” in one group and “Goalkeeper” in another, helping to clarify their identity and role in different discussions.

#### 2. Text Stickers
With the launch of Text Stickers, users can now generate stickers from any text they input. This feature fosters greater creativity and personalization in messages, allowing users to create distinctive communications. Furthermore, users can incorporate their newly crafted stickers straight into their sticker packs, simplifying the sharing of customized content.

#### 3. Event Reminders
Event Reminders boost group organization by permitting users to establish personalized reminders for events shared within the group. When organizing an event, users can set reminders for invitees, guaranteeing that everyone is alerted ahead of time. This feature is especially useful for planning gatherings, meetings, or calls, aiding participants in remembering important dates and times.

Although the specific version of the WhatsApp iOS app needed for these features is not disclosed, it is typical for WhatsApp to implement and announce new functionalities at various intervals. The rollout of these features underscores WhatsApp’s dedication to enhancing user experience and responding to the continually changing demands of its user community.

In summary, WhatsApp’s latest group chat features—Member Tags, Text Stickers, and Event Reminders—are poised to improve communication and organization within group chats. Users can anticipate a more engaging and organized messaging experience as these features roll out.

Netflix is the premier streaming service worldwide, and although its acquisition of Warner Bros may steal the spotlight in 2026, the platform has also disclosed a thrilling array of TV shows for the year.

### Upcoming and Returning Netflix TV Shows for 2026

Through a series of press communications, Netflix has unveiled numerous significant premieres set for 2026. Here are some key highlights:

– **January 20**: *Star Search*
– **January 21**: *Queer Eye* Season 10
– **January 29**: *Bridgerton* Season 4, Part 1
– **February 5**: *The Lincoln Lawyer* Season 4
– **February 11**: *Love Is Blind* Season 10
– **February 19**: *The Night Agent* Season 3
– **March 1**: *The Actor Awards* Presented by SAG-AFTRA
– **March 10**: *ONE PIECE* Season 2
– **April 16**: *BEEF* Season 2
– **Fall 2026**: *Lupin* Season 4

Moreover, Netflix has affirmed that the following series will debut in 2026, although precise release dates are still pending:

– *3 Body Problem* Season 2
– *Avatar: The Last Airbender* Season 2
– *The Diplomat* Season 4
– *East of Eden*
– *Emily in Paris* Season 6
– *The Four Seasons* Season 2
– *The Gentlemen* Season 2
– *The Golden Ticket*
– *Little House on the Prairie*
– *Nobody Wants This* Season 3
– *Pride and Prejudice*
– *Sesame Street*
– *Stranger Things: Tales From ’85*
– *The Witcher* Season 5

This compilation showcases only a portion of Netflix’s forthcoming offerings. For a comprehensive overview, Netflix has shared an extensive list of upcoming TV shows in their press announcement, and they have indicated that further title announcements will follow later in the year.

What are your thoughts on Netflix’s TV offerings this year? Would you be interested in similar announcements from other streaming platforms?

**Logitech Mouse Problems on Mac: Grasping the Latest Challenges and Remedies**

If you own a Logitech mouse for your Mac and have recently faced difficulties, you are not by yourself. A significant issue has surfaced due to a regrettable mistake made by Logitech, resulting in dysfunctions in their mouse software.

### The Issue

Numerous users, including those with the well-known MX Master 3S, have reported unanticipated behavior from their mice. Frequent problems consist of unpredictable scrolling directions and inactive additional buttons. Upon further scrutiny, users discovered that the Logi+ app, crucial for controlling mouse settings, was trapped in a boot loop, making it inoperative.

### Origin of the Problem

The core of the issue originates from Logitech’s oversight in renewing its Apple Developer Certificate. This lapsed certificate stops the Logi+ app from operating and prevents any automatic updates that might fix the problem. This lapse has resulted in considerable annoyance for users who depend on the app for ideal mouse performance.

### Logitech’s Reaction

In light of the criticism, Logitech has admitted to the error, labeling it as “unforgivable.” The company swiftly took action to remedy the situation and has made available a support page that outlines how to manually resolve the issue.

### Steps to Fix the Issue

For users facing difficulties with either the Options+ or G HUB software, Logitech has specified particular steps to restore functionality:

#### Options+ Users:
1. Download the updated patch installer for Options+ [here](https://download01.logi.com/web/ftp/pub/techsupport/optionsplus/logioptionsplus_installer.zip).
2. Double-click the downloaded file.
3. The installer will close automatically, and Options+ will open.
4. Your devices, settings, and customizations should be completely restored.

#### G HUB Users:
1. Download the updated installer for G HUB [here](https://download01.logi.com/web/ftp/pub/techsupport/gaming/lghub_installer.zip).
2. Double-click the downloaded patch installer.
3. Once the “software already exists” notification appears, exit the installer.

### Closing Thoughts

Although the recent challenges with Logitech mice on Mac have caused notable inconvenience, the company’s swift acknowledgment and provision of a manual solution reflect their dedication to customer satisfaction. Users are urged to follow the specified steps to restore their mouse functionality and continue enjoying their devices.

### Philips Hue’s Upcoming SpatialAware Feature: A New Chapter in Smart Lighting

Philips Hue is poised to transform the way users engage with smart lighting through its forthcoming feature, SpatialAware. This groundbreaking enhancement seeks to improve the coherence and immersion of lighting arrangements within a space, transcending the conventional random color blending of multiple bulbs.

#### Grasping SpatialAware

At present, Philips Hue enables users to design lighting scenes that can merge various colors across different bulbs. For example, a sunset scene might include one bulb set to orange, another to pink, and others accordingly. However, the arrangement of these colors tends to be arbitrary, lacking a natural progression that mirrors real-world lighting conditions.

SpatialAware modifies this scenario by leveraging augmented reality (AR) technology. Users will first utilize a smartphone camera to scan their rooms, allowing the system to accurately map the locations of individual lights. A smart algorithm will subsequently coordinate the light sources throughout the room, ensuring that the colors emitted by each bulb establish a more harmonious and realistic ambiance.

#### Engaging Lighting Experiences

With SpatialAware, lighting scenes are crafted to be more engaging. For instance, in a sunset scene, lights located on one side of the room will project warm yellow shades to emulate the setting sun, while ceiling fixtures on the opposite side will display darker tones, reflecting the shift from daylight to twilight. This method aspires to foster a more authentic visual experience, similar to witnessing a natural sunset, where colors gradually transition from warm shades near the horizon to cooler tones above.

#### Practical Implementation and User Engagement

While the concept of SpatialAware holds great promise, its practical application remains to be evaluated. Users will need to determine how well the feature converts into real-world use. Some may lean towards the simplicity of the existing system, which, despite its randomness, provides a direct method for creating vibrant scenes.

#### Requirements and Accessibility

To access the SpatialAware feature, users will require the Hue Bridge Pro. The feature is anticipated to launch in the spring, representing a substantial upgrade for Philips Hue users seeking a more refined lighting experience.

In summary, Philips Hue’s SpatialAware feature signifies a major leap forward in smart lighting technology, promising to offer more coherent and immersive lighting arrangements. As users await its rollout, the potential for enriched ambiance in living spaces is an intriguing outlook for smart lighting aficionados.

**Apple’s Pursuit of Thinner MacBooks: A Complicated Dilemma**

It’s been more than a year since Apple unveiled its intentions for a complete overhaul of the MacBook Pro, with hopes for an unveiling later this year. While Apple is recognized for its quest for more slender and stylish laptops, a significant change is taking place in the PC sector, where companies such as Dell, HP, and Lenovo are adopting a more serviceable design philosophy.

### Apple’s Pursuit of Thinner MacBooks

Apple’s shift to Apple Silicon has led to notable advancements in performance and power efficiency, all while resulting in a more elegant form factor. Nevertheless, this transition has caused the removal of straightforward DIY upgrades for components like RAM and SSDs. The drive for minimalism has not been without its challenges.

In 2016, Apple introduced a MacBook Pro that emphasized design over practicality, leading to the removal of all ports aside from USB-C and the addition of the problematic butterfly keyboard. This model became notorious for its design choices that negatively impacted user experience.

### 2026 MacBook Pro Anticipations

As Apple persists in refining its MacBook Pro lineup, the expectations for the forthcoming model include a slimmer profile equipped with an OLED display. Speculations also hint at potential upgrades such as a touch-enabled display and mobile data capabilities, showcasing Apple’s dedication to progress while addressing the demands of users.

### Meanwhile, Dell, HP, and Lenovo Choose a Different Route

Conversely, Dell, HP, and Lenovo are concentrating on designing laptops that are simpler to repair and upgrade. These manufacturers have heeded customer feedback, acknowledging the desire for replaceable parts like keyboards and batteries. This strategy recalls a time when laptops were crafted for convenience and durability, rather than being tightly sealed and hard to service.

This movement is also evident in gaming laptops, like those from MSI, which highlight serviceability and upgrade options, enabling users to prolong the life of their devices without incurring expensive replacements.

### Conclusion

The ongoing discussion between Apple’s chase for stylish design and the PC industry’s emphasis on repairability prompts significant considerations regarding the future of laptop design. Is the compromise for thinner MacBooks justified at the cost of repair and upgrade possibilities? As consumers, the balance between aesthetics and functionality continues to influence our preferences and expectations within the technology sphere.

### Roblox Age Verification: A Fresh Requirement for Young Users

Roblox, a prominent platform in the gaming sector favored by children, has lately introduced a new age verification procedure necessitating users as young as nine years old to provide a video selfie. This effort, which follows a limited launch in November of last year, is now being scaled up globally. The organization seeks to improve safety protocols and reduce interactions between adults and minors within the game.

#### The Aim of Age Verification

The rollout of age verification is a response to rising apprehensions concerning the online safety of children. Roblox has received backlash for not sufficiently safeguarding its younger audience from potential dangers related to adult interactions. By mandating video selfies, Roblox plans to employ sophisticated technologies, including facial age estimation and ID verification, to generate a more precise evaluation of a user’s age in contrast to self-reported details during account setup.

The company has indicated that this verification procedure will assist in establishing age categories, enabling stricter controls on communication. Users will be sorted into six age brackets, from those nine years and younger to those 21 years and older. This classification aims to limit chat functionalities between users not within the same age range, thereby boosting the security of younger gamers.

#### Enforcement and Worldwide Expansion

Initially, the age verification policy is being applied in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, with ambitions for a worldwide launch by early next year. It is anticipated that most children will utilize the video selfie option for age verification, as numerous do not have government-issued photographic identification. Significantly, Roblox has promised users that the video selfies will be removed post-verification, addressing any potential privacy issues.

#### The Involvement of Tech Giants in Age Verification

The introduction of age verification by Roblox prompts broader discussions about who should be accountable for ensuring the safety of young users online. At present, the responsibility lies with individual app developers to authenticate the ages of their users. Nevertheless, there is a mounting argument that firms such as Apple and Google should assume this duty.

With escalating public demand and new legislation emerging, developers may be pressured to incorporate age verification protocols across various platforms. Opponents contend that permitting numerous developers to access sensitive data, such as photo IDs and video selfies, presents significant privacy threats. A centralized strategy, where tech giants oversee age verification, could simplify the process and improve user privacy.

#### Legislative Updates

At least nine U.S. states are contemplating legislation that would hold app store operators liable for age verification before granting access to age-restricted applications. This transition could encourage companies like Apple to reassess their position regarding age verification and possibly provide a more effective solution that prioritizes user privacy while ensuring the protection of children.

#### Summary

Roblox’s recent age verification requirement signifies a rising trend in the gaming sector aimed at boosting the safety of young users. While the initiative marks progress, it also underscores the necessity for a more all-encompassing approach to age verification that could ease privacy concerns and enhance user experience. As discussions about online safety advance, the involvement of major tech companies in protecting children will likely grow increasingly significant.

Weibo insider Digital Chat Station indicates that upcoming iPhones might feature multispectral camera sensors. Although this could theoretically enhance color precision and improve low-light capabilities, we shouldn’t get too excited.

The technology has already appeared in a smartphone, but the outcomes weren’t notably remarkable, and it is primarily utilized in military and industrial cameras.

Digital Chat Station merely mentioned that Apple showed interest in this technology.

Apple is also looking into “multi-spectrum,” the supply chain is currently under assessment, and testing has yet to commence.

### What is a multispectral camera?

Standard camera sensors have receptors for red, green, and blue light. By gauging the relative amounts of light received by each receptor, the camera can determine a color value for every pixel. For instance, equal signals from red and blue receptors would suggest the color purple. Highly accurate measurements enable the detection of millions of color variations.

All light captured by a conventional sensor is within the visible light spectrum. A multispectral camera, however, is capable of detecting wavelengths beyond the visible range, specifically infrared and ultraviolet.

### What’s the advantage?

Multispectral cameras are mainly utilized for military and industrial purposes, particularly in satellites and drones.

The technology was initially created for military target recognition and has since been applied in weather satellites, agricultural monitoring, and even identifying counterfeit art. In commercial settings, it serves quality control on production lines.

In theory, this technology could also be beneficial for consumer cameras. It has the capacity to enhance the precision of color perception, especially in low-light situations. The Chinese smartphone manufacturer Huawei has integrated the technology into two of its smartphone cameras, emphasizing color precision and better performance in dim lighting.

However, reviewers were not particularly impressed, and there has been no sign that the technology is poised to become mainstream in smartphone cameras as a whole.

### 9to5Mac’s Perspective

Digital Chat Station does have a reasonable track record, although not infallible. Apple shows interest in many technologies that never make it to actual products. Considering the ambiguity of the report and the limited advantages for consumer cameras, I don’t anticipate seeing this feature in an iPhone anytime soon.

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To for Daily Apple News and Insights**

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Each episode of 9to5Mac Daily showcases discussions on the most significant stories impacting Apple users. From product unveilings and software enhancements to industry insights and evaluations, the podcast spans a broad array of subjects that are crucial for anyone passionate about Apple technology.

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**Pluribus Season 1: The Path to a Significant Title**

The inaugural season of “Pluribus” has wrapped up, and the show’s creator, Vince Gilligan, shared thoughts on the difficult endeavor of choosing a title that captures the spirit of the series. In a recent interview, Gilligan disclosed that the title “Pluribus” was not selected casually; it emerged from thorough contemplation and inventive thinking.

**The Motivation Behind the Title**

The word “pluribus” originates from the Latin phrase “e pluribus unum,” meaning “out of many, one.” This expression holds historical relevance in the United States, representing unity amid diversity. Gilligan’s selection of this title mirrors the show’s motifs and narrative, highlighting the fusion of various characters and plots into a unified whole.

**A Title Drought: The Creative Journey**

Prior to deciding on “Pluribus,” Gilligan and his crew brainstormed over 100 possible titles. In a discussion on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, he comically reflected on their difficulty, remarking, “We were in a title drought for over two or three years trying to figure [it] out.” Among the many options, Gilligan singled out one title as the “worst of all”: “Be Kind, Remind.” This honest disclosure emphasizes the often challenging path of creative decision-making in television production.

**The Ideal Match**

In the end, “Pluribus” surfaced as the perfect title, aligning seamlessly with the show’s premise and thematic richness. Its choice highlights the significance of a title in conveying the narrative’s essential message. As audiences contemplate the series, it becomes increasingly hard to picture it under any other name, particularly one as unusual as “Be Kind, Remind.”

**Looking Forward**

As fans look ahead to a second season, Gilligan’s experiences act as a reminder of the intricacies entailed in the creative process. The hope is that the crafting of future seasons will be more efficient, enabling the continuation of the captivating storytelling that “Pluribus” has provided.

“Pluribus” can be streamed on Apple TV, which features a subscription service with a wide array of popular shows and films.

**Tehran: An In-Depth Look at Apple TV’s Exciting Espionage Series**

Tehran has risen as one of Apple TV’s premier thriller series, enthralling viewers with its riveting storyline and intricate characters. After a lengthy hiatus for new material, fans are eager for the forthcoming launch of Season 3, scheduled to debut on January 9, 2024, featuring a fresh addition to the cast, Hugh Laurie.

**Summary of Tehran**

Tehran is a spy thriller that centers on the life of a Mossad agent, Tamar Rabinyan, played by Niv Sultan. The series explores her perilous covert operation in Tehran, where she encounters various obstacles that jeopardize her safety and the safety of those around her. The show has garnered acclaim for its compelling narrative and top-tier production values, establishing it as a major contender in the streaming arena.

**Production and Release Setbacks**

Although the filming for Season 3 concluded in 2023, its release encountered setbacks due to geopolitical issues, notably the eruption of the Israel-Hamas conflict. While the entire season was aired in December 2024 on Israel’s Kan 11 network, Apple TV had been quiet about its worldwide streaming release until now. Anticipation has significantly escalated, particularly following the indefinite postponement of another eagerly awaited series, The Savant, headlined by Jessica Chastain.

**What to Anticipate in Season 3**

As the new season prepares to launch, audiences can expect a continuation of the high-stakes intrigue that has defined the series. The inclusion of Hugh Laurie to the cast introduces a fresh dynamic, and fans are keen to see how his character will affect the plot. The inaugural episode will be accessible on January 9, with new episodes released weekly until February 27.

**Prospects for the Series**

In thrilling news for supporters, Apple has announced that Season 4 of Tehran is already underway. Provided there are no additional delays, viewers can anticipate more exhilarating episodes in the years ahead.

**Where to View**

The first two seasons of Tehran can be streamed on Apple TV, which provides a subscription service for $12.99 per month. The platform showcases a wide range of hit series and films, including beloved favorites like Ted Lasso and Severance.

As the premiere date for Season 3 draws near, fans are left pondering how Tamar’s path will progress and what new trials she will face in the intricate realm of espionage.