Tag: Source: Bgr.com

iPadOS 26 Beta 2 Launched for Developers with Improved Mac-Like Capabilities

After years of requests from users for a more powerful iPad software, Apple is at last rolling it out with iPadOS 26. In beta 2, the company continues to enhance the new Mac-like features that make not only the iPad Pro a superior laptop alternative, but virtually every iPad on the market.

To begin with, the significant change iPad users will observe with iPadOS 26 beta 2 is the refreshed Liquid Glass design aesthetic. With a more cohesive look across all of Apple’s different operating systems, transitioning between the Mac, the iPhone, and the iPad feels smoother than ever.

The key feature of iPadOS 26 that Apple is currently testing with beta 2 is the new windowing system, allowing users to have as many apps open simultaneously as they wish. This is particularly beneficial for power users juggling multiple tasks, as the company has finally enabled other activities to run in the background while you engage in different tasks.

Another significant modification is the substantial design overhaul coming to the Files app, allowing you to view everything in a list format and adjust columns, which are among the most sought-after features for this application.

The newly introduced Preview app lets you modify sketches, PDFs, and images within the Files app. A new Mac menu-inspired option is accessible to all iPad applications, enhancing the experience of utilizing this setup with a Magic Keyboard and aligning it more closely with Apple’s computers.

iPadOS 26 beta 2 continues to refine Apple Intelligence features, as the company incorporates Live Translation, in-depth integration with ChatGPT through Image Playground and on-screen awareness, enhanced Genmoji capabilities, and an AI-enhanced Shortcuts app.

Alongside beta 2 of iPadOS 26, Apple is also releasing the second testing versions of iOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.

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Apple Introduces macOS Tahoe Beta 2 Showcasing Significant Enhancements

A few weeks after initiating the beta phase of macOS Tahoe, Apple is now distributing the second test version of this forthcoming operating system update for Macs. Currently, the specifics of what’s new remain unclear. Nevertheless, Apple is likely enhancing the overall stability of this beta software, as it plans to launch a public beta in the following month.

macOS Tahoe is among the most significant updates for the Mac, particularly since it signifies the final major software update for Intel Macs. Beginning with macOS 27, Apple will exclusively support its own processors, ultimately concluding the transition from Intel to its silicon.

Nonetheless, macOS Tahoe beta 2 offers a glimpse of what Intel Macs can anticipate with M1 or newer models. Featuring a fresh Liquid Glass design, Apple aims to harmonize the experience across the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Cupertino has prioritized this update to enhance Continuity features, granting Mac users support for Live Activities, a revamped Phone app, the capability to manage unwanted calls, and allowing the Mac to await a live agent while multitasking.

While some users were not fond of the new Finder icon, macOS Tahoe is laying the groundwork for a more advanced Siri. The new Spotlight indexes everything on the Mac, including a clipboard that records all items you copied and pasted throughout the day. Through Spotlight, you can instruct the Mac to summarize documents, generate images, and utilize a Private Cloud Compute model to execute a Shortcut.

That being said, macOS Tahoe beta 2 continues to enhance the synergy between Mac and iPhone, as Cupertino enhances iPhone Mirroring and the integration of ChatGPT. Additionally, several new Apple Intelligence capabilities are being introduced to the Mac.

In conjunction with macOS Tahoe beta 2, Apple is also rolling out the second testing versions of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.

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tvOS 26 Beta 2 Launched: Key New Features Revealed

After the introduction of the initial tvOS 26 beta, Apple is now rolling out the second version of this forthcoming update for the Apple TV operating system. While not all Apple TV devices will receive the newest features, Cupertino has another eventful year planned for its streaming device, as we anticipate a new model will launch later this year. Here’s all the essential information regarding tvOS 26 beta 2.

Profile-switching enhancements: If multiple family members share the Apple TV, tvOS 26 will simplify switching between profiles, ensuring you receive the correct recommendations. Each time you reactivate the Apple TV from sleep mode, you’ll have the option to select the new profile prior to using the device.

Apple Music enhancements: Apple Music is introducing Lyrics Translation and Pronunciation for its users. With these features, you’ll be able to grasp the meanings of your favorite songs and learn how to pronounce them, enabling you to sing along to your beloved K-pop tracks like never before.

FaceTime receives powerful upgrades: tvOS 26 beta 2 enhances the FaceTime experience even further with Contact Posters on Apple TV. Additionally, Apple is including Live Captions in several languages, making it much easier to communicate with your international friends. Now, you can also accept a FaceTime Audio call or phone call directly from paired HomePod speakers.

As usual, Apple is continuing to introduce new Aerial screen savers. This time, the visuals were captured in India, featuring locations such as Goa and Kerala. These beautiful scenes are part of the fresh content for tvOS 26. Unfortunately, it remains uncertain whether Cupertino will ultimately release the long-awaited tvOS 18 TV & Movies screen savers that were never made available.

In conjunction with tvOS 26 beta 2, Apple is also launching the second testing iterations of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26. We will keep you updated if we find any new information from today’s releases.

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Apple Unveils watchOS 26 Beta 2 Including Improved Apple Intelligence and More Updates

After the initial beta of watchOS 26, Apple has now released the second testing version of this forthcoming software update for the Apple Watch. While the company is set to unveil a significant redesign for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe, the new watchOS 26 beta maintains much of the familiar Apple Watch design.

For instance, Apple has made minor adjustments to some of the UI, Control Center, and app icons. Nevertheless, users will find it to be just as recognizable. Moreover, the company is utilizing an iPhone 15 Pro or newer to enhance various Apple Intelligence features with watchOS 26 beta 2. Here are a few of those features:

– **Workout Buddy:** This fitness experience “creates personalized motivational messages utilizing voice data from an Apple Fitness+ trainer” to motivate users to push their limits based on the data available in the Health app.

– **Live Translation:** The latest Apple Watch models will provide Live Translation features within the Messages app, enabling conversations to be translated into your chosen language.

Additionally, watchOS 26 beta introduces numerous intelligence features, including new gestures and modifications. For instance, a new **wrist flick** gesture simplifies the process of dismissing notifications and returning to the Watch Face. You simply need to flip your wrist over and then back again.

Once more, the **Smart Stack** has received several enhancements. When heading to the gym, workout suggestions may appear there. Additionally, if you’re without a cellular connection, the Apple Watch can help navigate your way back.

At this time, it remains uncertain if Apple plans to introduce new Watch Faces, as it has merely refined a few existing ones with the new Liquid Glass design or by incorporating support for the better display of Apple Watch Series 10.

BGR will update you if we discover anything new regarding watchOS 26 beta 2. In conjunction with this, Apple has also launched the second testing versions of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.

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VisionOS 26 Beta 2 Launched with Six Improvements for Vision Pro

visionOS 26 marks the third significant software upgrade for Apple Vision Pro. Anticipated for release this fall, this spatial computer operating system introduces crucial new functionalities for Apple’s newest product category. Here’s everything you should be aware of regarding visionOS 26 beta 2.

**Spatial Widgets:** A particularly captivating feature debuting with visionOS 26 is the new spatial widgets. You can position them in the real world, and each time you activate your Apple Vision Pro, they will stay in the same location. Apple states that you can personalize them with varying frame widths, colors, and depths.

**Shared Spatial Experiences:** With visionOS 26 beta 2, users of Apple Vision Pro can engage in shared spatial experiences when in the same room, such as enjoying a 3D movie, playing a spatial game, or collaborating on work tasks. They can even join the same FaceTime call.

**Proper Personas:** visionOS 26 elevates the original Persona feature out of beta. Now, the functionality has seen enhancements that improve its appearance significantly. Apple asserts that “all-new Personas now have striking expressivity and sharpness, providing a full side profile view, along with remarkably precise hair, lashes, and complexion.”

**Spatial Scenes:** With a newly developed generative AI algorithm and increased computation depth, Apple introduces Spatial Scenes, which enables photos to be viewed from various perspectives.

**Spatial Browsing:** Safari has received an update allowing you to read articles while minimizing distractions and showcasing spatial scenes from newspaper photographs. visionOS 26 facilitates native playback of 180-degree, 360-degree, Insta360, GoPro, and Canon recordings.

**Third-party accessories:** Another intriguing feature included in visionOS 26 beta is the capability to utilize third-party accessories with the Vision Pro, such as the PlayStation VR2 Sense controller.

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Samsung Set to Launch Monthly Charge for Galaxy AI on Smartphones

In January 2024, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy AI suite of generative AI functionalities coinciding with the debut of the Galaxy S24 series, signaling a crucial advancement in positioning these devices as AI-focused, a strategy not yet mirrored by other premium smartphone creators. Initially, these AI capabilities were provided free of charge to Galaxy S24 consumers, with Samsung pledging to uphold this complimentary access until the close of 2025.

As the deadline nears, sources indicate that Samsung is evaluating a subscription framework for specific Galaxy AI functionalities. The possible pricing information could be revealed during the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 launch event or later in the year before the existing free access period wraps up.

The Galaxy S25 Edge, Samsung’s newest flagship, continues to provide free Galaxy AI access until the end of 2025, offering new purchasers up to six months of free usage. This steady communication over the last two years suggests Samsung’s probable shift to a subscription-based approach to recover feature expenses.

Samsung’s TM Roh previously mentioned that the choice to introduce a subscription charge would rely on “customer preferences and market dynamics.” Experts expect an announcement regarding the new Galaxy AI strategy either at the forthcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 occasion or before the year concludes.

Moreover, Samsung is speculated to hold an Unpacked event this autumn to unveil its first Android XR headsets, including Project Moohan, which are designed as AI-first devices. This gathering could provide an excellent opportunity to disclose Galaxy AI pricing, particularly given the suite’s competitive advantage over Apple’s Apple Intelligence.

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Apple Possibly Considering Major AI Purchase

It’s well-known that Apple’s initiatives in the AI domain have been rather unimpressive, to say the least. Firstly, the limitations of Apple Intelligence features are quite noticeable. Secondly, Apple’s collaboration with ChatGPT highlights the company’s deficit in the necessary AI capabilities to thrive in a progressively competitive and advanced market. Consequently, a recent speculation indicates that Apple might aim to utilize its cash reserves to quickly enhance its AI offerings.

A fresh rumor from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, who is usually reliable regarding Apple rumors, reports that Apple executives have discussed the possibility of acquiring Perplexity AI. Furthermore, to emphasize the seriousness of these discussions, two of the named executives involved in the dialogues are Eddy Cue and Adrian Perica, Apple’s chief of mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, representatives from the two organizations have already participated in initial talks.

“Acquiring Perplexity would provide Apple with an influx of AI expertise, a recognized brand in the AI sector, and a consumer product,” Gurman observes. “A transaction could also potentially aid in future recruitment initiatives.”

What exactly is Perplexity AI?

In broad terms, Perplexity resembles ChatGPT in that both platforms utilize AI to create responses to user inquiries. However, the distinction lies in the fact that ChatGPT is more conversational, whereas Perplexity functions more like a conventional search engine, albeit in an enhanced manner.

It will be intriguing to see what Apple intends to do with Perplexity, should an acquisition take place. Perhaps it will be integrated into Siri and ultimately take the place of ChatGPT for more complex questions.

It’s also important to highlight that the search agreement between Apple and Google, where Google compensates Apple billions to establish Google as the default search engine on mobile Safari, may not be allowed to persist for much longer. Remember that Google is currently facing a DOJ lawsuit over alleged monopolistic practices in the search industry. Google was discovered to have inappropriately exploited its search dominance, and now it remains to be seen what the consequences will be. Some anticipate that Apple’s search arrangement with Google might eventually be abandoned. As a result, Apple may wish to make mobile search in Safari more conducive to AI.

Perplexity AI comes at a high price

Apple is among the wealthiest companies worldwide, which will be beneficial since Perplexity is not exactly inexpensive. The firm currently holds a valuation of $14 billion. If that figure is close to what Apple would pay, it would undoubtedly be the company’s priciest acquisition to date. As things stand, Apple’s $3 billion acquisition of Beats in 2014 remains its most costly corporate purchase.

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