AllYouCanTech

iOS 26.1 Release Candidate Ready Ahead of Next Week’s Official Debut

A month following Apple’s initiation of testing for iOS 26.1, the company is nearing the launch of this update for all users, as the Release Candidate build is now accessible to developers. iOS 26.1 will represent the first significant update of the iOS 26 series.

Up until now, this forthcoming version introduces intriguing enhancements to the iPhone experience, modifications to the Liquid Glass design, and several new features. Most notably, iPhone users can soon access expanded Apple Intelligence languages. If you speak Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Swedish, Turkish, Vietnamese, Portuguese, or Chinese, you will have the option to set these languages in Apple Intelligence.

In addition, if you possess AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, or AirPods Pro 3, you will also be able to utilize Live Translation in Japanese, Korean, and Italian, as well as Traditional and Simplified Chinese. However, there’s much more included in iOS 26.1 RC. Let’s review some of the other highlights.

iOS 26.1 introduces new capabilities to iPhone

iOS 26.1 RC continues to encompass all the features present in the earlier betas. For instance, iOS 26.1 beta 4 introduced the option to disable the Lock Screen camera swipe. For the Phone app, in addition to the new Liquid Glass UI for the keypad, it also permits users to disable haptic feedback when a call is established or disconnected. The upcoming iOS 26.1 will also feature a revamped Apple TV app, as Apple is rebranding the Apple TV+ service to Apple TV. This announcement coincided with the company becoming the official streaming partner for Formula 1 beginning in 2026.

It is currently uncertain whether Apple will debut its new Model Context Protocol with iOS 26.1, which will facilitate the integration of third-party LLMs with Apple Intelligence. Another feature still in development during this beta phase has been notification support for third-party smartwatches. In conjunction with iOS 26.1 RC, Apple is also releasing the Release Candidate versions of iPadOS 26.1, macOS Tahoe 26.1, watchOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, and visionOS 26.1 to developers.

iPadOS 26.1 Release Candidate Brings New Slide Over Functionality and Other Enhancements

iPadOS 26 has notably aligned the iPad closer to the Mac with an updated window tiling feature, Mac-style menus, and background apps that are actively operational. With the release of iPadOS 26.1 RC, the company reintroduces the Slide Over feature, allowing users to have one app consistently visible in the foreground. iPad users can now utilize an app like ChatGPT in Slide Over while simultaneously browsing the web with Safari, working on a homework task, or brainstorming ideas for a presentation. This iteration of Slide Over offers greater customization and enhanced usability compared to its implementation in iPadOS 18.

Two Powerful Android Keyboard Substitutes to Replace Google’s Gboard

adjusting the size of the Android keyboard can be challenging, since not every smartphone utilizes the same version.

Google’s Gboard stands out as the most widely used keyboard, so it’s likely your device comes equipped with Gboard. The primary exception is Samsung, which uses its proprietary keyboard application on its devices. As a result, numerous users look for alternative keyboard applications that provide enhanced control and customization features. Two of the most favored alternative keyboards include Microsoft’s SwiftKey and the open-source HeliBoard, both delivering a keyboard application that, fundamentally, serves very different functions.

In terms of features, Gboard offers a wealth of options and integrates seamlessly with applications like Google Translate, while supporting essential functions such as gesture typing and voice recognition. Recently, it has also introduced new AI writing tools to enhance your messaging experience. However, many users of Gboard believe the application has deteriorated over time, not to mention the significant privacy issues related to Google and its services, prompting individuals to seek alternatives.

How to Turn Off Ads on Your Samsung Smart Refrigerator

In September, Samsung revealed that it would be introducing advertisements to select high-end smart refrigerators. This announcement was included in a changelog, with the company later affirming that the patch notes were genuine, contrary to what some users hoped. While Samsung doesn’t currently intend to implement ads across all of the smart fridge’s various themes, users of the Weather or Color themes will now begin to notice ads along the bottom third of the screen (via The Verge). Meanwhile, those utilizing the Gallery and Art themes will be free from advertisements, so not everyone will be impacted.

If you happened to overlook the news and suddenly find ads on your fridge, there’s no need to panic — Samsung won’t compel you to view ads every time you start preparing dinner. There is, in fact, a surprisingly simple method to disable the ads and restore your Samsung smart fridge to its practical, intelligent, and ad-free functionality.

How to turn off ads on Samsung smart fridges

In contrast to the ads that Microsoft now integrates into Windows 11, Samsung has provided users with an option to disable the advertisements they are shown. As detailed in an announcement providing further information about the launch of the “pilot program,” Samsung indicates that users can navigate to the Advertisements tab in their Settings menu at any time to turn off the ads. The advertisement will also feature on the new Daily Board theme that is being introduced with this latest update, although it won’t occupy much space, appearing instead as a single tile on the board. Even if you choose not to disable them completely, you can always dismiss an ad, and it won’t reappear for the remainder of the campaign run, Samsung states.

Like many issues, the fact that Samsung is implementing this in fridges priced around $2,000 or more is the primary concern, as individuals already possess these smart appliances in their homes and are using them without having agreed to receive ads when they made their purchase. Furthermore, while the service will exclusively showcase Samsung advertisements for the time being, there are apprehensions that it’s only a matter of time before the company starts collaborating with other businesses and permits third parties to buy ads for display on its refrigerators.

Five Unique Devices That Work with Your Phone’s USB Port

**5 Unusual Gadgets You Can Connect to Your Phone’s USB Port**

The USB-C ports found on contemporary Android devices and iPhones are remarkably adaptable. While most individuals utilize them mainly for charging or linking to computers, they provide an array of options. In addition to common accessories, there are numerous unconventional gadgets that can elevate your smartphone experience. Here are five distinct gadgets you can connect to your phone’s USB port:

**1. Thermal Imaging Cameras**

Thermal imaging cameras serve as valuable tools for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. They can be utilized for building evaluations, wildlife monitoring, and more. Rather than carrying an independent thermal camera, you can choose a USB-C thermal camera attachment for your device. Brands such as Flir, Thermal Master, and Topdon supply these attachments, with prices varying from $100 to over $500. For example, the Topdon TC002C Duo offers 256×192p thermal imaging and can measure temperatures from -4°F to 1022°F.

**2. USB Bug Bite Healer**

Heat It presents a USB Insect Bite Healer that alleviates discomfort from bug bites. This accessory connects to your phone’s USB-C port and emits targeted heat to ease itching and pain. It includes an app that allows temperature adjustments, making it appropriate for children and individuals with sensitive skin. Compact and effective, it can perform up to 1,000 treatments per complete smartphone charge.

**3. USB Dust Plugs**

To safeguard your phone’s USB port from dust and debris, USB dust plugs are a sensible option. These plugs fit securely into the port, blocking unwanted particles. The Anti-Loss USB-C Dust Plugs come with an adhesive section that affixes to the back of your phone, assuring they remain in place. Priced at $6 for a pack of 10, they also contain port cleaning tools.

**4. USB Endoscope Cameras**

USB endoscope cameras are useful for examining narrow or hard-to-reach spaces. They consist of a small camera and LED light at one end of a cable, with a USB port on the opposite end. These cameras are ideal for plumbing, automotive, and wall inspections. Starting at approximately $15, they typically require a dedicated app. The $35 USB Endoscope Camera from Kinpthy is a favored selection, featuring dual cameras, adjustable LED lights, and water resistance.

**5. USB Lanyard Cable**

A USB lanyard cable merges a lanyard with a USB cable, offering a handy solution for charging and data transmission. The Satechi OntheGo USB-C Lanyard Cable supports 60W rapid charging and USB 2.0 transfer speeds. It can also serve as a crossbody strap, gaining traction following the release of Apple’s iPhone 17 accessory. The cable is woven for strength, and the connectors are safeguarded with aluminum caps.

These distinctive gadgets showcase the adaptability of USB-C ports, providing inventive ways to enhance your smartphone’s functionality.

Distinctions Between Micro USB and USB-C Ports

has transitioned to the oval-shaped USB-C connector, with the rationale hinging on speed, convenience, and adaptability. Micro-USB was previously the standard selection for smartphones, tablets, e-readers, headphones, and power banks due to its compact size and relatively low cost of adoption. However, as devices required quicker charging, faster data transmission, and more robust connectors, the older standard fell short, leading to the adoption of USB-C.

USB-C emerged in 2014 as a contemporary, universal substitute. It showcased a reversible design that removes the hassle of inserting cables incorrectly. With data transfer speeds reaching up to 40 Gbps and the capability to deliver significantly more power, it can charge not only smartphones but also laptops and even computer monitors. Additionally, it can transmit video and audio signals, enabling a single cable to perform multiple functions that Micro-USB could not accommodate.

When comparing Micro-USB to USB-C, the distinctions extend beyond mere aesthetics. USB-C is swifter, sturdier, more adaptable, and more future-ready, which is why it has become the standard port for almost all contemporary devices.

Grasping ‘HDR’ on Smart TVs: Its True Significance

HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision are formats utilized by creators for the production of high dynamic range content, distinct from the foundational technology itself. As 4K televisions have gained popularity, the demand for both HDR and its varying formats has surged. However, what should you consider to guarantee that your HDR television provides excellent performance, and do the HDR formats genuinely influence your viewing experience? Let’s investigate.

The Distinct Characteristics of Russia’s Deep-Sea Titanium Nuclear Submarines

During the peak of the Cold War, the competition between the United States and the Soviet Union ignited multiple technology-driven races in which both nations sought to surpass each other. The space race and nuclear energy — which can be examined in the docuseries Turning Point: The Bomb and The Cold War on Netflix – along with military hardware. One notable creation from the Soviet Navy consisted of a range of remarkable submarine classes constructed from titanium, known as the Sierra-class and Alfa-class submarines. Titanium was an appealing material because it provided superior performance for underwater vessels, boasting an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, resistance to seawater corrosion, and non-magnetic characteristics. This enabled the titanium-composed submarines to dive deeper and remain stealthy against most contemporary detection methods. Seems like a clear advantage. However, utilizing inappropriate materials or designs can lead to a submarine imploding – highlighting the significant challenge deep-sea pressure poses for underwater crafts. The recent Netflix documentary on the Titan submarine effectively illustrates the impact of deep-sea pressure.

In the end, numerous factors contributed to the titanium-hulled submarines being a headache, prompting the United States to abandon the idea. What was the exact issue? Primarily, titanium and its metallurgical properties. High-grade titanium is exceedingly challenging to work with and manage. It demands clean, oxygen-free environments, specialized tools and equipment, along with experienced personnel. Acquiring the material itself was also problematic due to supply chain limitations. Most crucially, because of the stringent requirements, performing adequate field repairs on a titanium hull was nearly impossible without specific tools available. This led to significant challenges concerning battle damage. This is a serious flaw for vessels intended for wartime scenarios. Yet, the Soviet Union made it feasible.

Moscow’s affirmative stance versus the United States’ clear refusal

Why would Moscow and the Soviet Union leaders opt for titanium, while the United States chose not to? Soviet vessels were reputed for being stealthy and swift, at least theoretically, because they employed high-power reactors, a different technology compared to most U.S. equivalents. They could navigate faster, dive deeper, and outperform competitors, and the titanium hull designs aimed to achieve even more. Additionally, the political and administrative context in the Soviet Union was conducive to specialized welding capabilities such as exotic welding facilities or titanium-exclusive mills. These were not private enterprises financing or driving development; rather, they were managed by state-supported initiatives. Furthermore, the non-magnetic features, particularly with the Soviet Union’s proximity to the Arctic, made detection more challenging for NATO and its allies. If executed correctly, Soviet titanium submarines could approach near-undetected into adversarial waters.

The truth is, many challenges associated with titanium as a material, along with its costs, could be managed by the Soviet Union, enabling them to advance the technology. It was simply too expensive for the U.S., and high-grade steel proved more effective globally. Although titanium didn’t provide the acoustic stealth the Soviet Union aimed for. While the material is robust, lightweight, and silent, the noise is predominantly generated by the machinery inside the submarine. Additionally, the United States’ strategy to minimize expenses facilitated maintaining underwater capabilities over the long term, such as repairing battle damage in the field, enhancing technologies like sonars and combat systems, and sustaining a larger, operational fleet for an extended period.

WhatsApp to Roll Out Function for Handling Storage on a Per-Chat Basis

chatbots such as ChatGPT. The issue with feature-rich instant messengers like WhatsApp is their tendency to rapidly consume storage space. Users share images, videos, and documents through WhatsApp. When considering work, friends, and family groups, the volume of files can escalate dramatically.

WhatsApp users on older Android smartphones and iPhones that have limited internal storage may find themselves needing to frequently oversee their WhatsApp storage and determine which files to retain. This is a challenge that Meta is seeking to address in a forthcoming update by providing WhatsApp users with the ability to manage storage directly from the chat interface. Currently, this feature is being tested, as reported by WABetaInfo, a WhatsApp enthusiast who routinely uncovers unreleased WhatsApp features ahead of their official announcement. After identifying a per-chat storage management capability in a beta version for Android, WABetaInfo noticed the same options in a TestFlight (beta) version of the WhatsApp application for iPhone.

📝 WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.31.10.70: what’s new?

WhatsApp is introducing a feature that allows users to handle storage right from the chat info screen, and it’s available to a select group of beta testers!https://t.co/eKi3119O9c pic.twitter.com/fetvlnIGdd

— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/WABetaInfo/status/198185955107

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Eco-Conscious Innovation for Eliminating Harmful PFAS from Water Clarified

even been detected in 99% of bottled water, not solely in tap water. These are referred to as forever chemicals due to their exceedingly slow breakdown over time, lasting from hundreds to thousands of years. Research has also associated PFAS with severe health impacts in humans, such as liver damage, reproductive issues, immune system disruption, and, as expected, specific cancers. This highlights the extensive research focused on finding ways to eliminate them more efficiently. A joint study published in Advanced Materials presents a novel eco-friendly solution that may be utilized to eliminate hazardous PFAS from water.

It is crucial to understand that capturing PFAS molecules constitutes only a portion of the resolution. Techniques are also necessary to eliminate those substances. The research team has developed a dual solution after testing previously identified materials featuring a layered double hydroxide (LDH) composed of copper and aluminum. When combined with nitrate, the resulting compound adsorbs PFAS – attracting them to its surface – with extraordinary efficiency. It requires mere minutes to eliminate high concentrations compared to the slower commercial carbon filters generally employed for similar purposes. This efficiency is due to the slight charge imbalance of the layered copper-aluminum material, which facilitates the PFAS molecules to adhere more quickly and firmly than comparable alternatives. The research team evaluated the material in river, tap, and wastewater, and it performed excellently, including both static and continuous-flow systems. Therefore, this technology would be dependable in water treatment facilities, for example.