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We could see the first full screen, notchless iPhone as soon as 2024
A new report indicates that Apple could be releasing the first notchless iPhone as soon as 2024. Face ID would live under the display.
Apple first introduced the notch back in 2017 -- with the release of the iconic iPhone X. This major design change that hit the iPhone received mixed feedback from people. Some users couldn't care less about the top notch, while others continue to demand a notchless device. To achieve a notchless iPhone, the company would have to bring Touch ID to the power button, switch to in-display Touch ID, or place Face ID under the screen. The Cupertino tech giant has seemingly chosen the third route. If the rumors were to be true, we could be seeing the first full screen, notchless iPhone as soon as 2024 -- with the introduction of the high-end iPhone 16 models.
Apple releases iOS 15.5 beta 2 to registered developers, here's what's new
Apple has released iOS 15.5 beta 2 to registered developers worldwide. Here's everything new included in this updated build.
Following the release of iOS 15.4 in March, Apple is now working on the upcoming version of iOS 15. The company has just released iOS 15.5 beta 2 to registered developers worldwide. iOS 15.5 could potentially be the last major update to iOS 15 -- as the company has announced WWDC22. As a result, Apple is likely shifting its focus to iOS 16 at this point. iOS 15.4 introduced plenty of new additions, including new emoji, Face ID support when masked, and much more. Expectedly, iOS 15.5 isn't as packed because this version is potentially just fixing leftover bugs and making final tweaks. Here's everything new in iOS 15.5 beta.
Apple could be upgrading the front camera for the iPhone 14 series, and Android phones will definitely follow
Apple is reportedly including an improved front camera on all of the upcoming four iPhone 14 models, with autofocus and better aperture.
We're about half a year away from the iPhone 14 lineup's potential release. Typically, Apple holds iPhone launch events in the Fall -- usually in September. Despite it being months away, we've already been hearing rumors and spotting leaks revolving around the upcoming lineup. For example, we already know that the Cupertino tech giant could be ditching the Mini variant and going for a new assortment -- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Max, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Additionally, there's a high chance that Apple will go for a pill/hole-punch design on the Pro variants of the iPhone 14. The regular 14 models will seemingly retain the same notch currently present on the iPhone 13 lineup. A fresh report is now sharing additional information regarding the iPhone 14 lineup's front camera. We could potentially be seeing significant improvements later this year.
An Apple TV/HomePod hybrid with a FaceTime camera could be in the works
The Cupertino tech giant is reportedly still working on an Apple TV/HomePod hybrid with a FaceTime camera for video calling others.
Back in 2018, Apple introduced an all-new product lineup to its collection of devices -- the HomePod. Due to several factors -- including its relatively high price -- though, the HomePod didn't gain much traction. Two years later, the company released a HomePod Mini with a more budget-friendly price tag. That was followed by the discontinuation of the original HomePod in 2021. Since then, Apple seemingly hasn't been working on a similar successor for the original HomePod. Instead, rumors have been hinting at a potential Apple TV/HomePod hybrid. The device would reportedly have a FaceTime camera -- allowing users to video call others through supported apps.
How long does it take the Apple iPad Air 5 (2022) to fully charge?
Apple introduced the iPad Air 5 (2022) during its Peek Performance virtual event. Here's what you need to know about its charging speed.
Apple introduced the iPad Air 5 (2022) during its Peek Performance event. Despite featuring the same chassis of the previous-gen model, it still is a notable upgrade. That's because it supports 5G, and the M1 chip powers it. It also comes with some new finishes that are vivid and add personality to its futuristic design. For $599, you can buy the iPad Air 5 in Space Gray, Pink, Purple, Blue, or Starlight. If you decide to go for this purchase, don't forget to buy a case for it. That's because accidents can shatter it, and it's better to be safe than sorry. You can also buy a charger if you're unsatisfied with the one in its box. Speaking of chargers, many customers are curious about the charging speed of a device they plan to buy. Here's what you need to know about the charging speed of the iPad Air 5.
How long does it take the Apple iPhone SE 3 (2022) to fully charge?
Apple finally introduced the iPhone SE 3 (2022) during its Peek Performance event. Here's how long it takes to fully charge it from 0%.
Apple revealed the affordable iPhone SE 3 (2022) during its Peek Performance virtual event. This budget-friendly phone features the same outdated chassis design of the previous-gen model. It looks almost identical to 2017's iPhone 8. However, it comes with mighty internals, including 5G network support and the A15 Bionic chip -- which powers the high-end iPhone 13 lineup. For $429, you can buy the iPhone SE 3 in Red, Midnight, or Starlight. If you go for it, don't forget to grab a protective case -- as it has a glass build and accidents could potentially crack that. Additionally, its box doesn't include a charging brick, so you might want to buy a charger of your own separately. Speaking of charging, you must be wondering how long it takes to fully charge a drained iPhone SE 3. Here's everything you need to know about the matter.
The iPod is a relic of an era gone by, and Apple should put it out of its misery
The iPod is an outdated device type that no longer fits in our modern world. It's long overdue for Apple to discontinue this product lineup.
The Apple iPod is over two decades old. It is older than some of you reading this article. The first model went on sale back in 2001, as a device aimed at music enthusiasts who want to conveniently listen to their tunes on the go. With 5GB of storage, users could store up to 1,000 MP3 files in this $399 compact masterpiece. At the time, the iPod filled a gap in people's lives. It catered to an increasing need to access music in a hassle-free manner. And that's how innovative inventions are born -- by providing a tailored solution to a problem. However, needs change with time, and as a result, the greatest of innovations sometimes outlive their utility. They still function in the exact same way, and that's primarily the issue. As we progress, a product either evolves with us or loses its relevance. The iPod doesn't belong to this era, and Apple should put the last nail in its coffin and stop selling it finally.
YouTube is bringing its Shorts shelf to desktops and tablets
Google is introducing a Shorts shelf for YouTube on tablets and desktops. The dedicated player will roll out over the next few weeks.
In 2022, almost every app wants to become a TikTok -- that's seemingly the cool fad to follow nowadays. And that's arguably a good thing, as clones and copycats boost the creativity and heat up the competition. One of the most popular TikTok replicas is YouTube Shorts. This section lives in a dedicated tab of the YouTube mobile app -- making it easily noticeable and accessible. Users don't have to download any additional apps to enjoy YouTube's execution of the trending format. One of the flaws of YouTube Shorts, though, was the lack of a dedicated player on tablet and desktops. Fortunately for those who prefer watching on bigger screens, Google is bringing the Shorts shelf to YouTube on desktop web browsers and tablets. The company is also introducing a new creation tool -- which is suspiciously (but unsurprisingly) similar to one of TikTok's.
Android 13 could support spatial audio with head tracking on compatible devices
Android 13 could fully support spatial audio with head tracking, assuming the device and audio product are compatible with it.
Spatial audio with head tracking reimagines how we enjoy listening to our music and video content. For those unfamiliar with the technology, it provides a 3D sound experience that reacts to the listener's movements. It requires a compatible device, speaker, and audio file. Once you meet the prerequisites, the sound will adapt as you move your head. This allows you to experience a very realistic output that easily defeats traditional, regular audio. Some iPhone and AirPods models already take advantage of the feature in supported apps. On the other hand, Google has been working on it since Android 12L -- which includes partial support for it. Android 13 could finally bring full support for spatial audio with head tracking, assuming you meet the feature's requirements.
Chrome for desktop update supercharges Google Lens
A recent update to Chrome for desktop has introduced a mightier Google Lens with instant, contextual translations, and more.
Chrome is one of the most commonly used web browsers on desktop computers. It offers a wide variety of features and extras that aren't as well (if at all) integrated on some of its rivals. From its instant data sync across all supported platforms, to the page translations that retain context, to its rich library of third-party extensions and add-ons -- Chrome has earned its position being one of the best web browsers out there. For a while now, Google Lens integration has been available on Chrome for desktop. However, it lacked some of the more advanced features that are available on iOS and Android. A recent update finally supercharges Google Lens on Chrome's desktop client. It introduces more powerful tools -- including contextual translations, optical character recognition (OCR), and more.
Apple is working on 9 different M2 Mac models, developer logs reveal
Third-party developer logs reveal that Apple is internally testing 9 different Mac models that are powered by 4 variants of the M2 chip.
Apple introduced the M1 chip back in 2020. Since then, the company has been slowly ditching Intel processors and transitioning to its own silicon on the Mac lineup. It even broadened the limits of the original M1 SoC and released M1 Pro, M1 Max, and -- most recently -- M1 Ultra chips. This has enabled the company to produce unrivaled computers that are compact, don't typically overheat, and better integrate with macOS. In the meantime, we've been hearing a lot about a redesigned MacBook Air, a refreshed Mac Mini, and the M2 family of chips. New evidence hints at the possibility of us seeing them sooner rather than later. According to third-party developer logs, Apple is internally testing 9 different Mac models -- powered by 4 variants of the anticipated M2 chip.
Reddit now supports searching for specific comments on its platform
Reddit now allows users to search for any content posted on its platform, including comments. It has also tweaked the search user interface.
Reddit has been around for over a decade. It's a mostly-anonymous space that users seek for all sorts of different discussions. Whether you want to confess your darkest secret, share shots of your doggo, or catch up with the latest world catastrophes -- there's a Subreddit for that. Notably, though, the platform lacked an option to search for comments. Users could search for posts, profiles, etc. -- just not comments. Fortunately for all Redditors, that has changed now. The company has announced that users can now search through comments, making everything on Reddit searchable.
WhatsApp is making group chats better with Message Reactions, Communities, and more
WhatsApp has revealed several improvements coming to group chats, including Message Reactions, larger file sharing, Communities, and more.
WhatsApp is one of the most popular instant messaging (IM) apps worldwide. Billions of people depend on the Meta-owned service to contact their loved ones for free. We also utilize it to reach businesses, get deliveries, and provide customer support. Despite its slow development when compared to some of its rivals -- like Telegram -- WhatsApp continues to dominate several regions across the globe. One of the very basic features this IM app offers is group chats. Users can contact several people at once for whichever reasons. WhatsApp has now officially announced that it's bringing several improvements to groups. These include Message Reactions, larger file sharing, and other additions we've been hearing about for months. The company has also teased Communities -- an upcoming tool that will make managing several groups easier.
Apple calls out Meta for taking almost 50% of Metaverse purchases
Apple has called out Meta for planning to take a whopping 47.5% commission fee on digital purchases made in the Metaverse.
Many developers -- both indie and big corporations -- continue to criticize Apple's 15-30% commission fee on App Store purchases. For example, Spotify launched a campaign a while back just to pressure the Cupertino tech giant into giving in. Other names include Meta -- Facebook's parent company. Its CEO Mark Zuckerberg has repeatedly called Apple's practices monopolistic and anti-competitive. In a surprising turn of events, though, Meta revealed yesterday that it plans to charge a whopping 47.5% commission fee on digital purchases made in its Metaverse. Apple has now called out Meta, highlighting the hypocrisy in its actions.
AccuWeather brings hyperlocal forecasts for Premium Plus subscribers
AccuWeather has introduced hyperlocal weather forecasts for Premium Plus subscribers. It's a reccuring subscription that costs $19.99 a year.
Mobile weather apps are almost as old as the phones themselves. They're essential tools that users rely on every single day to predict the local weather and take action accordingly. However, finding a reliable and accurate weather app has always been an obstacle. Apple buying Dark Sky and shutting it down on Android didn't help either -- as it was one of the best weather apps available on the platform. What makes Dark Sky so special is its ability to predict hyperlocal weather forecasts and provide timely alerts. By removing it from the Google Play Store, Apple left a big gap in the weather department on Android. AccuWeather has decided to step up and fill this gap, but that comes at a cost. The company has introduced a new Premium Plus subscription tier that provides users with hyperlocal weather forecasts and alerts.
Apple's app tracking crackdown is costing Facebook & YouTube billions
Apple's App Tracking Transparency feature has been costing big corporations, such as Facebook and YouTube, billions of dollars.
Smartphones are slowly taking over our lives -- there's no denying that. For the past few years, more and more features have been surfacing. This makes us depend on our phones and replace other analog items in the process. As a result, these screens are becoming the focal point of our lives, where we store all of our private and sensitive data. With this increasing reliance, users become subject to heavier surveillance and tracking by snoopy apps. To help combat that, Apple released a solution for this prevalent problem last year. The company introduced the App Tracking Transparency feature in iOS 14.5 as a shield that stops developers from tracking users across websites and other apps. By rejecting tracking, it becomes harder to build profiles on users and pinpoint their interests for tailored advertising purposes. Unsurprisingly, this app tracking crackdown has been costing big corporations -- including Facebook and YouTube -- billions.
Polar introduces two new Pacer smartwatches aimed at runners
Polar has introduced two new smartwatches aimed at runners. The Pacer and Pacer Pro are now available for $199 and $299 respectively.
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started, plenty of people have been exercising less frequently. With many workplaces and schools switching to the online format, some of us have been spending most of their time physically inactive at home. That's not to mention the increasing reliance on online ordering and doorstep deliveries. This convenient lifestyle can become unhealthy and damage the human body (and mind). That's why we should aim at making an effort to exercise, even if we're not forced to leave our houses for work or education. Fitness trackers motivate some of us to do more and push ourselves, and there are two new models in town. Polar has introduced the Pacer and Pacer Pro -- two smartwatches aimed at runners, both beginners and pros.
Want unlimited, full-quality Google Photos storage? T-Mobile has a new Google One plan for you
T-Mobile is launching a new Google One plan for its customers. It includes 2TB for files and unlimited, full-quality Google Photos storage.
Do you remember the original Google Pixel phone and its tempting perk? At the time, the company needed to boost the device's sales -- as it was the first generation of the Pixel branding. As a result, it offered unlimited, full-quality Google Photos storage for life. This particular perk remained a first-gen Pixel exclusive -- as a lifetime of unlimited, high-resolution photo storage is a major commitment for Google. If you're a postpaid T-Mobile customer and miss this specific Pixel perk, we have some good news for you. Starting April 26, eligible T-Mobile customers will get the option to store unlimited, full-quality photos and videos on Google Photos. This will be through an exclusive Google One plan that costs $15 per month.
YouTube Music refines its radio algorithm, brings a Family shelf, and more
YouTube Music has introduced an improved radio algorithm, a new Family shelf, and handy additions to its Wear OS application.
In our day and age, music streaming has become one of the most popular ways to listen to the newest hits. People are slowly drifting away from purchasing or pirating tunes due to the affordability and convenience of streaming. Instead of manually moving playlists, preferences, and libraries, users can have their data saved in the cloud -- accessible through a simple login. Additionally, they have plenty of services as options to choose from. Each tends to have its own unique offerings, and people stick to one (or several) based on their priorities. YouTube Music is one of the greatest picks out there. That's because it offers a large library of exclusive tracks. These include covers and other songs that aren't licensed on rivaling platforms. The latest additions to this service include an improved radio algorithm, a Family shelf, and more.
Apple iMovie 3.0 introduces Storyboards and Magic Movie
Apple has finally released iMovie 3.0 to iPhone and iPad users. This major version introduces Storyboards and Magic Movie.
Apple tries to help its users develop their talents and skills through free software aimed at beginners. For example, iPad and Mac users can take advantage of Swift Playgrounds to learn the basis of coding in Swift. They can then build more advanced projects on Xcode -- once they're confident enough. Other examples include GarageBand and iMovie. Both apps are available across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS for free. Through them, users can respectively create their own music and video projects, without needing to be experts in audio and video composing or editing. The tools are straightforward and include intuitive user interfaces (UIs) that make it simple to navigate around and grasp their concepts. Last month, Apple teased two new features coming to iMovie during its Peek Performance virtual event. The wait is finally over -- iMovie 3.0 introduces Storyboards and Magic Movie, which make creating videos from scratch even easier.