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How to get the latest HomePod 17.4 software update

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Your HomePod is a lot more than a simple speaker — it’s a whole computer. And like any computer it has an operating system that needs occasional updates. Here’s how to make sure your Apple smart speaker has the software version released on Tuesday.

Version 17.4 makes it easier to play media by learning your preferred service. 

If you depend on automatic updates, it’s possible your smart speaker hasn’t yet installed the update. Here’s how to do so manually.

A bit of background on HomePod Software

Apple offers macOS, iOS, tvOS and more. You might think the operating system for HomePod has a similar name. Internally, Apple employees call it audioOS, but that name is never used publicly. For everyone else, it’s “HomePod Software.”

It’s apparently a variation of Apple TV’s tvOS that’s been specially modified for this smart speaker. This makes sense — both are focused on multimedia playback, support Siri, and don’t have to worry about cellular-wireless connections.

And new HomePod Software versions come out when Apple TV is updated. (iPhone and iPad updates are usually introduced at the same time, but not always. It didn’t happen this time, for example.) And the version numbers are generally in lockstep. With tvOS 17.4 launching on March 5, it’s also time for a HomePod update.

What is new in HomePod software 17.4

What is new in HomePod software 17.4
HomePod software 17.4 brings in one welcome new feature.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

To be current, your Apple smart speaker should be on HomePod Software Version 17.4. This is true whether you own an original HomePod, HomePod 2 or HomePod mini. The previous version is 17.3 from January.

Apple’s release notes describes the new feature, and well as promising bug fixes:

“This update enables Siri to learn your preferred media service, so you no longer need to include the name of the media app in your request. This update also includes performance and stability improvements.”

A better audio experience is always welcome.

How to update your HomePod’s software

You have the option to wait for the HomePod to automatically update itself, but Apple waits a surprising amount of time to start pushing new versions out to users. You can be sure your device has the latest version in just a few steps.

  1. Open the Home application on your iPhone
  2. Tap on the button for the Home tab in the lower left corner of the screen.
  3. Tap the menu button in the upper right corner of the screen, than select Home Settings from the resulting pop-up window.
  4. Scroll down to Software Update and tap on it.
How to get to HomePod Settings
Open Apple’s Home application then go through steps 2 through 4.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

To check to see if your device has automatically updated, tap on Updated Recently and you’ll get a description of the last version released.

But if you aren‘t caught up, you’ll see an Update Available message instead. There’ll be an Update All button next to this. Press it to see what the new version is and start the installation process.

If you know there’s a new version out but the Home app doesn’t show it, you need to reboot your HomePod. Do this the old-fashioned way: unplug it then plug it back in. Wait a few minutes for the reboot then look again for the update.

See whether your HomePod has the latest software update
If your HomePod has the latest software update, you’ll see the message on the left. If there’s a newer update available, you’ll see the message on the right.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Set HomePod to (not) update automatically

By default, your smart speaker is set to automatically install the latest HomePod Software. If you don’t want to tinker with updating this device, you never have to think about it again.

Just be aware that automatic updates don’t start immediately. Based on personal experience, it can be a few days after the software release before your device gets the update. If you’re someone who likes to be sure you’re running the latest software on all your devices, you can always go in and request an immediate update by following the steps above. The best time to check is right after every tvOS update gets released.

Or there’s the exact opposite scenario. If you are happy with your HomePod now and don’t want to take the chance that a bad software update will muck it up, you can turn off automatic updates. It’s easy.

  1. Open the Home application on your iPhone
  2. Tap on the button for the Home tab in the lower left corner of the screen.
  3. Tap the menu button in the upper right corner of the screen, then select Home Settings from the resulting pop-up window.
  4. Scroll down to Software Update and tap on it
  5. In the Automatic Updates section of the screen, toggle off the switch next to HomePod.
Turn off automatic HomePod software updates
You can turn on or off automatic HomePod software updates with a simple toggle switch.

You might also consider doing this for Other Accessories that are updated from the Home application.

Just don’t forget you did this. By toggling off automatic updates, you’ll never receive another one until you manually request it. You might be shutting yourself off from useful features coming in the future.

Note: This article was first published in February 2022, and is periodically updated with new information.



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Today in Apple history: Apple reconsiders the Newton?

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March 10: Today in Apple history: Apple reconsiders the Newton MessagePad? March 10, 2004: Apple sends out a survey to select Apple customers, claiming that it is considering relaunching the Newton MessagePad.

“We need to determine why the Apple Newton was not a commercial success and whether there is an interest in re-launching a new version of the Newton,” Apple’s survey says. “Your comments will help understand why the Newton failed and if there is interest in re-launching a new, improved Newton.”

In hindsight, it seems pretty clear that this apparent “interest” in launching another personal data assistant was a way of doing some undercover market research for the still-in-development iPhone.

Newton MessagePad and the new thing

Apple launched the Newton MessagePad in 1993 with the goal of creating one of the world’s first PDAs. Apple engineer Steve Sakoman, a passionate advocate of handheld computing, drove the project early on. While at Hewlett-Packard in the 1980s, Sakoman developed the HP 110, the world’s first battery-powered portable MS-DOS PC.

The MessagePad project took place entirely during the decade-long period while Steve Jobs was away from Cupertino after his boardroom coup attempt failed. Many viewed the Newton as Apple CEO John Sculley’s answer to the Mac. It was his first attempt to launch a game-changing new product line during his tenure as CEO.

Newton flaws make it a joke

Unfortunately, the Newton technology did not initially work as well as hoped. The press piled on, printing numerous jokes about the Newton and painting the device as a failure.

Ironically, once Apple actually got the technology right with later devices like the MessagePad 2100 — which perfected the handwriting-recognition system the Newton included as a central feature — Jobs had returned to Apple. He decided to cancel further development of the PDA.

Apple officially ended the Newton experiment on February 27, 1998, with Jobs issuing a statement.

“This decision is consistent with our strategy to focus all our software development resources on extending the Macintosh operating system,” he said. “To realize our ambitious plans we must focus all of our efforts in one direction.”

Apple’s stealth iPhone survey

However, by the mid-2000s, Apple’s Mac business was booming. The company successfully moved into other areas as well, such as the enormously popular (and profitable) iPod music player. It only made sense, therefore, that Cupertino would consider other mobile devices — with the Newton the obvious reference point.

Inside Apple, two simultaneous iPhone research projects got underway: the so-called P1 and P2 projects. Right from the start, it became clear that both would need to offer PDA-style functionality. But Apple needed to work out exactly why the Newton MessagePad failed to click with customers.

It’s not known how much attention Apple paid to the feedback from the customer survey it sent on this day in 2004, just three years prior to the original iPhone launch. Still, as with the various patents Apple filed over the years, it’s fun to look back later and see how some of the company’s decisions make perfect sense in hindsight.

Were you a Newton MessagePad user? Leave your comments below.



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Are AirTags waterproof? | Cult of Mac

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Are AirTags waterproof? Keeping liquids out of our electronics isn’t always easy. Especially when it’s something we take with us everywhere, like our AirTags. Those with Apple’s handle little item tracker, or anyone thinking about getting one, might ask the questions:

  • Can AirTags be submerged in water?
  • Can AirTags go through the wash?
  • Can my dog swim with AirTag?

I’ve kept a tracking tag on my indoor/outdoor cat for years, so I fully understand wanting to be sure a bit of rain won’t cause problems. And I have tags on my keys and many other items, and I also don’t want a trip through the wash to ruin them.

Fortunately, I have lots of good news.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Are AirTags waterproof?

Depends on what you mean by “waterproof.” Apple promises they are splash and water resistant.

Yes, saying the gizmos are water resistant sounds like Apple is evading the issue. But calling the AirTags waterproof means they are 100% protected from liquids under all situations, like when going scuba diving. The tracker tag can take a lot, just not that last challenge.

But water resistance means they will survive ordinary hazards, like rain or being dropped into shallow water.

How waterproof are AirTags? (The facts)

Explaining in detail how safe from water Apple’s tracker tag is means getting just a bit technical. AirTags have an IP67 rating. That means they’ll make it through being immersed in water at a maximum depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.

Plenty of companies say that their products with this IP level are waterproof. Apple is more cautious and sticks with water resistant.

Don’t overlook that being able to survive underwater for half an hour means AirTag can take being rained on all day long. They’re definitely splashproof.

Can AirTags go through the wash?

If you absentmindedly leave your keys in your pocket, and your AirTag goes through the wash, don’t worry too much about it getting ruined. I can tell you from personal experience that Apple’s tracker tag will survive a trip through the washing machine.

That said, the situation is skirting the limit. Wash then rinse cycles can go on for longer than half an hour, and the fact that the AirTag will be yanked around by the agitator raises concerns.

That said, the rare laundry trip almost certainly won’t be a problem. But I don’t recommend sewing one into a gym bag that you intentionally wash every month.

Can my dog swim with AirTag?

Elkson AirTag holder with keychain has many uses. Keeping track of your best friend is just one of them.
Elkson AirTag holder with keychain helps you keep track of your best friend.
Photo: Elkson

I understand putting a tracker on your beloved pet. The confidence you can find them if they get lost is very reassuring — I know that from personal experience.

There’s been an AirTag on my cat for years, and it’s still fully functional. This isn’t some sleepy tabby — Houdini climbs trees, chases birds and chipmunks, and goes out in the rain. He doesn’t go swimming though.

If you thinking of letting your dog swim with an AirTag, the answer depends on how much time the gadget will spend in the water.

Apple’s tracker tag can survive submerged for 30 minutes. That’s less time than typical dogs spend splashing around in a lake or stream. If Bark Twain wades in, cools off for a couple of minutes then rejoins the hike, there won’t be a problem.

But if your dog’s absolute favorite activity is swimming — I’ve known a few like that — then it’s possible they’ll keep the AirTag underwater long enough for liquid to work its way inside the gizmo.

That said, consider that the IP rating doesn’t mean the device will be ruined after exactly 31 minutes underwater. It’s assured to keep liquids out for half an hour, and might continue to do so for another hour afterward. But there’s no guarantee of that.

AirTags waterproof case (Best options)

If you want to put an AirTag on the collar of your Portuguese Water Dog or Golden Retriever — the one that would rather swim than eat — you probably ought to put it in a case with additional protection from water. The same is true anything else you expect to frequently be submerged.

The Pelican Marine Waterproof AirTag Carabiner Case ($25) jumps the rating from IP67 to IP68. That removes the time limit. In this case, Apple’s tracker is supposed too be able to survive an unlimited amount of time in the water.

Buy it from: Pelican or Amazon

Another alternative with an IPx8 rating is the Catalyst Waterproof AirTag Dog Collar Holder.

Buy it from: Catalyst or Amazon

Just be aware, wrapping an AirTag in a waterproof case will somewhat muffle the sound the device makes when you’re trying to find your pet.

Even without extra protection from liquids, you’ll probably need some kind of holder for the accessory — Apple didn’t build in an easy way to connect the device to your keychain or a carabiner. I use a simple one from Belkin to attach the tag to Houdini’s collar, and have always been satisfied.

Buy it from: Belkin or Amazon

Or this one from Elkson offers more protection, just not from liquids:

Buy it from: Cult of Mac

Are Apple AirTags waterproof? (Closing thoughts)

After years of using them, I find AirTags to be waterproof enough. I have about half a dozen of them on my keys, cat, a backpack, etc. and all of them are still going strong. They have stood up to rain, snow, the washing machine … whatever life threw at them.

So don’t worry about getting your AirTag wet from the rain or ordinary mishaps. And there’s an easy solution if you need one to go swimming: a waterproof case.



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Don’t confuse the power of AR with the limitations of VR

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Anyone criticizing Apple Vision Pro as a Meta Quest at seven times the price misses the profound difference between the two headsets. Apple made an augmented reality device, while Meta focused on virtual reality.

And the basic distinction between the two is that AR is the future of computing while VR will always be much more limited.

Both Apple and Meta seem to realize this, which is why their devices support AR and VR. The difference comes down to which one the rivals focus on, and that’s where Apple has the advantage.

Why augmented reality has so much potential

To understand the difference in focus between Vision Pro and Meta Quest, you have to know what augmented reality and virtual reality are. AR overlays computer-generated images or text onto the real world. It’s real life, but better. It’s different from virtual reality, which completely replaces the real world with a computer-generated alternative.

With AR, you’re in your office working with multiple applications on large virtual screens that are projected in front of you. Or perhaps you’re meeting with an old friend who’s been digitally added to your living room. For more possibilities, read my article on why Vision Pro gives a first look at computers of 2034.

With VR, you’re deeply immersed in the game you’re playing, to the point where it’s seemingly all around you. Or you’re watching a movie on a giant screen.

If the differences between the two seen seem somewhat narrow, that’s because you can think of virtual reality as taking one of the windows created by augmented reality and expanding it until it’s all you can see. In other words, VR is a special case of AR.

And user preference leans heavily towards AR. While there are times one wants to be completely focused on a game or a movie, the rest of the time a VR headset feels extremely isolating. With AR, the computer screens are around you, and so are your normal surroundings, including your friends or co-workers.

Vision Pro vs. Meta Quest: A profound difference in focus

Apple Vision Pro vs. Meta Quest 3 hardware
Vision Pro users can look at the people around them but Meta Quest users are in their own reality.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Comparisons between Vision Pro and Meta Quest are understandable because at first glance the devices seem quite similar. The difference is, as noted, the focus. The emphasis the headsets put on either AR or VR is the defining distinction.

Apple created a headset designed from the beginning for augmented reality. It can do VR games and movies, too, but that’s not its focus. It’s a multipurpose computer for home or office that uses AR instead of a traditional screen.

In contrast, recent Meta headsets are VR devices with AR capabilities tacked on. The original Quest came out in 2019. And the third-gen model — the first with significant AR support — only arrived a few months ago.

Facebook changed its name to Meta because of its intent to create the metaverse: a VR world. That doesn’t leave any doubt about the focus of Quest devices.

It’s the difference in focus on AR or VR that’s going to be critical for the long-term success — or failure — of each headset.

Predicting the future by looking at the past

AR and VR are still relatively new technologies. A way to predict their future is to look back into the history of computers.

In the 1970s and 1980s, one could buy a word processor: a hardware device with a keyboard, usually a screen, and built-in printer focused on a single task. Alternatively, one could buy a multi-use computer, including the early Macintosh, and do word processing on it.

By the 1980s, the word processor became the much, much more affordable option. Meanwhile, those early desktop computers still seemed kind of clumsy. The single-focus devices sold quite well.

Theoretically, the makers of word processors could have kept adding functions to the devices, like a spreadsheet application, and could have morphed into the computers we use today – but that’s not what happened. Instead, those single-use devices became a historical footnote.

I hope the analogy is obvious: Vision Pro is the original Macintosh, while Quest headsets are like those word-processing devices. And if history repeats itself, the VR-focused headsets will be forgotten, while AR-focused ones will grow to become the standard computers of the future.

It’s possible that Meta will realize the metaverse is a distraction and refocus Quest on AR, not just tack on the feature. But the company needs to do so soon, as the Android-based operating system it’s using now is way behind Apple’s visionOS.

Vision Pro vs. Meta Quest: Today and tomorrow

Some people will likely disagree with me when I say that Meta Quest is more isolating, considering that some critics complain that Vision Pro is also isolating. Even some fans refer to being “inside” the device.

This is a result of the product being essentially a prototype that, unfortunately, blocks the user’s peripheral vision. Future Vision versions will solve this problem, to the point where the AR headset interferes with peripheral vision no more than a regular pair of glasses does.

But this raises an important point. Although both Apple’s Vision platform and visionOS have enormous potential, it’ll be years before that potential is fully realized. That makes the $3,500 Vision Pro a tough sell today. In the meantime, the Meta Quest 3 is a fine platform for playing VR games and costs only $500.

But 10 years from now, I have no doubt the future Apple Vision AR glasses will be in mainstream use. I’m not nearly so confident that Meta’s Quest line will even still be on the market.



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Compact travel charger handles iPhone, Apple Watch for $18

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Enjoy wireless, easy charging for your Apple gear with this $18 charging solution.
Save an extra 20% on this foldable, wireless charging station.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Need a compact travel charger for iPhone, Apple Watch and more? This Foldable Wireless Magnetic Charging Station does the trick, with its two MagSafe-compatible charging pads and integrated adapters. Through March 10, this nifty charging option is only $17.59 with code ENJOY20.

Compact folding travel charger for iPhone, Apple Watch and more

Perfect for clearing up space on your desk or nightstand, this compact folding travel charger can juice up two devices simultaneously. The smartphone pad delivers up to 15W of power, while the Apple Watch pad offers up to 2.5W.

This charging station also features an LED so you can quickly check if your devices are charging correctly. And with safeguards like foreign-object and short-circuit protections, your beloved devices can power up safely.

Perfect for tossing in a carry-on or working remotely

Its sleek and compact foldable design allows you to easily pack up the charger to bring it with you when traveling or working remotely. You can even fold it up in a triangular configuration to create a phone stand so you can watch videos while taking a lunch break or FaceTime a friend or family member as your device juices up.

It works with Qi-compatible smartphones. And if you’d also like to use this travel charger for other devices, it comes with integrated adapters for USB Type-C to USB-A, Micro USB, 8-pin, etc., for maximum compatibility.

Save on a compact travel charger that folds up small

Don’t settle for outdated charging solutions that clutter your space and complicate your life.

Enjoy seamless wireless charging when you grab this Foldable Wireless Magnetic Charging Station on sale for just $17.59 when you use ENJOY20 at checkout. You have until 11:59 p.m. Pacific on March 10 to secure this offer.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Deals

Prices subject to change. All sales handled by StackSocial, our partner who runs Cult of Mac Deals. For customer support, please email StackSocial directly.




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iPhone market outlook mixed as Apple slows component orders

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A flurry of iPhone market outlook reports shows Apple’s juggernaut handset is still the top-seller in Japan while slipping to fourth place in China so far in 2024. And that comes as Apple lowers component shipment targets for the year amid supply chain challenges, pointing to a possibly down year.

Reports: iPhone market outlook mixed amid sales decline and supply chain challenges

As predicted recently, iPhone sales are sliding in Asia so far in 2024 after a reasonably strong beginning and end to 2023. Various reports point to slowdowns and Apple reigning in iPhone component shipments.

China’s massive smartphone market slid 7% in the first six weeks of 2024. But in the same period, iPhone’s share dropped a whopping 24%. Why? Stiffening competition and sliding from a big high in January 2023, according to a Counterpoint Research report.

“Primarily, it faced stiff competition at the high end from a resurgent Huawei while getting squeezed in the middle on aggressive pricing from the likes of OPPO, vivo and Xiaomi,” said Counterpoint analyst Mengmeng Zhang.

“Although the iPhone 15 is a great device, it has no significant upgrades from the previous version, so consumers feel fine holding on to the older-generation iPhones for now,” they added.

iPhone market outlook: 4th place in China in early 2024
After taking first place in China in late 2023, iPhone dropped to fourth place in early 2024.
Photo: Counterpoint Research

Stronger in Japan

Meanwhile, an International Data Corporation (IDC) report showed Apple has retained 49% to 51% of the market since 2022, a very strong first-place showing.

Japan’s smartphone shipments slid 3.5% year over year in 2023’s Q4, having recovered a bit from steeper declines in the first half of the year.

But iPhone shipments for the quarter increased 3.4% year over year as Android’s fell by 8.7%.

Overall, though, 2023 was a bit gloomy for smartphone shipments to Japan, falling by 11.6% compared to 2022. iPhone slid 6.1% while Android plummeted 16.3%.

Apple taps brakes on component shipments

And news of iPhone component shipment volume in 2024 is not particularly bright, so far.

Anaylyst Ming-Chi Kuo noted on X (formerly Twitter) and Medium that iPhone shipments could drop by 15% year over year because of structural challenges in the supply chain. He said Apple needs to launch “better than expected GenAI services this year” to keep up with smartphones from the likes of Samsung, or Nvidia might eclipse Apple’s market cap.

Apple may have biggest 2024 decline among major brands

Kuo echoed reports of Huawei’s resurgence and China’s love of folding phones as negatives for iPhone’s outlook, among his seven points:

  • My latest supply chain survey indicates that Apple has lowered its 2024 iPhone shipments of key upstream semiconductor components to about 200 million units (down 15% YoY). Apple may have the most significant decline among the major global mobile phone brands in 2024.
  • iPhone 15 series and new iPhone 16 series shipments will decline by 10–15% YoY in 1H24 and 2H24, respectively (compared to iPhone 14 series shipments in 1H23 and iPhone 15 series shipments in 2H23, respectively).
  • The iPhone faces structural challenges that will lead to a significant decline in shipments in 2024, including the emergence of a new paradigm in high-end mobile phone design and the continued decline in shipments in the Chinese market.

China still loves folding phones

  • The new high-end mobile phone design paradigm includes AI (GenAI) and foldable phones. The main reason for the decline in the Chinese market is the return of Huawei and the increasing preference for foldable phones among high-end users as their first choice for phone replacement.
  • Benefiting from the higher-than-expected demand due to the high integration of GenAI functions, Samsung has revised up the shipments of the Galaxy S24 series in 2024 by 5–10%, while Apple has revised down the shipment forecast of iPhone 15 in 1H24.
  • Apple’s weekly shipments in China have declined by 30–40% YoY in recent weeks, and this downward trend is expected to continue. The main reason for the decline is the return of Huawei and the fact that foldable phones have gradually become the first choice for high-end users in the Chinese market.
  • It is expected that Apple will not launch new iPhone models with significant design changes and the more comprehensive/differentiated GenAI ecosystem/applications until 2025 at the earliest. Until then, it will likely harm Apple’s iPhone shipment momentum and ecosystem growth.

 

 

 



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How to use the Translate app for iPhone

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Don’t Leave Without This App
Apple’s Translate app is a great resource for those with wanderlust.
Image: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

The Translate app built into your iPhone is a hidden gem if you’re traveling abroad. It gives you the ability to download languages in advance, so you don’t have to worry about a dodgy cell connection.

The camera lets you translate text in-line of a restaurant menu or parking meter — it could help you out of a sticky situation. The Translate app’s conversation view makes it easy having a back-and-forth with someone who doesn’t speak your native tongue.

Here’s how to make the most out of the built-in Translate app.

How to use the Translate app on iPhone

The Translate app doesn’t support as many languages as others like Google Translate. But Apple’s user interface, in my opinion, is much nicer.

The Apple Translate app supports Arabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional Mandarin), Dutch, English (US and UK), French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish (Spain), Thai, Turkish, Ukranian and Vietnamese. 

Time needed: 10 minutes

How to use the Translate app on iPhone

  1. Make sure you have it installed

    If you can’t find it on your phone, it’s possible you deleted it before. Download it again from the App Store here — it’s free. The Translate app translating “Good evening” to “Buona sera”

  2. Pick a language and translate

    Pick two languages from the dropdown menus. You can tap on either field to type something in and see the translation in the opposite language.
    The Fullscreen button will put the translation in giant text, making it easy to show someone else, with a Play button to speak the translation through the speakers. Tap the Conversation button to get back to the main screen.
    The Star button will add this translation to your favorites for easy access later.
    The Book button will let you tap on any word to see the direct translation and possible alternate meanings.
    The Copy button will copy the text for you to paste elsewhere.
    After you dismiss the keyboard, you’ll see a Play button on the right to play either phrase out of your phone’s speakers.Translate app camera translating a parking meter

  3. Point the camera

    Tap the Camera tab on the bottom to translate something in front of you. Tap the shutter button to pause the freeze the image and get in-line translations. The app will put translated text on top of the image; tap on a line to see it more clearly.
    This doesn’t take a picture, so you don’t have to worry about it filling your library with random images of Italian restaurant menus. (But if you like, you can tap the Share button and hit Save Image.)Translation app in conversation view

  4. Write out in a conversation

    If you need to have a back-and-forth with someone, tap the Conversation tab. It’s like an iMessage chat — you enter text in your native language (or tap the Microphone button) and you’ll see translated text.
    Tap View > Face to Face, and both sides of the conversation will be arranged top and bottom. You can hold your phone flat in front of you and easily allow the other person to follow along and respond. Tap the Switch button in the middle of the screen if you want to reverse it.

  5. See your favorites for easy access

    Tap the Favorites tab to see translations you’ve bookmarked. You can hit the Play button to play them inline, the Fullscreen button to show it to someone, or Copy to paste it somewhere else. 
    To delete a favorite, swipe left and hit the Trash button.

  6. Download a language in advance

    From the Translation or Conversation tabs, tap the menu in the top right and tap Download Languages. Tap on a language to start downloading. Download both languages — the one you speak natively and the one you want translated. 
    To remove a downloaded language, tap Edit then tap the button and hit Delete. Tap Done when you’re done. 

I highly recommend the Translate app. While it doesn’t offer the same breadth of languages as Google Translate, you can count on it for instant, accurate translations. Downloading languages in advance for offline use is a fantastic power feature; the conversation view and camera are great conveniences.

Guides to more iPhone apps



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Classic action Manga ‘Midnight’ becomes ‘Shot on iPhone’ film

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Classic action Manga 'Midnight' becomes 'Shot on iPhone' film
Midnight is a film adaptation of a classic by the Father of Manga.
Photo: Apple

Osamu Tezuka’s Midnight manga gets adapted to live action in the latest “Shot on iPhone” project. It’s an action film about a mysterious late-night taxi driver.

Apple also released a “making of” video to show how the movie was produced with an iPhone 15 Pro.

Osamu Tezuka’s Midnight adapted in ‘Shot on iPhone’ film

The capabilities of iPhone cameras have increased dramatically over the years, and have become a strong selling point for the devices. To demonstrate their potential, Apple periodically releases a “Shot on iPhone” film.

The latest entry is Midnight, an adaptation of a manga that Tezuka released in 1986.

Apple’s official description says:

“Director Takashi Miike brings to life Midnight, a manga by Osamu Tezuka. All shot on iPhone 15 Pro. A mysterious taxi driver lends a hand to Kaede, a young girl chased by assassins.”

Watch the 20-minute film now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xd_LmXNBz5w

Osamu Tezuka has been called the Father of Manga, and some people consider him the Japanese equivalent of Walt Disney as he also made animated series and films. He’s credited with taking manga mainstream, first with children’s stories and later with offerings for adults.

Behind the scenes

The point of any “Shot on iPhone” film is to show off the capabilities of Apple’s handsets, and that requires a “making of” film. Of course there’s one for Midnight.

It includes commentary by director Takashi Miike, who is no stranger to action films.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqGmh8pXCPk



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Keychron K8 mechanical keyboard clicks with Mac Studio setup

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Some people love peace and quiet. Others love mechanical keyboards. That clackety-clacking noise is the very sound of productivity, isn’t it? The feel of the keys. The way you can practically make a lifelong hobby out of customizing a “hot swappable” model with different keycaps, switches and more. Today’s Mac Studio and Studio Display setup relies on a Keychron K8 mechanical keyboard. 

The user swears by it, having chosen it over a couple of well-regarded Razer keebs. He’s still got the Razer wrist rest, though. 

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Keychron K8 mechanical keyboard click with Mac Studio and Studio Display setup

Redditor bucketofmonkeys (“Monk”) showcased the setup in a post entitled, “New Mac Studio M2 Max setup.” On Monday we covered his refurbished M2 Max Mac Studio and Studio Display. Now we’ll focus on his mechanical keyboard. 

So the Keychron K8 mechanical keyboard is a compact, tenkeyless model. That means it lacks a 10-key numeric key pad. It sports a total of 87 keys. It’s not tiny, but it’s not full-sized, either. 

It features a Mac layout’s multimedia and function keys, but works fine with Windows. And it comes with extra keycaps for both OS and a simple switch to flip between the OS. It includes white backlighting, Bluetooth 5.1 or USB-C cable connections and a 4000mAh battery that lasts 200 hours without backlighting, according to the company. 

“I used Razer keyboards for a long time, first the Black Widow and later the Huntsman TKL,” Monk said. “They are not bad, but I wasn’t super happy with the feel. I like the feel of the Keychron better. I also tried the K4, which is a 96% layout, but I’m used to tenkeyless now, so switched to the K8.” 

And he added that he likes the Keychron K8 mechanical keyboard so much that he actually has two K8 keebs. The second one is for his work setup (Windows).

And along with that keyboard, by the way, Monk uses a mouse so popular we see it as much if not more than Apple’s Magic Mouse. That would be the seemingly ubiquitious Logitech MX Master 3S wireless mouse. You can find it and the other gear, including that great keyboard, in the gear list below. 

Mac Studio and Studio Display refurbs in setup
This user said it’s hard to tell his Mac Studio and Studio Display aren’t new.
Photo: [email protected]

Shop these items now:

Mechanical keyboard and mouse:

Computer:

Display and accessories:

Connectivity:

Other:

If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected]. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.



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Apple Podcasts transcripts: How to find and read them in iOS 17.4

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It just became a lot easier to read along with a podcast, or pull an interesting quote out of one. The Apple Podcasts app now automatically generates transcripts for series and episodes.

Here’s how to find and read these transcripts in the iPhone Podcasts app.

Every episode on Apple Podcasts will get a transcript

Podcasts have proliferated since 2004 and become a popular medium for sharing everything from news reports on current world events to jokes and cooking tips. Those with hearing loss can’t take advantage of them, however. But a transcript solves that problem. And rather than expect every podcaster to make a written version of their program, Apple took on the job.

“Apple introduces transcripts for Apple Podcasts, an innovative new feature that makes podcasts more accessible and easier to navigate,” the company promised.

Beyond just reading the full text of all episodes, the new feature enables users to search episodes for specific words or phrases. And when they find one, they can tap the text to play from that point in the episode.

How to read transcripts for Apple Podcasts on iPhone

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The feature is part of iOS 17.4, which launched Tuesday. So the first step in making use of this feature is to install the latest version of iOS.

Next, open the Apple Podcasts app (duh) and go to a podcast. Look in the lower left-hand corner for an icon that looks like a speech bubble with a quotes symbol inside. Tap on it.

This opens Apple’s automatically generated podcast transcript. And it opens exactly where you are in the podcast, with the current sentence highlighted.

The highlighting follows along in the transcript as you listen to the podcast. Or you can tap on a section of the transcript to jump to that portion of the audio, as previously noted.

Use your finger to drag the text upward and it’ll expand to fill the screen. A Search button also appears.

The audio controls stay on the screen when the text first appears, but if you scroll down they’ll disappear. Scroll up to bring the controls back. Or just wait a bit — they come back on their own.

Tap the icon in the lower left-hand corner of the screen again to close the transcript.

Computer-generated podcast transcripts

Transcripts are automatically generated after a podcast is published. Apple warns there will be “a short delay while we process your transcript.”

And these won’t be only for new episodes. Apple says podcast transcripts for back-catalog episodes are being added over time.

The text versions are created with voice-recognition software, but in my experience are quite accurate. That said, mumbled words or ones covered with background noise get left out.

Happily, the feature is available in a range of languages beyond English. Also available are French, German and Spanish. But this isn’t a translation service — you only get a Spanish-language transcript for a podcast that’s in Spanish, for example. That said, you can copy the text into your favorite translation app if you wish.

Now part of iOS 17.4 and coming to macOS 14.4

The feature is included in iOS 17.4. All iPhone users who install the OS update can read Apple’s new podcast transcripts. The same goes for iPadOS 17.4.

In addition, transcripts for Apple Podcasts will arrive in macOS 14.4 Sonoma. That’s not out yet, but is expected in mid-March.



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