Samsung has released an update to the SmartThings app for Android. It bumps the app’s version to 1.8.13.22 and brings three new features: A new app icon, a 3D map of your house showing all your smart home devices on it, and an indicator on your smart home products if there’s a firmware update available for them. Below is the official changelog for your reference.
The SmartThings brand logo has changed
The 3D Map View makes it easier to see your home’s status
A Smart Home device update badge has been added
New SmarThings app icon lacks themed icon support
The icon you got with the older version of the SmartThings app had a white background with a figure painted in a blue gradient representing two smart home devices connected directly to a hub and two smart home products connected indirectly to the hub. The icon you get with the latest version of the app has a blue background and a figure painted completely in white representing five smart home devices connected directly to a hub.
Old SmartThings App Icon
New SmartThings App Icon
While the new app icon looks more sophisticated, there’s an issue with it, and that is, it isn’t adaptive or doesn’t support theming. That’s right. This version of the SmartThings app doesn’t have support for themed icon. The older version of the app did. As a result, it will not adapt to the system color or theme. Instead, it will retain the blue background no matter which color or theme you apply, standing out like a sore thumb.
Version 1.8.12.21 – Themed Icon Support
Version 1.8.13.22 – No themed Icon Support
I’m assuming that Samsung hasn’t made the icon adaptive as the company has just updated it, and I expect the brand to fix this issue with the next update to the app.
See your smart home devices on a 3D map of your house
Moving on to the 3D map view, the latest version of the SmartThings app allows you to create a 3D map of your house and place smart home devices in it, which gives you a better overview of your smart home products and makes it easier for you to control them.
The new feature can be accessed by clicking on the 3D-looking home icon at the top-right corner of the screen. The app gives you three options to create a 3D map: ‘Take a picture of your floor plan,’ ‘Freehand draw,’ and ‘Arrange rooms and walls.’
Easier to know if a software updates is available
Coming to the last feature, the latest version of the SmartThings app for Android shows an indicator on a smart home device if there’s a software update available for it. At least that’s what I’m assuming the new feature does going by the changelog. However, I wasn’t able to check out this feature as I don’t have any smart home devices at my home.
It is worth pointing out that the latest update for the SmartThings app for Android is available only through Google Play Store and not Galaxy Store, which is kind of weird because anyone would expect a new update for an app from Samsung to first become available on the company’s app marketplace rather than on a third-party app marketplace.
Samsung’s latest AI-friendly Galaxy Book4 lineup has already launched alongside an official site detailing the devices’ features. But one particular screenshot seems to have prematurely revealed some Windows Copilot features in particular.
We can reasonably assume that there will be connectivity between Microsoft‘s AI assistant and Galaxy phones, with the promotional image showcasing Copilot’s capabilities in this regard including using apps, summarizing texts, and sending messages directly from your computer.
(Image credit: Samsung)
There are several word prompts in the screenshot that reveal what you can do like ask for reminders about recent messages, copy links from messages, reply to previous messages, grab email addresses, find contacts, or draft emails for quotes. And, according to the official site, these features will be coming to Galaxy Book4 series devices in Spring 2024.
This leak matches with the Samsung Galaxy Book4, as the lineup comes equipped with a dedicated Copilot key which Microsoft has been pushing for all upcoming Windows devices to have. But we’ll be certain to learn more about Copilot with Galaxy Book4 (and likely other laptops) during the Microsoft March 21 event.
Can Microsoft make Copilot work?
Microsoft is still devoted to implementing AI in its Windows laptops and desktop PCs on a grand scale by using Copilot as the catalyst. While some of these features are useful, AI is a bandage being laid on the massive fissure that makes up Windows 11 issues.
Though it’s approaching a solid OS thanks to constant updates, there’s no real incentive for Windows 10 users to make the upgrade. This means the overwhelming amount of users are still on an OS that won’t have the full Copilot suite. Currently, the user base for Windows 10 is at 67.23% while Windows 11 only has 28.18%, which is a serious problem as Microsoft needs a far higher user base on Win11 to successfully pull off its AI plans.
We’ll have to wait and see if the Copilot strategy will pan out for Microsoft or if the AI assistant will go the way of the original Clippy – which would admittedly be pretty entertaining if it did.
Samsung has launched its 2024 midrange phone lineup, which combines weaker specs and feature sets with more alluring prices than its flagship handsets. The Galaxy A55 and A35 have 6.6-inch Super AMOLED displays. For the first time in its budget handsets, the company included Knox Vault, a walled-off security section that debuted in the Galaxy S21.
Both Android 14-running phones have FHD+ (2220×1080) displays (374 pixels per inch) and variable refresh rates up to 120Hz. Like last year’s Galaxy A54, both include Samsung’s Vision Booster feature, which adjusts the screen’s tone mapping based on ambient lighting conditions. Their 6.6-inch diagonal measurements (not accounting for rounded corners) are a slight bump up from the A54’s 6.4 inches.
Samsung’s official materials didn’t list the phones’ processors, but Android Police reports the A55 uses an Exynos 1480, while the A35 settles for a slower Exynos 1380. RAM comes in different configurations: 8GB or 12GB in the A55 and 6GB or 8GB in the cheaper A35. Your storage options are 128GB or 256GB in each handset, but only the A55 has a microSD card slot.
Galaxy A35 (Samsung)
In addition to performance, cameras will be one of the primary differences between the two phones. The pair has three rear cameras, each with a 50MP main camera and a 5MP macro lens. But the more expensive A55 uses a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, while the A35 has a more pedestrian 8MP ultra-wide lens. In addition, the A55 has a 32MP front-facing camera, compared to the A35’s 13MP front shooter. Both use optical image stabilization (OIS) and video digital image stabilization (VDIS) to offset camera shake.
Unsurprisingly, neither phone appears to include the generative AI features Samsung uses to differentiate the Galaxy S24 series (and older flagships, via software updates). The closest you may get in this price range is the company’s “advanced AI Image Signal Processing (ISP)” for better photography in low-light conditions, included only on the A55.
Samsung didn’t list the phones’ build material in its press release and official specs, but Android Police says the A55 is the company’s first midrange phone with a metal frame. (Last year’s Galaxy A54 used plastic.) Engadget reached out to Samsung to clarify, and we’ll update this article if we hear back.
The handsets each have a 5,000mAh battery. Samsung estimates two days of battery life, but this could vary greatly depending on usage.
US pricing and launch dates aren’t yet available. However, Samsung says the A55 will start at £439 (US$562) in the UK, while the A35 will begin at £339 ($434). Samsung lists a March 20 release date for both handsets in the UK.
Apple just dropped iOS 17.4, bringing a plethora of new features — some of which fundamentally change how the iPhone works.
The biggest point update to iOS 17, iOS 17.4 comes almost six months after the operating system’s initial release. It enables support for third-party app stores, browsers and payment apps on the iPhone. The bummer? These major changes are only coming to the European Union. Still, there are a lot of new iOS 17.4 features that will enhance the experience of every iPhone user.
All the new iOS 17.4 features
Apple crammed iOS 17.4 with features and significant changes. Many of them result from the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which goes into effect soon, forcing Apple to make some fundamental changes to its mobile OS.
If you want to try the new iOS 17.4 features, first you need to install iOS 17.4 on your iPhone from Settings > General > Software Update.
EU-specific changes
NFC access to third-party payment apps
Apple is opening the iPhone’s NFC chip to third-party payment and banking apps in iOS 17.4. So, for the first time, iPhone users in Europe can use a non-Apple Pay payment service to make contactless payments in-store.
You can set a default payment app from the Settings menu. iOS 17.4 will also show the apps granted access to the NFC chip for contactless payment.
Third-party browser engines
Another significant EU-specific change in iOS 17.4 is support for third-party browser engines. While Chrome, Firefox and Edge are available for iOS, they use the same WebKit rendering engine as Safari due to the platform’s restrictions.
With iOS 17.4, Apple is opening its mobile platform to third-party browser changes.
Third-party app stores
Sideloading applications onto an iPhone comes with a lot of rules. Photo: Apple/Cult of Mac
iOS 17.4 paves the way for third-party app stores and sideloading on the iPhone, at least in the European Union. Apple was against the iPhone sideloading provision in the EU’s Digital Markets Act. But since it lost, the company has no option but to adhere to the changes.
So, with iOS 17.4, the company is opening iOS to third-party app stores and sideloading. In typical Apple style, though, there are a lot of restrictions and clauses here. Apple must approve every app before it is available for sideloading. And developers can only offer them for download through alternative app stores. (Some developers lashed out at Apple’s onerous rules as “malicious compliance” with the EU’s new rules.)
EU developers are free to use non-Apple in-app payment systems in their apps. These changes might not be visible immediately after iOS 17.4’s release, but developers should quickly adopt them.
Developers in the EU have the option of adopting Apple’s new business terms. Under this, they will have to pay 0.5 euros per user per year, with no other fees applicable. The first million installations will be free. You can find more information about this in Apple’s announcement from January 2024.
iOS 17.4 enhancements for everyone
Stolen Device Protection improvements
iOS 17.4 improves the iPhone’s Stolen Device Protection feature with an “Always” security delay for changing the security settings. (On iOS 17.3, you could change the security settings on your iPhone after an hour from unfamiliar locations.)
While small, the change will help keep your Apple account and iPhone secure in case of theft.
Messaging with Siri
iOS 17.4 renames Siri’s “Automatically Send Messages” feature to “Messaging with Siri.” More importantly, you can specify multiple languages in which Siri can send messages. Apple’s voice assistant was previously limited to sending messages in English.
Transcript support in Podcasts
Apple Podcasts transcripts Photo: Apple
iOS 17.4 introduces automatic transcript support in Apple’s Podcasts app. When playing a podcast, you need to tap the first icon at the bottom from the left, which looks like a speech bubble within quotes. The show’s transcript should then appear on your iPhone’s display.
You also can search through the transcript to directly jump to that part of the podcast.
Emoji 15.1
Apple is adding 118 emoji from the Emoji 15.1 release to iOS 17.4. They include a phoenix, a lime and smileys shaking their heads up and down.
The new emoji could help you express yourself better when talking to friends or family.
Enjoy these new emoji on your iPhone after updating to iOS 17.4. Photo: Emojipedia
Fortified iMessage security
iMessage will gain post-quantum cryptography (PQC) security in iOS 17.4. This won’t affect your ongoing conversations in the Messages app. But once you and your friends’ iPhones are on iOS 17.4, a cutting-edge security protocol will protect all your texts.
Revamped Battery Health menu
With iOS 17.4, the iPhone 15 will get a revamped Battery Health menu, showing the battery’s condition as “Normal” if its capacity is not a concern. Tapping on this menu will provide more detailed information, like the cycle count and capacity percentage.
Previous models will stick to the older menu, requiring you to head inside the Battery Health submenu to know the cell’s condition.
Cloud-based game services on the App Store
Apple is changing its stance on cloud gaming services with the release of iOS 17.4. The company will allow game streaming apps like Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming to launch dedicated apps on the App Store.
Apple previously limited such services from displaying their game collections through the iOS web browser.
Virtual card number in Apple Cash
iOS 17.4 brings a new feature to the Wallet app: the ability to create a virtual debit card number for Apple Cash. This is a convenient option for making secure payments online or in stores where Apple Pay isn’t accepted.
Using a virtual card number prevents you from sharing your actual card details for added security.
Disable Hand gesture reactions in third-party apps
Apple is introducing a new API in iOS 17.4 that will allow developers to turn off the hand gesture reactions in their video calling apps. Starting with iOS 17, you could make certain hand gestures to trigger reactions while on a video call, whether on FaceTime or third-party apps. Since there was no way to turn off each gesture reaction, many iPhone users inadvertently triggered them.
An API in iOS 17.4 will fix that, allowing developers to turn off each gesture individually.
iOS 17.4 release notes
You can find Apple’s official iOS 17.4 release notes highlighting all the changes below.
Emoji
New mushroom, phoenix, lime, broken chain, and shaking heads emoji are now available in the emoji keyboard.
18 people and body emoji add the option to face them in either direction.
Apple Podcasts
Transcripts let you follow an episode with text that highlights in sync with the audio in English, Spanish, French and German.
Episode text can be read in full, searched for a word or phrase, tapped to play from a specific point and used with accessibility features such as Text Size, Increase Contrast and VoiceOver.
This update includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:
Music recognition lets you add songs you have identified to your Apple Music Playlists and Library, as well as Apple Music Classic.
Siri has a new option to announce messages you receive in any supported language.
Stolen Device Protection supports the option for increased security in all locations.
Battery Health in Settings shows battery cycle count, manufacture date, and first use on iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models.
Call Identification displays Apple-verified business name, logo and department name when available.
Business updates in Messages for Business provide trusted information for order status, flight notifications, fraud alerts or other transactions you opt into.
Apple Cash virtual card numbers enable you to pay with Apple Cash at merchants that don’t yet accept Apple Pay by typing in your number from Wallet or using Safari AutoFill.
Fixes an issue where contact pictures are blank in Find My.
Fixes an issue for Dual SIM users where the phone number changes from primary to secondary and is visible to a group they have messaged.
What are your favorite new iOS 17.4 features? Let us know in the comments below.
You can now check in with a friend or family member when you arrive at a destination. If you dillydally for some reason on the way to this destination, the system will try to check in with you. If you don’t respond, it will share location data, battery level, and cell service status with your loved one. Apple says this data is end-to-end encrypted. You can press the “+” sign to find this feature in an iMessage conversation, then tap More until you see Check In.
When someone shares their location with you in iMessage, you’ll now be able to see this directly in the conversation without having to leave the app. If they send an audio message, you’ll see the transcription immediately under it, which is handy if you can’t listen to it immediately.
As for FaceTime, you can now leave a video or audio message for anyone who doesn’t answer your call (about time!). FaceTime is also making its way to Apple TV, and you can use your iPhone as a camera. During the call, you can create augmented reality reactions, like confetti, hearts, or fireworks, with certain hand gestures. You know, in case the person is bored with your normal reactions.
Batch Edit Photos
If you want all your vacation photos to have the same look, you can now batch-edit a whole bunch of photos and videos in one fell swoop. To do this, open a photo in your Photos app and press Edit. Make the changes you want, then save the photo. Press the triple-dot icon on the top right and tap Copy Edits, then go to the next photo, tap the triple-dot icon, and press Paste Edits. Once you have copied edits, you can select any number of photos and paste them, giving a collection of photos a cohesive look immediately.
Sticker Mania
Apple is placing a big emphasis on Stickers in iOS 17, so much so that they’re now built into the emoji keyboard, making them more accessible in third-party apps. Last year’s iOS 16 brought the ability to cut out a subject from any image you capture by just tapping and holding it, and now you can turn these into your own stickers for big meme potential. You can add effects to these stickers and even create Live Stickers with Live Photos. Make embarrassing stickers of friends on demand. Truly, we’re on the best timeline. With iOS 17.2, you can also react to individual message bubbles with a sticker.
iPhone on StandBy
Google Pixel phones have a feature that turns them into a smart display when placed on one of Google’s wireless chargers. Apple is going even further with StandBy. This enables any iPhone to turn into a more useful display while charging in landscape mode. You can have it show the clock (with different clock designs available), photos from your library, or interactive widgets. If you specifically place it on a MagSafe charger, your iPhone will remember your preferred view. Be sure to check out our Best Apple 3-in-1 Chargers guide if you want to take advantage of this feature.
Before iOS 17.1, anyone using an iPhone with an Always-On Display (iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max) would have to tap the screen whenever they want to turn the feature off. The latest update adds a bit more customization. When you head to Settings > StandBy > Display, you can choose between Automatically, which will turn the display off when the iPhone isn’t in use and the room is dark, After 20 Seconds, or Never.
Better Autocorrect
Do you late hate Apple’s autocorrect? You’re not alone. The company is finally making it better. Autocorrect now uses a “transformer language mode” for better word prediction. It corrects more types of grammatical mistakes than ever before, and you can see predictive text recommendations as you type (you can disable this feature with iOS 17.2), just like what you’ll find using Gmail’s Smart Compose. These improvements also extend to voice dictation, which uses a new speech recognition model that purportedly makes it more accurate.
New Communication Safety Features
Photograph: Apple
Apple’s Communication Safety feature, which helps prevent kids from seeing nude images in iMessage, has expanded its reach in iOS 17. Now, it brings these protections to other services and apps in iOS, from AirDrop and Contact Posters to FaceTime messages and Live Stickers. It works with video content too. Adults can also take advantage of the feature, as it can blur sensitive videos and photos and let you choose whether to view them. Apple maintains that all image and video processing for these protective features happens on your device, and nothing is sent back to Apple.
AirDrop Transfers
If someone is sharing high-res media with you and it’s going to take some time to transfer, you don’t need to stand next to them and wait for the transfer to complete. You can step away and the files will be sent over the internet.
Catch-Up Arrow
When you join a chat with dozens of new messages, you’re now able to tap on a new “catch-up arrow” to jump to the first new message. That way, you don’t have to spend time scrolling to find it.
iMessage Contact Key Verification
Apple originally announced this feature last year, and it’s finally here. With Contact Key Verification you have the option to verify who you’re messaging to avoid communicating with someone impersonating a friend or family member. Users will receive a Contact Verification Code they can then cross-reference with the person they’re texting to make sure the codes match.
A New Journal App
Photograph: Apple
There’s a new app as of iOS 17.2 called Journal, and as the name suggests, the idea is to write down your thoughts and memories. You can add photos, audio recordings, and music to your journal entries and even make goals. Apple says Journal uses on-device machine learning to suggest moments to write about during your day. You can read more about it here.
Enhanced AutoFill for PDFs
If you’re frequently working in PDFs, you’ll be excited to use this feature. The software uses machine learning to identify the fields in a PDF so you can quickly add details, and the Notes app now lets you organize, read, annotate, and collaborate in PDFs too.
Health App
Apple is letting you log your daily moods in the Health app, with access to depression and anxiety assessments typically found in clinics (and other resources). Also, if you are using Apple’s Screen Time feature for your kids, there’s now a Screen Distance tool that will use the TrueDepth camera to encourage children to move further away if they are holding the phone closer than 12 inches from their face for an extended period. Apple says this can help lower the risk of myopia and reduce digital eyestrain in adults. Additionally, the Health app is finally available on the iPad. When you update to iOS 17.2, you can use Siri to ask Health app-related questions like “What’s my blood oxygen?” or “How much have I slept this week?”
Hotel AirPlay
Apple is bringing AirPlay to hotel rooms. You can just scan a QR code from the TV to share videos, photos, and music from your device to the big screen. Apple says it’s starting with brands from IHG Hotels & Resorts.
Photograph: Apple
Apple Music
In addition to songs, you can now “favorite” albums and playlists. You’ll then have the ability to filter those favorites based on category.
With iOS 17.2, any songs you “favorite” will also be added to a Favorites playlist. There’s also a new Focus Filter that will automatically turn off Listening History. That way, you don’t have to worry about certain songs appearing in Recently Played or impacting future song recommendations. It’s a useful feature if you’re often using the Music app to play songs for your kids and don’t want to mess up your algorithm.
macOS Sonoma 14.4 brings in a couple of nice tweaks. Photo: Apple
The wait is over for macOS Sonoma 14.4, with the new version going out a bit sooner than expected. It brings in new emoji plus auto-generated transcripts in the Apple Podcasts app.
watchOS 10.4 also went to all users on Thursday, as did tvOS 17.4 and visionOS 1.1.
macOS 14.4 Sonoma reflects a focus on iOS 17.4
While macOS Sonoma 14.4 includes new features, it’s a fairly modest update. This is at least partially a result of Apple’s need to bring truly significant changes in iOS 17.4 and the iPadOS equivalent to comply with a new European Union law, likely taking up much of the company’s attention.
With the release candidate going out Monday, the final version was expected in mid March. But it is instead available for all compatible Mac models now.
Apple’s macOS 14.4 release notes:
macOS Sonoma 14.4 introduces new emoji as well as other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Mac.
Emoji
New mushroom, phoenix, lime, broken chain, and shaking heads emoji are now available in emoji keyboard
18 people and body emoji support facing the opposite direction
This update also includes the following improvements and bug fixes:
Podcasts Episode text can be read in full, searched for a word or phrase, clicked to play from a specific point and used with accessibility features such as Text Size, Increase Contrast, and VoiceOver
Business Updates in Messages for Business let you get updates that you’ve opted into, like order status, flight notifications, fraud alerts or other transactions from trusted businesses
Safari Favorites Bar adds an option to show only icons for websites
Don’t forget watchOS 10.4 and visionOS 1.1.
Apple Watch users are getting some tweaks in watchOS 10.4, too. The release notes mention that “Tap to Show Full Notification setting now allows you to double tap to expand the notification .”
New generative AI features are expected to be a highlight of iOS 18, and a skilled artist created a concept video that presents an early look at how they might work.
The video also shows other suggested upgrades, like bringing Split View — Apple’s multitasking feature that lets two apps appear side by side on iPad (and Mac) — to the iPhone.
iOS 18 concept video shows the potential of generative AI
We don’t need to depend on leaks or rumors to learn that Apple has big plans for artificial intelligence — the head of the company flat-out said so. “I think there’s a huge opportunity for Apple with GenAI and AI,” CEO Tim Cook said in February. “We’re excited to share the details of our ongoing work in that space later this year.”
On the assumption that the iPhone will be the main beneficiary of these new capabilities, Kevin Kall, aka the Hacker 34, dreamed up multiple ways to integrate AI into the operating system. Then Kall created an iOS 18 concept video to show them off.
“Engage with Siri like never before. Now integrated into every app, Siri becomes your on-demand assistant for generating text and images, making your interactions seamless and more intuitive,” says Kall’s description of his creation. “Introducing a novel way to edit your photos — using just your voice. Command your iPhone to adjust, filter, or crop your photos, offering a hands-free approach to perfecting your images.”
Watch the iOS 18 concept video:
Over the years, the artist built a collection of concepts depicting future Apple devices. These always stay grounded in what’s really possible and don’t include tech that won’t be available for a decade or more.
Other possible new iPhone features
Generative AI features aren’t the only suggestions in Kall’s iOS 18 concept video. Others include carrying Split View over from iPadOS to iPhone. This would allow two applications to appear side by side, an arrangement that seems practical on a huge display like in the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 lineup reportedly will bring even larger screens, among other improvements.
(Incidentally, iOS concept creators have been toying with the idea of adding Split View to the iPhone for years. We’ve seen concepts pitching the feature in iOS 13, iOS 14, iOS 15 and iOS 17.)
Kall’s other suggestions include making the iPhone Control Center more editable and adding custom lock screen buttons.
We’ll discover whether any of the features from the concept video make it into iOS 18 when Apple unveils it — almost certainly at WWDC24 in June.
Apple’s latest software update, iOS 17.4, is now rolling out to iPhones, bringing with it a suite of enhancements designed to improve your experience, security, and the overall functionality of your device. If you’re curious about what this update entails, you’ll be pleased to know we’ve got the inside scoop in a new video from iReviews, breaking down the new features and changes that are sure to make your iPhone usage more efficient and secure.
First off, let’s talk convenience. App Store Purchase History is a game-changer for those who like to keep tabs on their digital spending. This new functionality allows you to easily access a record of your purchases right from the App Store. Whether it’s apps, subscriptions, or books, you can now search and filter your history by name, price, order ID, and even date range. No more digging through email receipts to track down your past transactions.
Security takes a significant leap forward with the introduction of Enhanced iMessage Security with PQ3. This new messaging protocol fortifies the privacy of your conversations, making them more secure than ever. In a world where digital privacy is paramount, this update is a reassuring step towards safeguarding your personal messages from unwanted eyes.
For Apple Cash users, the introduction of Virtual Card Numbers is a notable advancement. This feature allows you to generate a virtual card number for your Apple Cash Card, making it possible to use your balance in places where Apple Pay isn’t accepted. It’s akin to having a digital debit or credit card, expanding the versatility of Apple Cash for everyday transactions.
Music lovers have something to cheer about too. With Music Recognition Sync with Apple Music, songs identified using the built-in music recognition feature will automatically be added and synced to your Apple Music playlist and library. This seamless integration ensures that your musical discoveries are never lost and are always at your fingertips.
Siri’s capabilities have been broadened with Multilingual Support. Siri can now read and send messages in multiple languages, not just English. By adding languages in the settings, you unlock the ability for Siri to interact in those languages, making it an invaluable tool for multilingual users or those learning a new language.
Battery health is crucial for the longevity of your device, and the new Battery Health Details section offers deep insights into your battery’s condition. This includes information on maximum capacity, cycle count, manufacture date, and first use date, giving you a comprehensive view of your battery’s health and helping you make informed decisions about device maintenance or replacement.
The update also brings an improvement to Stolen Device Protection, allowing users to set a security delay always, not just when the device is away from familiar locations. This enhancement bolsters your device’s security, offering peace of mind in the unfortunate event that your iPhone is lost or stolen.
For users in the EU, iOS 17.4 introduces compliance with EU regulations by supporting Side Loading and Game Streaming Services. This marks a significant shift, offering EU users more flexibility and choice in how they install apps and access game streaming services directly from the App Store, though these features are currently exclusive to the EU.
Lastly, the Podcast App now includes transcriptions for podcasts, a feature that will delight podcast enthusiasts. This addition enables you to search for words within the transcription and navigate through the results easily, enhancing the usability and accessibility of podcast content.
iOS 17.4 stands out as a substantial update, with Apple continuing its commitment to enhancing user experience, security, and functionality. From convenient purchase history access and advanced messaging security to expanded financial and entertainment capabilities, this update caters to a wide array of user needs.
Whether you’re a long-time iPhone user or new to the ecosystem, iOS 17.4 offers something for everyone, reinforcing Apple’s position as a leader in innovative and user-centric software development.
Source & Image Credit: iReviews
Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News
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Apple’s iOS 18 and the iPhone 16 will come with Artificial Intelligence and now it looks like we have details on what Apple has planned for AI on the iPhone. This significant software release promises to be a game-changer, making your iPhone smarter and more intuitive than ever before. The video below from Max Tech gives us details on what to expect from iOS 18 and AI. If you’re curious about what’s in store, let’s delve into the details of this transformative update.
Central to Innovation: AI’s Role in iOS 18
Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, has shared that AI will be a cornerstone in the future of Apple products, particularly with iOS 18. This strategic move comes as Apple aims to stay competitive in the tech sphere, showcasing its prowess in AI technology. For those of you wondering how this impacts the iPhone, here’s what you need to know:
Enhanced AI Capabilities: The introduction of the A18 chip in the upcoming iPhone 16 models is expected to supercharge your device with advanced AI functions. Imagine having generative AI features at your fingertips, some of which might be exclusive to the latest models.
Siri Gets Smarter: Long criticized for lagging behind its rivals, Siri is set for a major overhaul. Apple plans to power Siri with large language models, transforming it into a more responsive and capable assistant. This revamp aims to elevate your interaction with Siri, making it more helpful in your daily tasks.
Introducing Apple GPT and Ajax: Apple is not stopping at just enhancing existing features. It’s reportedly developing its own generative AI tool, codenamed Ajax, trained on vast datasets to perform a variety of tasks like generating text, answering questions, and even creating media content directly on your device.
AI-Driven Features to Enhance User Experience
iOS 18 is not just about making your phone smarter; it’s about enhancing your experience across various applications:
Revolutionizing Photo Interaction: With AI improvements to the Photos app and device-wide search functions, finding specific content will become a breeze. Apple’s efforts in acquiring AI startups and developing new technologies underscore its commitment to making your photo library more searchable and interactive.
Generative AI for Creativity: For those who love to get creative with their photos, iOS 18 introduces AI-driven image editing tools. These tools will allow you to perform complex edits and manipulations through simple commands, opening up new possibilities for creativity.
Personalized Health and Wellness: A new iPad health app, codenamed Quartz, will leverage AI and data from your Apple Watch to offer personalized wellness coaching. From exercise and diet to sleep advice, this app aims to be your go-to for health and wellness.
Smarter Messaging: The Messages app will get an AI boost with features like autocomplete suggestions, question answering, and text summarization. These enhancements aim to make communication smoother and more efficient.
Creative and Developer Tools: Apple is introducing Key Framer, an AI tool for animating still images or creating GIFs from text prompts. Additionally, developers will benefit from AI tools designed to make coding more efficient, including code prediction and generation.
Groundbreaking Video Editing Technology: The introduction of Human Gajan Splats technology will allow for the separation and animation of humans in video scenes, offering new creative possibilities in video editing and content creation.
Apple’s iOS 18 update is poised to significantly enhance the user experience with its array of AI-driven features. From making Siri more powerful to introducing innovative tools for health, wellness, and creativity, iOS 18 demonstrates Apple’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology. As we anticipate the release of this landmark update, it’s clear that the iPhone is set to become an even more indispensable part of our lives, thanks to Apple’s commitment to innovation and its strategic focus on artificial intelligence.
Source: Max Tech
Image Credit: Andy Wang
Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News
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The world of video production is on the brink of a significant shift, thanks to the introduction of OpenAI’s SORA. This tool is designed to harness the power of artificial intelligence to assist in creating video content, potentially altering the traditional methods we’ve grown accustomed to. SORA offers a suite of features that not only simplify the production process but also make it more affordable. Let’s delve into the key aspects of this tool and what it means for the future of video creation.
At the core of SORA’s capabilities is its AI video generation feature. This feature enables users to produce videos with the assistance of artificial intelligence, which can streamline the creative process. Although SORA currently focuses on video, it is expected to integrate with audio generation tools in the future. This integration could provide creators with the ability to produce more dynamic and engaging audiovisual content.
One of the most impressive features of SORA is its ability to generate additional frames to extend videos. This means that creators can produce longer clips without needing extra footage. Additionally, SORA offers a looping function that is perfect for creating continuous backgrounds or display videos. These features are not only visually appealing but also help save costs in animation production, making high-quality video creation more accessible to those on a tight budget.
An in-depth look at OpenAI SORA
Check out the video low kindly created by AI Advantage featuring 10 OpenAI SORA features you might have missed in the original launch earlier this month. While SORA does not yet have post-generation editing capabilities, the potential for such features is clear. Tools like Runway ML’s multi-motion brush hint at what might be possible in the future. Furthermore, SORA’s story generation ability could enable creators to produce complex narratives and extended shots from simple text prompts, which could redefine storytelling techniques.
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As SORA continues to develop, it is likely to have a significant impact on the stock footage industry. By enabling the creation of custom video content at a lower cost, SORA could disrupt the current market, much like the early stages of GPT-3’s development suggested for text-based AI.
SORA is also exploring the simulation of 3D environments, which, when combined with technologies like GAN splatting, could lead to the generation of 3D models from video content. This advancement has the potential to open new possibilities in visual effects and virtual reality. Despite the reduction in production costs that AI video generation promises, the importance of human creativity and insight will continue to be vital, ensuring that artistry remains at the heart of video production.
10 interesting features of OpenAI SORA
Audio Generation Limitation: SORA initially generates videos without audio, highlighting a gap since audio represents a critical half of the audiovisual experience. This includes voices, sound effects, and ambient sounds that are essential for a complete film experience.
Solution to Audio Limitation: The release of a new sound generator by 11 Labs, capable of creating soundscapes from text prompts, suggests a potential integration with SORA to produce comprehensive audiovisual content, pointing towards future developments where video generators could be combined with audio generators for a full production suite.
Video Extending Capability: SORA can extend videos by generating new content that seamlessly transitions from an existing clip, a feature not previously possible, which could drastically change video editing by allowing for the extension of video clips from a static image or short video.
Video Looping Feature: It introduces the ability to create loops in video content, generating extra frames that allow footage to seamlessly loop, opening new creative possibilities and potentially changing the landscape of content like animated backgrounds or endless video loops.
Cost Reduction in Video Production: SORA dramatically reduces the cost and resources required to produce high-quality video clips and animations, making it accessible for smaller teams and individual creators to produce content that previously would have required significant investment.
Editability Challenges and Solutions: While SORA generates impressive video content, the issue of editability arises, especially in professional settings where client feedback is common. Emerging tools and techniques, like inpainting and detailed prompt engineering, hint at future capabilities for more granular edits and adjustments post-generation.
Prompt-Driven Story Creation: The ability to prompt entire stories into existence, creating complex narrative video sequences from a single text input, showcases the advanced narrative capabilities of SORA, pushing the boundaries of automated storytelling and content creation.
Enhanced Creativity in Video Editing Software: The unique features of SORA, like video extending and looping, are expected to become standard in video editing software, enabling creators to produce content with unprecedented ease and creativity.
Integration with 3D World and World Generation: SORA’s capabilities suggest potential applications in generating 3D worlds and environments, which could revolutionize the production of digital content, virtual environments, and potentially influence game development and simulation.
Future of AI in Video Production: The text emphasizes the rapid pace of development in AI-driven video production, suggesting that the combination of video and audio generation AI will soon offer a complete suite for creating detailed, high-quality audiovisual content, significantly impacting content creation, film production, and multimedia industries.
For those eager to see what SORA can do, a limited demo is available. This preview provides a glimpse into the current capabilities of the AI video generator and what the future of video production might look like.
OpenAI’s SORA is poised to enhance the creative process and reduce production costs in video production. With features ranging from AI-generated videos to the anticipated full audio integration, and from narrative creation to 3D world simulation, SORA is laying the groundwork for a significant transformation in the industry. As we anticipate new developments, it’s evident that SORA marks the beginning of an exciting new era in video production.
Filed Under: Guides, Top News
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