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iOS 17.5 will simplify submitting your iPhone for repair

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iPhone 15 Pro Max with no case, held aloft defiantly
iOS 17.5 will introduce a handy ‘Repair State’ option.
Photo: Lyle Kahney/Cult of Mac

A new feature in iOS 17.5 will allow you to submit your iPhone for repair without turning off Find My and Activation Lock. Apple has added a new ‘Repair State’ mode in iOS 17.5 beta 4 for this.

Currently, you must turn off the security feature on your iPhone before submitting it for repair. Failure to do so could prevent Apple technicians from repairing your device.

Submit your iPhone for repair with Find My enabled

Disabling Find My becomes even more complicated if you have Stolen Device Protection enabled. Due to the additional security measures, you cannot turn off Find My for an hour if your iPhone is not in a familiar location. This can be frustrating, especially when you are traveling and need to submit your device for repair urgently.

iPhone Repair State option in iOS 17.5
You can enable Repair State from the Find My app.
Screenshots: Rajesh Pandey/Cult of Mac

Apple aims to solve this problem with Repair State, allowing you to submit your iPhone with Find My enabled. A MacRumors report details how the feature will work.

To enable Repair State, you must remove the device from the Find My app. This will automatically bring up a prompt about enabling the feature. After this, you will have to enter your Apple ID login credentials and confirm your identity using Face ID or Touch ID.

Avoid enabling Repair State on your iPhone for now

Once enabled, your iPhone will show a “Ready for Repair” label, though it will remain usable. You can then submit the device for repair without issues. This will ensure you can track your iPhone’s location if it’s lost or misplaced during transit. A stethoscope icon in the Find My app will appear beside the iPhone in Repair State.

While you can Repair State on the latest iOS 17.5 beta, you should avoid doing so, as there is no way to turn off the security feature. Once enabled, only Apple technicians might be able to turn off Repair State after completing the repair.



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How to use Excel Copilot AI assistant to simplify complex tasks

How to use Excel Copilot AI assistant to simplify complex tasks

Microsoft has recently introduced a new feature in Excel that is set to change the way we interact with spreadsheets. This feature, known as Copilot, is an artificial intelligence (AI) tool and assistant that integrates seamlessly into Excel, offering users a more intuitive and efficient way to manage their data. As technology continues to advance, tools like Copilot are indicative of the direction in which software solutions are heading, aiming to make complex tasks more accessible to a broader audience.

To take advantage of Copilot’s full potential, users must have a Microsoft 365 subscription. The Copilot Pro subscription, in particular, unlocks a suite of advanced features designed to enhance productivity. It’s important to note that Copilot is not a standalone application; it works best when files are stored in OneDrive or SharePoint. Additionally, users must format their data into tables before Copilot’s algorithms can be applied effectively.

Microsoft 365

Copilot is integrated into Microsoft 365 in two ways. It works alongside you, embedded in the Microsoft 365 apps you use every day—Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and more—to unleash creativity, unlock productivity, and uplevel skills. Business Chat works across the LLM, the Microsoft 365 apps, and your data—your calendar, emails, chats, documents, meetings, and contacts—to do things you’ve never been able to do before. You can give it natural language prompts like “tell my team how we updated the product strategy” and it will generate a status update based on the morning’s meetings, emails, and chat threads.

Copilot in Excel

Imagine being able to interact with your data by simply asking for what you need in plain language. Copilot can handle a variety of requests, from calculating unique customer counts to adding profit columns, and from creating pivot tables to generating charts. This AI-driven approach is especially beneficial for those who may not be experts in Excel, as it simplifies the use of the program’s sophisticated features. Here are refuted example prompts you can try in Copilot Excel :

  • Give a breakdown of the sales by type and channel. Insert a table.
  • Project the impact of [a variable change] and generate a chart to help visualize.
  • Model how a change to the growth rate for [variable] would impact my gross margin.

Copilot in Excel works alongside you to help analyze and explore your data. Ask Copilot questions about your data set in natural language, not just formulas. It will reveal correlations, propose what-if scenarios, and suggest new formulas based on your questions – generating models based on the questions that help you explore your data without modifying it. Identify trends, create powerful visualizations, or ask for recommendations to drive different outcomes.

Here are some other articles you may find of interest on the subject of Microsoft Copilot AI assistant :

Getting Started with Excel Copilot

1. Requirements:

  • A Microsoft 365 subscription, either a family or a personal plan.
  • An additional subscription to Copilot Pro, granting access to Copilot features across various Microsoft applications including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook, along with benefits like using GPT-4 during peak hours and faster image creation with DALL·E 3.

2. Activation:

  • Navigate to the designated website, accessible via a link provided in the video description or a card in the video’s top right-hand corner.
  • Ensure your files are stored in OneDrive or SharePoint as Copilot functions exclusively with cloud-stored files.

Core Features of Excel Copilot

1. Data Analysis and Insights:

  • Formulas and Calculations: Automatically figure out and apply complex formulas based on natural language prompts, significantly reducing the manual effort required in formula creation.
  • Data Visualization: Generate charts and graphs to visually represent data, facilitating easier interpretation and presentation.
  • Highlighting and Sorting: Highlight cells based on specific criteria and sort/filter data seamlessly, enhancing data readability and organization.

2. Efficiency and Productivity Enhancements:

  • Column Addition: Effortlessly add new columns for calculated data, such as profit margins, by simply prompting Copilot with your requirements.
  • Data Conversion: Convert data ranges into tables with a single click, leveraging the advantages of Excel tables like banded rows, quick formatting, and easy data manipulation.
  • Learning and Suggestions: Receive prompt suggestions and sample queries to better engage with Copilot, making the tool accessible to new users and providing inspiration for complex data manipulation tasks.

Practical Applications

1. Simplifying Complex Tasks:

  • Excel Copilot can intuitively understand and execute complex data queries, such as identifying the number of unique customers or calculating total sales per customer, using natural language prompts. This significantly lowers the barrier for performing sophisticated data analysis.

2. Enhancing Data Presentation:

  • The ability to quickly generate and customize charts based on specific data points or trends allows users to present their data in a more impactful manner. Although some customizations may require manual adjustments, Copilot significantly accelerates the initial creation process.

3. Streamlining Data Management:

  • By automating the process of highlighting significant data points, such as high-value transactions, and performing conditional formatting, Copilot aids in quickly identifying key insights within large datasets.

4. Facilitating Advanced Analysis:

  • Copilot can handle requests to analyze data for seasonal trends or outliers, enabling users to identify patterns that may not be immediately apparent through traditional analysis methods.

Limitations and Considerations

While Excel Copilot heralds a new era of data interaction within Excel, it’s important to recognize its current limitations, such as the inability to perform certain customizations directly through AI prompts. Currently, it cannot change chart colors directly, and some power users might notice that its response times are slower than performing tasks manually. Additionally, the tool’s effectiveness is pendant upon clear and precise user prompts, and there may be a learning curve in formulating queries that yield desired outcomes. Despite these initial challenges, the future of Copilot looks promising. It is expected to continue improving and become an indispensable tool for Excel users of all skill levels.

Microsoft Copilot represents more than just a new feature in Excel; it is a step towards making data analysis more democratic and less daunting for users who may not have extensive experience with spreadsheets. As we continue to embrace technological advancements, Copilot is poised to play a significant role in reshaping our interactions with Excel and data management as a whole.

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Financial Apps and Tools to Simplify Your Life

 

Financial Apps

In our increasingly digital world, managing personal finances has evolved from the traditional paper-and-pencil methods to a more streamlined, tech-driven approach.

This shift has made it possible to turn what used to be an absolute chore into an efficient and, dare we say, enjoyable activity.

Let’s delve into how technology is transforming personal finance management, offering tools and apps that simplify and enrich our financial lives.

Embracing Digital Solutions for Financial Management

The influx of digital tools has revolutionized the landscape of personal finance management. Gone are the days when managing money meant hunching over ledger books, cutting coupons out of brochures, magazines and newspapers, or fussing over reams of paperwork.

Today, many computer software, online services, and smartphone apps bring financial management right to your fingertips. These tools automate repetitive tasks and provide valuable insights, helping you seriously cut expenses and boost investment returns.

Banking, for instance, has seen a significant transformation. Online and smartphone banking provides instant access to account information, facilitates electronic bill payments, and also allows remote check deposits.

This convenience, however, doesn’t come without risks. The digital realm is not immune to security threats, but these multi-layered security measures at many financial institutions offer a strong defense against potential breaches.

The Magnetic Appeal of Cashback Apps

Cashback apps deserve a special mention in the realm of financial tools designed to simplify your life. These apps, offering rewards for purchases made through them, are a smart way to earn back a portion of your spending.

It’s a win-win situation where you save money on purchases you would make anyway, adding an extra layer of efficiency to your financial management.

When choosing a cashback app, consider the following features to ensure it suits your lifestyle:

  • Compatibility with Your Lifestyle: Choose an app that aligns with your spending habits and the types of stores or services you frequently use.
  • Wide Range of Participating Venues: Look for apps that partner with many stores, gas stations, and restaurants. This variety increases the chances of earning cash back on your regular purchases.
  • Ease of Use: The app should be user-friendly, making it easy to find participating locations and track your cashback earnings.
  • Real Cash Back: Ensure the app offers actual cash back, not just points or complicated reward systems. The simplicity of receiving real money as a reward can be more straightforward and satisfying.
  • No Hidden Fees: Check if the app is free to use and doesn’t come with hidden fees or requirements.

By incorporating a cashback app into your daily routine, you can effortlessly earn rewards on purchases you’re already making, adding a layer of financial efficiency to your life.

The Rise of Specialized Financial Apps

Beyond basic banking, a world of specialized financial apps is designed to cater to various needs. Budgeting tools, for instance, have become indispensable for young adults.

Apps like Mint offer a user-friendly platform for tracking spending and savings, while Personal Capital provides a more comprehensive view, including net worth tracking and retirement planning.

Then there’s the innovative concept of micro-investing, where apps like Acorns simplify saving by rounding up your purchases to the nearest dollar and investing the change.

This effortless approach to saving is particularly appealing to those who find traditional saving methods daunting.

Simplifying Insurance and Health Care Management

Navigating the labyrinth of insurance and healthcare billing is another area where technology lends a helping hand.

Tools like Simplee Wallet aggregate information from various insurance and healthcare providers, offering a clear view of your coverage, deductibles, and medical bills.

This consolidation not only simplifies management but also aids in identifying potential billing errors.

The Role of Technology in Long-Term Financial Planning

Reflecting on long-term goals and planning for the future is another area where technology can be a valuable ally. Tools that assist in goal-setting and planning, such as personalized worksheets and apps, help clearly define and track long-term financial objectives.

These resources encourage proactive financial management, allowing you to envision and work towards a more secure financial future.

The Convenience of Peer-to-Peer Payment Platforms

The rise of peer-to-peer payment platforms like Venmo, PayPal, and Zelle has revolutionized how we handle money transfers. These services offer a convenient way to split bills, pay friends, or even make purchases, eliminating the need to carry cash.

Credit and Account Monitoring for Enhanced Security

In an era where data breaches routinely occur, credit and account monitoring have become more crucial than ever. Apps like CreditWise allow you to keep tabs on your credit score and receive alerts for any changes in your credit report.

These tools provide peace of mind and also help in the early detection of potential fraud, adding a layer of security to your financial ecosystem.

Moreover, innovative services like Charlie and Eno leverage AI to offer personalized financial insights. These platforms enable users to easily track their bank account balances for instant responses to finance-related queries, all through a friendly and interactive interface.

Robo Advisors for Accessible Financial Planning

For those beginning their financial journey or looking for affordable financial advice, robo advisors are a game-changer.

Services like Ellevest and Betterment use algorithms to provide investment recommendations, making financial planning accessible to a wider audience.

These platforms are especially beneficial for individuals who may not have substantial assets but still seek expert guidance on their financial journey.

Technology as a Financial Empowerment Tool

Integrating technology into personal finance management is about convenience and cost savings. But more importantly, it’s a shift toward empowerment.

By utilizing full spread of tools available, from banking apps to cashback apps, you’re simplifying your financial life and taking charge over your finances.

These tools offer tailored solutions for your individual needs and preferences, making financial management an accessible and, importantly, achievable goal for everyone.

In an age where time is a precious commodity, these technological advancements in finance are a great way to save money and time.

By harnessing the power of these tools, you free up space for the activities you love, turning financial management from a task into an opportunity for growth and personal development.

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Collaborating with Google Bard to Simplify Software Development

Software Development

The software development landscape is buzzing with advancements in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and automation. Developers, the tireless architects of our digital world, are constantly adapting to stay ahead of the curve. But what if there was a way to simplify their workload, streamline their processes, and unleash their creative potential? Enter Bard, the innovative coding companion poised to revolutionize software development in the coming year.

Bard: Beyond the Buzzwords

Bard is not just another buzzword, it’s a large language model developed by Google AI, trained on a massive dataset of text and code. This allows it to understand the intricacies of human language, the nuances of programming languages, and the complex logic behind software development. Unlike a simple code completion tool, Bard is a collaborative partner, a digital Sherpa guiding developers through the uncharted terrain of complex projects.

The Symphony of Collaboration

Imagine this: You’re stuck on a particularly thorny coding problem. Hours have been spent debugging, frustration mounts, and the deadline looms large. But then, you turn to Bard. You describe your issue in plain English, and Bard listens intently. It analyzes your code, suggests potential solutions, and even generates snippets of code to test. It’s like having a seasoned developer whispering wise counsel in your ear, guiding you towards the elusive solution.

This is the symphony of collaboration Bard orchestrates. It amplifies your strengths, filling in the gaps in your knowledge. It can:

  • Understand your requirements: Explain your project goals and Bard will grasp the core functionality, suggesting relevant libraries, frameworks, and best practices.
  • Debunk code gremlins: Stuck on a bug? Bard can analyze your code, point out potential errors, and even suggest fixes.
  • Generate boilerplate code: Free yourself from the tedious task of writing repetitive code. Bard can whip up scaffolding code, leaving you to focus on the core logic.
  • Offer diverse perspectives: Stuck in a coding rut? Bard can suggest alternative approaches, drawing inspiration from a vast repository of open-source projects and developer forums.
  • Write comprehensive documentation: No more scrambling to document your code. Bard can automatically generate clear and concise documentation, saving you precious time and ensuring project maintainability.

Beyond Bug Fixes: Unleashing Creativity

But Bard’s capabilities extend far beyond bug fixes and code completion. It’s a creative catalyst, pushing the boundaries of software development. It can:

  • Prototype rapidly: Need to test out a new idea quickly? Bard can help you build basic prototypes, allowing you to iterate and refine your concept before diving into full-fledged development.
  • Generate creative user interfaces: Stuck on a UI design? Bard can suggest innovative layouts, color palettes, and interactive elements, sparking your creative fire.
  • Write unit tests effortlessly: Dreading the drudgery of writing unit tests? Bard can automatically generate comprehensive tests, ensuring your code’s robustness and quality.
  • Collaborate with diverse teams: Bridge the communication gap between developers, designers, and product managers. Bard can translate technical jargon into plain English and vice versa, ensuring seamless collaboration.

The Future of Development: Humans and AI in Harmony

The rise of AI in software development doesn’t spell doom and gloom for human developers. Instead, it’s an opportunity to work smarter, not harder. Bard empowers developers, freeing them from the mundane and repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on the truly creative aspects of software development. It’s a symbiotic relationship where human ingenuity and AI’s processing power combine to build remarkable software experiences.

Embrace the Change: Preparing for a Bard-Powered Future

So, how can you, the developer, prepare for this AI-powered future? Here are some tips:

  • Embrace lifelong learning: As AI tools evolve, continuous learning becomes crucial. Stay updated on the latest advancements in AI and Bard’s capabilities to unlock its full potential.
  • Focus on soft skills: While Bard can handle the technical grunt work, strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills will remain vital in the human-AI development teams of the future.
  • Experiment and explore: Don’t be afraid to experiment with Bard’s features. Play around, push the boundaries, and discover how it can streamline your workflow and spark your creativity.

Summary

The year 2024 marks the dawn of a new era in software development, where humans and AI collaborate in a symphony of creativity and efficiency. Bard, the coding companion, stands at the forefront of this revolution, ready to empower developers and reshape the very fabric of how software is built. Embrace the change, explore the possibilities, and unlock the immense potential that lies at the intersection of human ingenuity and AI’

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