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Tag: Apple

  • Apple faces competition as Google releases Pixel 8 and AI-powered smartwatch

    Apple faces competition as Google releases Pixel 8 and AI-powered smartwatch

    The Apple iPhone 15 series now faces fresh competition as Google introduced its latest smartphone, the Pixel 8, on Wednesday, alongside a new smartwatch that seamlessly integrates advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology into its core consumer devices.

    The enhancements made to the Pixel phones, which are particularly popular among photography enthusiasts and those who prefer a pure Android experience, have the potential to make them more appealing to shoppers as they plan their holiday season purchases.

    Google has upgraded the Pixel lineup by equipping it with the Tensor G3 mobile processor, which includes native machine learning and generative AI models. These AI features can assist users in various ways, such as improving photography, summarising web content, and blocking unwanted spam calls. This announcement was made during the Made by Google event held in New York.

    Additionally, the higher-end Pixel 8 Pro now features a temperature sensor, and Google has applied for approval from the Food and Drug Administration to enable a thermometer app for measuring body temperature.

    The Pixel 8 is priced starting at $699, while the Pixel 8 Pro starts at $999, making it $100 more expensive than the previous generation models. Both models will be available for purchase starting on October 12th.

    At the event, Google emphasized its commitment to mobile AI, a direction that IDC analyst Ryan Reith noted could have a significant impact on the industry, especially in the US, if accompanied by strong marketing efforts.

    Notably, in the previous month, Apple launched a new series of iPhones that included improvements in design and performance but did not increase prices, reflecting the ongoing challenges in the global smartphone market.

    According to IDC, Google’s Pixel ranks 12th globally in terms of smartphone shipments, holding a 0.9 per cent market share. The largest market for Pixel devices is the United States, accounting for approximately 39 per cent of global shipments, followed by Japan at 29 per cent and the UK at 9 per cent.

    In addition to the smartphone and smartwatch announcements, Google also revealed plans to integrate generative AI capabilities into its virtual assistant, enabling it to assist users with tasks like trip planning and email management while also asking follow-up questions.

    Furthermore, Google introduced the Google Watch 2, an upgraded version of its first smartwatch released in October of the previous year. It is priced at $349 and comes with a digital crown and advanced health tracking features powered by AI.

  • Tesla CEO Elon Musk is buying an iPhone 15 due to its ‘incredible’ camera

    Tesla CEO Elon Musk is buying an iPhone 15 due to its ‘incredible’ camera

    Apple’s latest flagship, the iPhone 15, made headlines after its debut at the company’s Wonderlust event on September 12. It became available to eager customers on September 22, causing long queues at Apple stores worldwide. Billionaire Elon Musk has announced his intention to purchase the iPhone 15, a sentiment shared by many.

    Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share images featuring renowned photographers Stephen Wilkes and Reuben Wu. One image depicts the photographers presenting their work to Cook, demonstrating the limitless creative potential of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The vibrant photos capture breathtaking scenes, from the beauty of summer in Rhode Island to the otherworldly landscapes of Utah. Cook expressed his appreciation, saying, “Thank you for showing me your work.”

    In response, Elon Musk praised the iPhone’s incredible capabilities, stating, “The beauty of iPhone pictures & video is incredible.”

    Cook also shared images of Apple’s new product launches at the Fifth Avenue store in New York, celebrating the latest iPhone 15 family, the first carbon-neutral Apple Watch models, and the latest AirPods. Musk, impressed by these new offerings, exclaimed, “I’m buying one!”

    Musk’s announcement sparked curiosity among social media users. One person wondered about his choice of model and color, while another playfully questioned if he was buying a single unit or the entire company. Some users even joked about Musk promoting Apple products.

    Apple’s latest flagship, the iPhone 15, made headlines after its debut at the company’s Wonderlust event on September 12. It became available to eager customers on September 22, causing long lines at Apple stores worldwide. 

    Billionaire Elon Musk has announced his intention to purchase the iPhone 15, a sentiment shared by many.

    Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share images featuring renowned photographers Stephen Wilkes and Reuben Wu. One image depicts the photographers presenting their work to Cook, demonstrating the limitless creative potential of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The vibrant photos capture breathtaking scenes, from the beauty of summer in Rhode Island to the otherworldly landscapes of Utah. Cook expressed his appreciation, saying, “Thank you for showing me your work.”

    In response, Elon Musk praised the iPhone’s incredible capabilities, stating, “The beauty of iPhone pictures and video is incredible.”

    Cook also shared images of Apple’s new product launches at the Fifth Avenue store in New York, celebrating the latest iPhone 15 family, the first carbon-neutral Apple Watch models, and the latest AirPods. Musk, impressed by these new offerings, commented, “I’m buying one!”

    Musk’s announcement sparked curiosity among social media users. One person wondered about his choice of model and colour, while another playfully questioned if he was buying a single unit or the entire company. Some users even joked about Musk promoting Apple products.

    Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 series boasts four models: the iPhone 15, the iPhone 15 Plus, the iPhone 15 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus come in three storage options (128GB, 256GB, and 512GB) and five colours (pink, yellow, green, blue, and black).

  • iOS 17 update is here: Try these fun features today 

    iOS 17 update is here: Try these fun features today 

    In June, Apple unveiled its latest iOS update, iOS 17, packed with a multitude of enhancements and changes for the iPhone. Following an extensive three-month beta testing period, this highly anticipated software update is set to hit iPhones, specifically those iPhone XS or newer, on Monday, 18th September. 

    Here, we present an overview of the ten standout features that iOS 17 brings to the iPhone, along with a glimpse of additional forthcoming features. To get your hands on this update, keep an eye out for its release on Monday, accessible via your iPhone’s Settings app under General > Software Update. 

    1. StandBy: Glanceable charging screen 

    Apple introduces StandBy, a new full-screen view tailored for iPhones during charging, especially when placed on a nightstand, kitchen counter, or desk. It features customizable elements like clock styles, calendars, photos, weather forecasts, music controls, widgets, and more. This feature supports Live Activities, Siri, incoming calls, and larger notifications, and is compatible with the iPhone 14 Pro’s always-on display. 

    2. Personalised contact poster 

    iOS 17 empowers users to craft a personalised Contact Poster, visible when they receive an incoming call on someone else’s iPhone. This poster can showcase photos or Memojis, and users can personalise the font and background colours. The feature is accessible in the built-in Phone app and will extend to third-party calling apps. 

    3. NameDrop: Seamless contact sharing 

    NameDrop simplifies contact sharing by allowing users to exchange phone numbers or email addresses by merely bringing their iPhones close together. Additionally, Contact Posters can be shared during this process. 

    4. Live voicemail with real-time transcription 

    Live Voicemail offers real-time transcription on the screen as callers leave voicemails. Users can choose to answer calls while the message is being recorded. Notably, spam calls identified by carriers are instantly declined and not transcribed. 

    5. Inline replies in Messages app 

    In the Messages app, iOS 17 enables users to swipe right on any message for an inline reply, streamlining the conversation experience. 

    6. Interactive widgets for enhanced functionality 

    Interactive widgets are now available across the Home Screen, Lock Screen, and the new StandBy view. These widgets allow actions like marking reminders as completed, controlling media playback, and managing Home app accessories. As third-party apps adopt this feature, the possibilities will expand. 

    7. Advanced language model for word prediction 

    iOS 17 introduces a cutting-edge language model for word prediction, significantly improving autocorrection on iPhones. Users receive inline text recommendations as they type, facilitating quick word or sentence additions by tapping the space bar. 

    8. Enhanced Autocorrection design 

    Autocorrection in iOS 17 briefly underlines corrected words, simplifying the process of reverting changes. The system adapts to users’ typing habits over time, preventing some corrections for a smoother typing experience. 

    9. Offline maps in Apple Maps 

    Apple Maps now matches Google Maps with the ability to download maps for offline use. This feature permits turn-by-turn navigation, estimated arrival times, and finding locations without needing a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. 

    10. Stickers drawer for easy access 

    A new stickers drawer in iOS 17 provides convenient access to all stickers, including Live Stickers, emojis, Memojis, and iMessage sticker packs. Live Stickers can be created by touching and holding objects in photos. 

    11. Effortless Siri activation 

    Apple has simplified Siri activation across various Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, HomePods, and AirPods Pro. Now, instead of saying “Hey Siri,” users can simply say “Siri” to activate the voice assistant and issue multiple consecutive commands without repeating “Siri.” 

    With these exciting features, iOS 17 promises an enhanced and efficient iPhone experience, addressing user needs and preferences. 

  • Cracked iPhone 15 Pro’s glass? Here’s how much you’ll pay for repairs 

    Cracked iPhone 15 Pro’s glass? Here’s how much you’ll pay for repairs 

    The Apple iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max now boast a more repair-friendly internal design, featuring a redesigned frame that facilitates easy removal of the back glass panel from the devices. This modification initially debuted with the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus last year and has now been extended to this year’s Pro models. 

    At that time, reports indicated that the ability to remove the back glass would likely lead to significantly reduced repair costs for iPhone 15 Pro models with cracked back glass, particularly for customers without AppleCare+ coverage. This information has now been confirmed. 

    As reported by Ian Zelbo, Apple has updated its US website with the repair fees for iPhone 15 models, revealing that it will charge $169 (PKR 51,000) to $199 (PKR 59,000) to repair an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max with back glass damage. In comparison, these fees were set at $499 or $549 for the iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max. 

    Read more: Top 10 high-paying online jobs for introverts with anxiety

    These lower fees have also been confirmed by 9to5Mac. Customers who have AppleCare+ coverage for their iPhone can have their back glass damaged for just $29 (PKR 8,600). 

    In the US, Apple’s battery replacement fee remains unchanged at $99 for all four iPhone 15 models, consistent with the pricing for the iPhone 14 series. For additional iPhone 15 repair fees, such as for the rear camera or other types of damage, you can visit Apple’s website. 

  • Increase in organised retail robberies feared as iPhone 15 hits shelves

    Increase in organised retail robberies feared as iPhone 15 hits shelves

    As the highly anticipated release of Apple’s iPhone 15 approaches, mobile phone retailers are bracing themselves for a potential surge in organised robberies.

    Thefts involving groups of individuals targeting telecom stores, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as “steaming,” have become a growing concern in recent years. Shockingly, there were over 300 reported incidents of such robberies in telecom stores last year alone, with half of them occurring in the last three months of 2022, directly following an iPhone launch.

    Data published by the Crime Communications Strategy Group (CCSG) highlights this alarming trend. In response, Three UK is taking proactive steps to combat the rise in robberies by implementing watermarking technology in partnership with Selecta DNA and the National Business Crime Centre. This innovative approach involves placing unique codes on high-value products, enabling law enforcement to track stolen items more effectively.

    Mark Ward, Chair of CCSG, emphasises their commitment to this crime-fighting initiative, stating, “It’s a deterrent. We are going to have signs in our stores, and we are hoping that will deter people from taking them in the first place.”

    Read more: Here’s why you should think twice before buying the Apple iPhone 15

    Apple’s iPhone 15 is scheduled to hit the shelves on Friday, September 22, with the most expensive version carrying a hefty price tag of £1,199. The high value and desirability of these devices make them prime targets for thieves.

    Joel Thompson, store manager for Three UK’s flagship store in London’s Oxford Circus, shares a chilling experience: “The worst experience I had was when about four people came into the store, and you could see them really aggressively taking the phones.” He adds that this incident occurred while customers were browsing and that the thieves even threatened staff to step back and not intervene. Thompson also notes a concerning shift in the behaviour of these criminals, stating that they have become “more aggressive” over the years.

    Thompson raises a poignant question, wondering if the increase in these crimes could be connected to the broader cost of living crisis affecting many communities.

    According to Sky News, Paul Fagg, a police inspector with the National Business Crime Centre, sheds light on the impact of such incidents on victims and staff: “You have got a group of sometimes grown adults running into a store, threatening and intimidating [people]. We know firsthand the effect that has on the victim and the staff in that store. So we are very much trying to change the message and the mentality around the idea that business crime is   victimless crime.”

    Read more: Top 10 high-paying online jobs for introverts with anxiety

    While Three UK staff have been advised to step back during steaming incidents, smaller, independent phone shop owners are grappling with significant losses they cannot afford. Muhammad Fahad, the proprietor of Fone City Shop in St. Albans, experienced this firsthand when armed men entered his store earlier this year. He tried to resist but ultimately had to yield. “Basically, they took everything.”More than £10,000 worth of products,” Fahad recounts. He is still coping with the emotional and financial fallout, calling for increased police support to protect small businesses like his.

    As the launch of the iPhone 15 looms, retailers and law enforcement agencies are working together to deter and combat organised robberies. The watermarking technology, coupled with increased vigilance, aims to make these high-value products less appealing to thieves. However, it remains a challenging battle for businesses, especially smaller ones, to protect themselves from the growing threat of steaming incidents.

  • Here’s why you should think twice before buying the Apple iPhone 15

    Here’s why you should think twice before buying the Apple iPhone 15

    In 2023, Apple’s iPhone 15 lineup presents consumers with a challenging decision. Despite Apple’s claims of the iPhone 15 being a “significant leap,” the improvements over the iPhone 14 are subtle, and the iPhone 14 itself closely resembled the iPhone 13. 

    With a $200 (PKR 59,300), price difference between the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro, recommending the base iPhone 15 becomes a tough call. Here’s why:

    Display difference

    The iPhone 15 features a slightly updated display with a dynamic island cutout and improved brightness. However, the core display remains unchanged—it’s a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with the same resolution and a standard 60 Hz refresh rate. 

    This becomes a noteworthy drawback when compared to the 15 Pro’s impressive 120Hz LTPO OLED display, which also retains the exclusive Always-On Display (AOD) feature. Additionally, the 15 Pro sports slimmer bezels, enhancing its overall sleekness compared to the vanilla 15.

    Performance gap

    Under the hood, the iPhone 15 is powered by the A16 chipset, which is an evolutionary update over the A15 found in the previous two generations. It includes a 6-core CPU (2 performance and 4 efficiency cores), a 5-core GPU, and a 16-core neural engine. While it’s manufactured using a more advanced 4nm process compared to the older 5nm A15 in the iPhone 14, real-world performance gains, as seen in last year’s iPhone 14 Pro, are subtle at best.

    On the flip side, the 15 Pro introduces the groundbreaking 3nm Apple A17 Pro chip, a first in the market. It promises a 10% boost in CPU performance and a 20% improvement in GPU capabilities. Apple also aims to enhance gaming on the 15 Pro series with titles like Resident Evil Village and Assassin’s Creed Mirage, benefiting from hardware-accelerated Ray Tracing.

    RAM matters

    Notably, there’s a 2GB RAM difference between the base iPhone 15 and the Pro models. The iPhone 15 is equipped with 6GB of RAM, while the 15 Pro boasts 8GB. This discrepancy should result in better long-term support and multitasking capabilities for the Pro models.

    While the iPhone 15 enjoys a 48MP main camera sensor upgrade, the best camera features are reserved for the Pro models. The 15 Pro features a larger 48MP main sensor with advanced features like pre-binned pixels, a wider aperture, and superior stabilization. It also exclusively supports ProRAW image capture, maximising the sensor’s potential with Apple’s computational photography enhancements.

    Furthermore, the 15 Pro includes a telephoto module with 3x optical zoom, a feature missing from the vanilla iPhone 15. The Pro also offers versatile digital zoom modes for portrait shots, with the option to choose a default focal length. Selfies on the 15 Pro benefit from OIS on the 12 MP front-facing camera.

    Advanced capabilities

    The new A17 chip equips the 15 Pro models to capture impressive 4K 60fps video in ProRes RAW, along with support for the ACES colour profile and 3D spatial videos, enhancing compatibility with the Vision Pro headset.

    USB-C speed disparity

    Both models embrace USB-C, but the base iPhone 15 disappointingly retains USB 2.0 speeds, offering a maximum transfer rate of 480 Mbit/s. In contrast, the 15 Pro features a USB Type-C 3.0 connector, delivering speeds of up to 10 Gbps, more than 20 times faster. 

    This becomes particularly significant for transferring large video files and shooting 4K 60 fps ProRes videos directly onto an external SSD, a valuable addition for videographers. However, it’s worth noting that Apple supplies USB 2.0 Type-C cables with all new iPhone 15 models.

    If price plays a pivotal role in your decision, you can still opt for the iPhone 13, available from Apple at a reduced starting price of $599.

  • Woman swallows Airpods after mistaking them for this item

    Woman swallows Airpods after mistaking them for this item

    Tanna Barker, a resident of the US, accidentally swallowed one of her Apple Airpods after mistaking it for a vitamin tablet.

    According to Android Authority, she narrated the hilarious story in a TikTok video that went viral.

    She explains in the clip that the incident happened while she was out for a walk with her friend with whom she was having a conversation, and so, she took one of the airpods out of her ear to hear her friend more clearly.

    In between the walk and the talks, a distracted Barker decided to take her vitamins and put one of the airpods in her mouth, realising later that the vitamins were still in her hand.

    “Halfway through my walk, I decided to take my vitamins, so I put my vitamins in, took a drink, and I was like, man, those are stuck,” Barker told.

    “So I guzzled my water, kept on going, said bye to Kathleen, and went to go get my AirPods. And my pills were in my hand. I swallowed my AirPod,” she added.

    She contacted doctors and friends for advice right after. Everyone had one thing to say: let it pass naturally.

    According to Gulf news, a similar incident happened back in 2021 when another American woman gulped down an AirPod assuming it was a vitamin tablet.

    She even tested it after recording a voice note and capturing sounds that her stomach was making.

    A British celebrity, Kirstie Allsopp, also swallowed her AirPod with her vitamins, but she vomited it out instead.

  • Indian-made iPhone 15 units expected to reach Pakistan soon

    Indian-made iPhone 15 units expected to reach Pakistan soon

    Apple is expected to release iPhone 15 units manufactured in India for sale in India and other countries. This means that we might also see these made in India iPhones in Pakistan, as Pakistani mobile sellers import iPhones from various countries like China, Japan, Hong Kong, and the US. While these Indian-made iPhones may not arrive in Pakistan directly from India, they are likely to become available as they enter international markets.

    Unfortunately, there are no official Apple stores in Pakistan, and there are limited authorised Apple product sellers. It remains uncertain how many iPhones made in India will be available in Pakistan in the future, but as Indian iPhone production increases, we can expect to see more of them.

    Although the majority of iPhone 15 units will still come from China, Apple’s efforts to scale production in India are making progress, reducing its reliance on Chinese manufacturing. Apple began assembling previous iPhone generations in India in 2017 and has been producing flagship iPhones there since 2020. The company aims to increase its production in India from 7 per cent to 25 per cent by 2025. However, there may still be some delays due to logistical challenges.

    Closing the production gap between China and India is crucial for Apple, as it provides a reliable manufacturing alternative and helps the company comply with India’s Make in India law to avoid steep tariffs. This move also aligns with Apple’s strategy to navigate geopolitical issues and local labour disputes.

    Given recent Chinese nationalism, which encourages the use of domestic brands like Huawei, this shift in production location is timely. Despite their high cost and the requirement for PTA approval in Pakistan, Apple iPhones remain popular among those who can afford them.

  • iPhone 12 sales temporarily stopped in France

    iPhone 12 sales temporarily stopped in France

    This week, Apple revealed the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, however, only a few hours later, France announced a temporary stop on iPhone 12 sales in the country.

    France’s radiation watchdog (ANFR) released a public statement highlighting that iPhone 12 violates radiation levels, bringing this to Apple’s attention and calling for a halt on sales for iPhone 12 and provide a solution.

    “The French National Frequencies Agency (ANFR) is instructing Apple to withdraw the iPhone 12 from the French market as of September 12, 2023, after the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limit for this model was exceeded,” the French agency wrote in a statement. “ANFR enjoins Apple to implement all available means to rapidly remedy this malfunction. Failing this, Apple will be required to recall any units already sold.”

    According to TechCruch, this is not a big deal for a business as Apple can “roll out a software update to fix the issue”.

    It has been noted that France’s junior minister for telecommunications Jean-Noël Barrot giving an interview to Le Parisien regarding the matter is “interesting”.

    According to Next INpact, it is not new for ANFR to identify a device with a concern regarding radiation levels. It could be that the French minister is “using this opportunity to start a media campaign”.

    Moreover, as TechCrunch highlighted, Apple told Reuters and the AFP that the iPhone 12 has been deemed as compliant by international regulators. Also, it has “independent third-party lab results that show that it complies with all SAR standards around the world. The company plans to both contest the ANFR’s results and engage with the agency to find a way forward.”

  • iPhone 15 abandons lightning port for USB-C, complying with EU mandate 

    iPhone 15 abandons lightning port for USB-C, complying with EU mandate 

    Apple has officially revealed the iPhone 15 series, which no longer features the lightning charging port. This change was mandated by the European Union (EU). The tech giant announced this development during its annual event held on Tuesday, revealing that the iPhone 15 would adopt a USB-C cable as the new “universally accepted standard.”

    In addition to the iPhone news, Apple also introduced a new series of the Apple Watch, boasting a more advanced chip. However, some analysts noted that this year’s announcements lacked the usual “headline-grabbing” updates that Apple is known for.

    Ben Wood, an analyst from CCS Insight, commented on this, stating, “It isn’t a surprise given the maturity of the iPhone and Watch. It reflects just how refined the iPhone and Watch devices are and how tough it has become to deliver truly disruptive updates every year.”

    Apple did provide a solution for users with existing lightning port accessories by releasing a USB-C-to-lightning port adapter priced at £29 ($36). This adapter allows users to connect their legacy accessories to the new USB-C-enabled iPhones or iPads. Notably, this marks the first time since 2012 that an iPhone will feature an alternative charging port.

    The USB-C cable, already compatible with various Apple laptops and iPads, will also work with the new versions of AirPods Pro earphones and wired EarPods headphones.

    The EU had mandated that Apple transition away from its proprietary charging ports to simplify the lives of consumers, reduce costs, and promote the reuse of chargers to combat e-waste. However, some critics have voiced concerns about an increase in discarded cables in the future.

    In response to environmental considerations, Apple used its Tuesday launch event to make a series of commitments, including making the new Apple Watch range carbon neutral. They also pledged to increase the use of recycled materials in batteries and other components of the new Watch and iPhone.

    Furthermore, Apple confirmed its decision to cease using leather in any of its accessories and aims to become a carbon-neutral business by 2030.

    Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, touted the iPhone 15 as the “best and most capable iPhones we’ve ever made,” highlighting improvements such as brighter screens, enhanced camera systems, and a titanium frame for the high-end iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models.

    The Pro and Pro Max also feature an “action button” that can be customised for various functions. The new Apple Watch introduces gesture control, allowing wearers to answer or end calls with a simple double tap.

    Despite these enhancements, some experts questioned whether consumers would be willing to pay the high price tags for these devices, as they may not offer significant differences from their predecessors.

    The iPhone 15 starts at £799, while the iPhone 15 Pro begins at £999 in the UK.