Author: Daniel (The Tech Blog UK)
Apple has unveiled an affordable Apple Pencil, which is equipped with USB-C functionality. This iPad accessory is priced at $79 and includes a sliding cap to reveal the USB-C port. Furthermore, it has a magnetic attachment feature that allows it to cling to the side edge of various iPad models, including the 10th-generation version released last year. This lower price point, however, comes with some trade-offs in comparison to the more advanced first- and second-generation Pencils. Notably, it lacks support for features such as pressure sensitivity, wireless pairing and charging, and the double-tap function for tool switching. Nevertheless, it still…
Apple may surprise its fans with the announcement of three more gadgets just weeks after launching the latest iPhone. According to rumors, the tech giant is poised to reveal three new iPads, including an upgraded iPad Air, iPad Mini, and the standard iPad, as reported by Supercharged. Although there might not be substantial design differences, the key improvement lies in the enhanced internal chips, ensuring smoother performance, particularly for demanding tasks like gaming. Historically, Apple tends to introduce iPad updates shortly after a major iPhone launch, but not everyone is convinced it will happen this year. Another report suggests that…
Apple has asserted that the iPhone 12 remains safe for use, even in the absence of a software update. This statement comes after France temporarily suspended the sale of the iPhone 12 last month, citing concerns about potentially excessive radiation levels. Jean-Noel Barrot, a junior minister in the French government, had reported to Le Parisien that a radiation watchdog had identified a slightly higher “specific absorption rate” in the device, which relates to how the human body absorbs energy when exposed to radio frequency. Apple, however, has challenged these findings and maintained that the iPhone 12 is safe to use…
A fortunate group of WhatsApp beta testers received a delightful surprise this week as the company appears to be experimenting with an iOS app version optimized for the iPad. Version 23.19.1.71 of WhatsApp’s TestFlight app, as spotted by WABetaInfo, includes this new iPad-compatible app. Based on the screenshots available, the iPad app functions just as expected. You link it to your account by scanning a QR code, similar to linking on any other device. Your conversations are displayed on the left, and your current chat is on the right, essentially mirroring the iOS app, but with both panes visible simultaneously.…
Regions will receive notifications about transitioning to Digital Voice, following what BT refers to as “successful pilots” in Salisbury, Wiltshire, and Mildenhall, Suffolk earlier this year. The company has initiated contact with customers in the East Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, and Northern Ireland. This outreach will expand to encompass the entire UK in three phases: autumn 2023, spring 2024, and summer 2024. BT developed the Digital Voice service to replace its previous analog service. For the Digital Voice rollout, BT plans to contact customers at least four weeks before the switch takes place, ensuring they are prepared for the…
The iPhone 15 series shows the battery cycle count, helping users track the long-term “health” of the battery. Displaying this data is simple, though it’s somewhat hidden. In addition, it’s also possible to see when the device was manufactured and first activated. Batteries have a limited lifespan Diamonds are forever but batteries are not. Li-ion batteries in phones, laptops, etc., inevitably wear out. Each one comes with a limited number of times it can be charged and discharged. A very approximate range to expect is 300 to 500 charge cycles. But every time you plug in the device isn’t the…
It’s a new trick called Reactions that is available on FaceTime video calls.They’re animated effects that will only appear if you do the right hand symbol.For instance, you could send a flurry of hearts or a floating thumbs-up symbol.Once you work out how to do them, you’ll be able to activate them at a moment’s notice. To begin, ensure that you have iOS 17 installed on your device.iOS 17 is the latest update from Apple and is exclusively compatible with newer iPhone models.If you’ve purchased an iPhone in the past few years, you should meet the requirements.To verify its installation…
Spotify has been making significant strides in harnessing artificial intelligence tools recently. Notably, they’ve introduced an AI DJ that not only autonomously selects songs but also introduces them. Additionally, they’ve rolled out AI-powered translation features, enabling users to listen to podcasts in different languages with lifelike voices. The awaited Spotify HiFi tier, which was initially announced in early 2021, has been in development for quite some time. However, it has yet to materialize, sparking ongoing speculation. Leaked information now indicates that this upgrade will deliver 24-bit lossless audio quality, matching the high-quality offerings of competitors like Apple Music. Several streaming…
Snapchat Faces UK Data Watchdog Scrutiny Over AI Chatbot’s Privacy Implications for Children The UK’s data watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), has raised concerns about Snapchat’s AI chatbot and its potential privacy risks for users, particularly children. In a preliminary investigation, the ICO warned that it might shut down the My AI feature in the UK. This tool enables users to interact with a computer that mimics human conversation, powered by ChatGPT, an AI tool that offers lifelike responses. Snap, Snapchat’s parent company, was the first social media platform to introduce an AI-powered chat function. With 21 million UK…
Google has announced its commitment to provide seven years of Android updates for the Pixel 8 series, ensuring that the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will receive ‘the most recent operating system and security updates’ until 2030. The Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are set to receive an impressive seven years of software support, encompassing “OS, security, and Feature Drop updates.” This extended support means users can enjoy their devices until 2030 without worrying about outdated software. Google’s announcement states, “You’ll receive the latest OS and security updates for 7 years, along with helpful new features through…