Apple's Roadside Assistance via Satellite feature for iPhones is now live in the United Kingdom, based on a recent update to Apple's support documentation.
The quiet launch follows Apple's announcement during its iPhone 16 event in September that the feature would expand to the UK later in the year.
Roadside Assistance via Satellite enables iPhone users to contact breakdown services in areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. UK breakdown rescue service Green Flag has partnered with Apple to provide assistance to stranded motorists via the feature in areas with poor connectivity.
According to the updated support page, the service is available on a pay-per-use basis for those who are not Green Flag members, though specific pricing details have not been disclosed. Apple offers its satellite services, including Roadside Assistance, free for the first two years with the purchase of an iPhone 14 or later.
For Roadside Assistance via Satellite to work when outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, users need to be in an open area with a clear view of the sky and horizon, according to Apple.
To use the feature, open the Messages app and start a new message. Next, type "roadside" into the address field, and a "Roadside Assistance" option will appear. Tap on "Roadside Assistance" and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your iPhone to a satellite and request help.
The feature is compatible with iPhone 14 and newer models running iOS 17 or later. The UK expansion follows Apple's established partnerships with AAA and Verizon Roadside Assistance in the US.
The seventh-generation iPad mini's charging speed is capped at 20W, according to a Chinese regulatory filing.
The new iPad mini's charging speed has seemingly been confirmed through a China Compulsory Certificate (3C) certification report (spotted by 91Mobiles), revealing that the new model has the same charging specification as its immediate predecessor. According to the 3C certification, the seventh-generation iPad mini (model A2996) supports 20W "fast charging," using a 9VDC x 2.22A power output. This is the same wattage as the sixth-generation iPad mini, which also featured a 20W USB-C charger. The listing also mentions a 45W adapter, but the iPad mini's actual charging speed is capped at 20W. This limitation puts it behind several competitors in the market, such as the OnePlus Pad 2, which boasts 67W fast charging.
The 2021, sixth-generation iPad mini gained 20W charging thanks to the implementation of a USB-C port, 8W more than the fifth-generation iPad mini, which had a Lightning port. The iPad Air is similarly capped at 20W, but tests show that the iPad Pro can reach charging speeds of up to 30W. Apple's focus on optimizing long-term battery life may be one reason why charging speeds remain relatively conservative across its product lines. Faster charging can generate additional heat, which can reduce battery lifespan over time.
Apple secretly collaborated with Chinese automaker BYD to develop long-range electric vehicle battery technology as part of its now-nixed Apple Car project, according to Bloomberg.
Beginning around 2017, the partnership focused on creating a battery system using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells. The joint effort aimed to produce batteries with longer range and improved safety compared to typical EV batteries of the time. Apple reportedly brought expertise in advanced battery packs and heat management, while BYD contributed manufacturing know-how and advancements in LFP cell technology.
The collaboration was part of Apple's since-canceled car project, which the company invested approximately $1 billion per year in over the past decade. Although Apple doesn't own the technology used in BYD's current Blade batteries, the partnership reportedly influenced the development of BYD's battery systems.
The project is said to have been led by Alexander Hitzinger on Apple's side, with a team of about 50 battery engineers overseen by Mujeeb Ijaz. Michael He, vice president of BYD's battery business, led the efforts for the Chinese company.
Despite the years of collaboration, Apple eventually moved away from the partnership and explored systems from other battery makers. Apple ultimately canceled its car project in February 2024 after executives decided it was not a viable project.
While Apple's car ambitions didn't materialize, the battery development work reportedly contributed to other areas of the company's technology portfolio, including the Vision Pro headset and Neural Engine AI processor. Read our Apple Car roundup for more details about the canceled project.
For the last several years, Apple has been working to create its own 5G modem, with the eventual goal of eliminating the need to use third-party modem technology. Apple's 5G modem is inching closer to completion, and we could see the first iPhone with an Apple modem in 2025.
This guide covers everything we know about Apple's 5G modem development.
First Products With Apple's 5G Modem
Swapping out a modem chip might not sound like a big deal, but tweaking cellular technology can have a major impact. Apple has to make sure that its 5G modem is as good or better than 5G chips from its current modem supplier Qualcomm before transitioning to its own technology.
For that reason, we're expecting the 2025 iPhone SE 4 to be the first Apple device with the Apple-designed 5G modem. It is a lower volume device than a flagship smartphone, and it will let Apple see modem performance at scale in consumer hands before bringing the Apple modem to the main iPhone line.
According to current rumors, iPhone SE 4 will come out in early 2025, likely sometime before April. After Apple releases the iPhone SE 4 with Apple modem, we could see it in a second device as soon as September 2025.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that the ultra-thin iPhone 17 "Air" or "Slim" that's in development will also use the Apple modem. Apple will ship an estimated 35 to 40 million iPhone units with the Apple modem in 2025, and from there, if all goes well, more iPhones will adopt the technology in 2026 and 2027.
No mmWave 5G?
In September, DigiTimes suggested that Apple's first 5G modem chip would not support faster mmWave technology, and would instead be limited to sub-6GHz 5G. mmWave 5G is the fastest 5G, but it is short range and limited to big venues and major cities. In suburban and rural areas, sub-6GHz is used.
Sub-6GHz isn't as fast as mmWave 5G, but it is much longer range, which makes it more viable for widespread use. DigiTimes believes that Apple will continue to rely on Qualcomm modems for iPhone models that support mmWave, which is essentially U.S. iPhones. mmWave is still limited in availability in many countries, so Apple only has mmWave-capable modems in iPhones sold in the United States.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has also said that one of the modem chips that Apple is developing does not have mmWave 5G, so that lends some extra credibility to the DigiTimes report.
Possible All-in-One Chip
A recent report from 9to5Mac suggested that Apple's first modem chip would in fact be more than just a modem, combining 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS into a single chip. That does not align with what we've heard from Gurman, however. While Apple is said to be working on an all-in-one chip, it isn't something that is expected for some time.
Gurman believes the first version of the Apple 5G modem will not measure up to Qualcomm technology, and that the first custom design won't bring noticeable benefits for users. Apple is hoping that the modem will eventually evolve into a more advanced component, cutting down on the need for multiple chips to save money and internal space.
With the two separate reports, it is not clear if the Apple chip will be a standalone modem or a chip that incorporates multiple components, but given reports of development difficulties, Apple might not be at the all-in-one chip point.
Qualcomm Dispute
Right now, all iPhones use Qualcomm 5G modems, and Apple has to buy the modem chips and pay a patent licensing fee for using Qualcomm technology. Back in 2017, Apple sued Qualcomm over anticompetitive patent licensing practices and also claimed that Qualcomm had failed to pay more than $1 billion in royalty rebates.
After filing the lawsuit, Apple attempted to cut ties with Qualcomm and opted to use only Intel modem chips in the 2018 iPhone XS/XR models and the 2019 iPhone 11 lineup. Apple had used Intel chips for some iPhones in the past, opting for a mix of Qualcomm and Intel modems in different regions, but Apple wanted to stop relying on Qualcomm entirely.
Intel-only chips were fine for the 2018 and 2019 iPhones, but for the 2020 iPhone 12 lineup, Apple wanted to transition to 5G technology. Apple's plan was to use Intel 5G chips, but Intel struggled with development. Intel missed developmental deadlines, and it became clear that Intel 5G chips were not going to happen.
Apple needed the 5G modems from Intel to be functional and ready to test by summer 2019, and completed chips needed to be shipped to Apple in early 2020, which wasn't going to happen. Apple spoke with Samsung and Mediatek about the possibility of 5G modems to avoid having to make amends with Qualcomm, but it turned out Qualcomm modems were the only option.
In April 2019, Apple settled with Qualcomm and the two companies dropped all litigation. Apple paid Qualcomm $5 to $6 billion in late royalty fees, and agreed to continue to pay ongoing patent royalties for every iPhone manufactured, plus the company signed a six-year licensing deal with Qualcomm.
The 2020 iPhones ended up using Qualcomm's 5G chips, and every iPhone after that has also used Qualcomm technology. Apple most recently extended its modem licensing deal with Qualcomm through March 2027, so we will likely see Qualcomm modems in some devices up until then as Apple transitions to its own technology.
Intel Purchase
Just after Apple settled with Qualcomm, Intel announced plans to exit the 5G modem business. Intel was not able to make a 5G modem to compete with Qualcomm, and that was the end of Intel's modem business. Intel met customer commitments for existing 4G modems, but then-Intel CEO Bob Swan said there was "no clear path to profitability and positive returns" in the smartphone modem business.
Intel decided to sell off its modem business, and Apple ultimately opted to acquire it. In July 2019, Apple and Intel inked a deal that saw Apple purchasing the majority of Intel's smartphone modem business. Approximately 2,200 Intel employees joined Apple, and Apple also took over Intel's related intellectual property, equipment, and leases, in a transaction valued at $1 billion.
With the Intel purchase, Apple became the owner of more than 17,000 wireless technology patents, and the Intel employees joined Apple's cellular technologies group. The purchase was aimed at helping Apple accelerate 5G modem development, but Apple has still faced delays and design issues.
Development Issues
There have been rumors about iPhones adopting an Apple-designed modem chip since 2023, which is when the technology was meant to be ready. Kuo said in mid-2022 that Apple's modem work had "failed," leading to stalled development and a launch delay.
Gurman said in late 2023 that Apple was forced to postpone the debut of an Apple modem until 2025 or 2026 due to development setbacks, and he claimed that the technology could "lag behind the competition by years."
Apple has reportedly experienced issues with the Intel code it has been working with. Engineers have had to do rewrites, and adding new functionality has caused existing features to break. Apple also has to avoid infringing on Qualcomm patents with the chip, adding another layer of complexity.
A September 2023 report from The Wall Street Journal suggested that Apple has run into problems because it had unrealistic goals, a poor understanding of the challenges involved in modem development, and completely unusable prototypes. Chips tested in late 2022 were allegedly "three years behind Qualcomm's best modem chip," and in danger of making the iPhone's wireless speeds slower than competitors.
Release Date
It's looking like we'll see the first Apple modem in the iPhone SE 4, which is expected in early 2025. From there, Apple will likely expand the technology to other devices, using a mix of Qualcomm and custom-designed chips until its own work on 5G modems is advanced enough to phase out Qualcomm entirely.
Amazon today refreshed its popular Kindle e-reader lineup, introducing the first Kindle that has a color display. The $279.99 Kindle Colorsoft has a 7-inch high-contrast display that Amazon says offers "paper-like color."
While Amazon has released tablets with traditional LCD displays that support color, the Colorsoft is E Ink like Amazon's other Kindle tablets, but with new technology that allows for color. Amazon is using LED pixels and a new oxide backplane for color without impacting resolution or increasing latency when turning pages.
There have been rumors that Apple has tested electronic paper display (EPD) technology for future devices, including color EPD, which is similar to what Amazon has just rolled out. Back in 2022, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Apple tested E-Ink's Electronic Paper Display for future foldable tablet applications, and he said that color EPD could perhaps become a mainstream solution for the cover screen of a foldable iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Color e-ink is still newer technology, but there are other products like the Remarkable Paper Pro that use it.
Amazon says that the Kindle Colorsoft is its brightest Kindle yet, and the display is able to adjust the front light for any lighting condition. It continues to have a 300 pixel-per-inch resolution for black and white, with a 150 pixel-per-inch resolution for color.
Amazon today also unveiled an updated $399.99 Kindle Scribe that supports note-taking with a white-bordered display and a screen that has a paper-like texture. It comes with a Premium Pen that feels like an actual pen, complete with a soft-tipped eraser for erasing. AI integration allows for summaries and bullet point lists of notes taken, and notes can be refined to have a more readable font.
Other new additions include the latest Kindle Paperwhite, which Amazon says is its fastest to date with 25 percent faster page turns, and a new matcha color for the entry-level Kindle. The Kindle Colorsoft will ship on October 30, while the Kindle Scribe will ship on December 4. Other Kindles are available now.
Update: This article was updated to provide exact pricing at Amazon's request. The prior version listed the Kindle Colorsoft's price as $280 instead of $279.99, and the Kindle Scribe's price as $400 instead of $399.99. Note that Amazon's listed pricing is before tax, so customers who live in areas where sales tax is collected will see total prices higher than $279.99 and $399.99. There may also be shipping fees for customers who do not have Amazon Prime.
Given recent events, it now seems unlikely that Apple will update its entry-level iPad this year.
First and foremost, Apple lowered the price of the iPad 10 and stopped including a charger with the device in Europe this week, and there is a low chance that Apple would have proceeded with those changes if an iPad 11 was imminent.
Second, Apple's announcement of a new iPad mini in a standalone press release this week further suggests that the iPad 11 is not coming soon.
In his newsletter last month, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said "new, lower-end iPads" were likely to be unveiled at Apple's next event "in the coming weeks," alongside the first Macs with M4 chips. It is unclear if Apple is still planning to host a Mac-focused event later this month, but it seems that an iPad 11 will not be announced this month regardless.
Apple released the iPad 10 in October 2022, and it features a 10.9-inch display and an A14 Bionic chip. It is unclear when the iPad 11 will be released given these recent developments, but 2025 at the earliest seems like a safe bet at this point.
Apple's chief people officer Carol Surface is leaving the company, reports Bloomberg. Surface joined Apple in February 2023, so she has been at the company less than two years.
Most senior executives are at Apple for much longer periods of time, and it is not clear why Surface is leaving. She was hired when Apple decided to split its primary human resources role from retail last year, and she reported directly to Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Deirdre O'Brien had been handling both the retail and people (or HR) role, but when Surface took over, O'Brien transitioned to just overseeing retail. With Surface leaving, O'Brien will once again oversee both people and retail.
Surface was previously the chief human resources officer at Medtronic, and the chief people officer title was created when she joined Apple.
Apple today announced an update to its Apple Business Connect feature, designed to allow any verified business to create a consistent branding and location presence across apps that include Maps, Wallet, Phone, and Mail.
Using Business Connect, companies are able to sign up to display their brand in the Phone app when a call is placed to an iPhone user, or in the Mail app to make an incoming email more recognizable. Businesses can sign up for Branded Mail today, with logos appearing to customers later this year when iOS 18.2 is released.
In 2025, companies will be able to use Business Caller ID, which will show their name, logo, and department on an inbound call screen.
There's also now an option for businesses to display their logo in Tap to Pay on iPhone, rather than a category icon. Apple says this change will help customers ensure they're making a payment to a verified business.
Businesses have been able to claim and manage their location place cards for Maps using Business Connect, but now Business Connect is also available to businesses that operate a service or that operate online without a physical location.
Surgeons at the University of California, San Diego have been testing the Apple Vision Pro for surgeries, and have performed more than 20 minimally invasive operations while wearing the headsets. Surgeon and director of the Center for Future Surgery at UCSD, Santiago Horgan, recently spoke with Time to provide some commentary on the Vision Pro's performance.
According to Horgan, the Vision Pro could be "more transformative" than robotic devices that are used to assist in surgeries. While the Vision Pro is expensive for consumers, it is affordable for hospitals compared to most medical equipment, and it is widely available technology that many hospitals around the country will be able to take advantage of.
During laparoscopic surgeries, doctors send a camera through a small incision, and the camera's view is shown on a nearby screen. Doctors have to watch the screen while also operating on the patient, a process that the Vision Pro streamlines. Horgan says that surgeons need to look over at CT scans, monitor vitals, and more while doing these surgeries, and all of that information can be viewed through the Vision Pro instead.
This prevents surgeons from having to contort their bodies in odd positions, cutting down on discomfort while performing surgeries.
While Horgan has tried other headsets like Google Glass and Microsoft's HoloLens, the displays were not good enough. But the Vision Pro has high-resolution OLED displays, and the result has turned out to be "better than [UCSD surgeons] even expected."
In surgeries that involve the Vision Pro, doctors, assistants, and nurses all wear the headsets instead of looking at screens, and no patients have opted out of the Vision Pro surgeries.
UCSD is also testing the Vision Pro's ability to create 3D radiology imaging, and the team may also test it in other medical applications. More on how the Vision Pro and other similar devices are being tested for medical use is outlined in the full Time article.
Apple today released a new macOS Sequoia 15.1 public beta, allowing non-developers to test the software ahead of its October 28 launch. The latest beta comes a day after Apple provided the seventh beta to developers.
Public beta testers who have signed up for Apple's beta testing program can download the macOS Sequoia 15.1 update by opening up the Settings app, tapping into the Software Update section and selecting the Public Beta option.
iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 are the first updates that includes Apple Intelligence features. Not all AI capabilities have been added, but the beta includes Writing Tools, Siri updates, summaries, AI-powered Focus modes, and smart replies. To use Apple Intelligence features, you need an iPhone 15 Pro, an iPhone 16 model, or M-series Mac or iPad.
Writing Tools are available whenever text can be selected and edited, and the feature can be used for spell checking, correcting grammar, rewriting your work with a new tone, and summarizing text.
Siri has been overhauled with a new design that includes a subtle glow around the display, and Type to Siri means you don't have to speak to Siri to get answers. Siri can follow along if you stumble over your words, and can maintain context between requests. Safari can summarize articles, and there's a new Reduce Interruptions Focus Mode that intelligently highlights only important notifications.
Smart replies are available in Messages and Mail, plus the Mail app surfaces priority time sensitive messages and puts them at the top of your inbox. Photos has a Memory Movie feature for creating slideshows based on text descriptions, and there is a Clean Up tool for unwanted objects in your photos.
Apple's supply chain is gearing up for new MacBook Pro models with M4 chips, which are expected to be announced this month, according to DigiTimes.
"Apple is expected to unveil new MacBook Pro models equipped with the latest M4 chip in October, which could boost related component shipments," says the paywalled report, published today. "This trend is evident in the revenue reports from component manufacturers such as Jarllytec and Shin Zu Shing for September."
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously reported that Apple plans to announce its first Macs with M4 series chips this year, including a 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 chip, 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, an iMac with the M4 chip, and a redesigned Mac mini with M4 and M4 Pro chips. Apple already debuted the M4 chip in the iPad Pro earlier this year, but it has yet to announce the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips.
The entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 chip seemingly already leaked in Russia in recent weeks, and those leaks revealed that the MacBook Pro lineup might finally start with 16GB of RAM instead of 8GB. The leaked 14-inch MacBook Pro has no major external design changes, but it does appear to have an additional, third Thunderbolt 4 port compared to the current entry-level model with two Thunderbolt 3 ports.
It is currently not entirely clear if Apple plans to announce the first Macs with M4 chips at a virtual event this month, or with press releases only. Yesterday, Apple announced a new iPad mini with Apple Intelligence support in a press release.
In any case, it appears that new Macs are just around the corner.
If the App Store is currently down for you, you are not alone. Many users have indicated that the App Store is not working for them right now across devices like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, preventing them from downloading apps after tapping the "Get" button.
The issues are not yet reflected on Apple's system status page, but thousands of customers have indicated they are affected on the Downdetector website.
We'll update this post as more information becomes available, or when the issues appear to be resolved for all users.
If you are affected, let us know in the comments section.
Update 1: Apple's system status page now lists issues with the App Store's Volume Purchase Program and subscription purchases, but not the App Store overall. Check back for further updates.
Update 2: The App Store is functional again in our testing.
Update 3: Apple's system status page says the App Store outage has been resolved.
Amazon this week is discounting a collection of Apple Watch models, including the new Series 10 and Black Ultra 2 devices.
Apple Watch Series 10
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You can get the 42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 10 for $374.28, down from $399.00. This price is available in the Rose Gold Aluminum with Plum Sport Loop model, but there are also a few devices at only a few dollars higher. This price range remains the lowest we've seen the Series 10 drop to date.
The 46mm GPS Apple Watch Series 10 is available for $402.91 in the Jet Black Aluminum with Black Sport Band color, down from $429.00. Similar to the smaller model, you can find a few more models on sale on Amazon right now for just a few dollars more, including the Rose Gold and Silver Aluminum options.
Amazon has the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in Black Titanium for $734.89, down from $799.00 in multiple band styles. This is an overall second-best price on the Black Apple Watch Ultra 2, but it's just about $5 higher when compared to the all-time low price we tracked over Prime Day.
MacPaw today released a redesigned version of CleanMyMac, its long-running Mac optimization and maintenance software. The update introduces a new interface and expanded functionality, aiming to provide a more comprehensive set of tools for Mac care.
The revised CleanMyMac now features six main modules and over 25 tools for various maintenance tasks. A new assistant offers Mac health and security reports and maintenance reminders, while an updated My Clutter module helps users manage storage by identifying large, old, and duplicate files.
Other changes include grouped application permissions in the Protection module for easier privacy management, and a redesigned menu bar utility that aims to improve system monitoring and resource usage.
"This update isn't just about a fresh look — it's about giving users the tools they need to care for their Macs effortlessly," said MacPaw CEO Oleksandr Kosovan. "We're combining smart tech with an intuitive design, setting the stage for better security, faster performance, and a cleaner, clutter-free experience."
The new CleanMyMac is available as a subscription starting at $39.95 per year or as a one-time purchase from $119.95 (prices may vary by region). Existing CleanMyMac and Setapp subscribers will receive the upgrade for free, while previous one-time license owners can upgrade with up to a 50% discount.
MacPaw plans to add more features in 2025, including improvements to storage visualization and file organization. The company is also developing a business version of CleanMyMac, with a waiting list open for early testing.
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Yesterday we noted that the new iPad mini 7 does not come with a charger in the box when sold in European countries, and it turns out that the same now also applies to entry-level iPads sold by Apple across the continent.
Since its release in 2022, Apple's most affordable iPad has come with a USB-C charger in Europe, but the debut of the new iPad mini on Tuesday would have left it as the only remaining device in the lineup to do so. The latest iPad Pro and iPad Air models, introduced earlier this year, do not include a charger in the box when purchased in Europe. All of these devices only include a USB-C cable.
The change brings parity to Apple's iPad lineup, and is likely in response to forthcoming EU regulations regarding electronic waste, though Apple has also removed the charger from iPad and iPad mini boxes in the United Kingdom, which is not in the EU. However, the British government has just launched a consultation to explore the possibility of mandating USB-C as the standard charging port for electronic devices, and it's hard to imagine it won't largely reflect EU legislation.
In tandem with the change, Apple also quietly reduced the price of the iPad in many European countries to €409, shaving €30 off its original €439 price. Meanwhile in the United Kingdom, Apple's cheapest iPad got a £20 cut and now starts at £329, down from £349. The price of the entry-level iPad remains unchanged in the United States, but customers there still get a 20W USB-C charger as part of the package.
The UK government has launched a consultation to explore the possibility of mandating USB-C as the standard charging port for electronic devices, potentially aligning with similar regulations recently adopted by the European Union.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards, part of the Department for Business and Trade, is seeking input from manufacturers, importers, distributors, and trade associations on the potential benefits and challenges of implementing a common charging standard across the UK.
This move comes after the EU passed legislation in 2022 requiring most portable electronic devices to use USB-C for charging by December 2024. The EU's decision aimed to reduce electronic waste and improve charger interoperability.
The UK government, which previously stated it was not considering similar rules, is now exploring whether adopting USB-C as a standard would benefit businesses, consumers, and the environment. The consultation will run for eight weeks, ending on December 4, 2024.
Key points under consideration include:
Standardizing USB-C as the common charging port
Implementing harmonized fast-charging technology
Allowing consumers to purchase devices without chargers
Introducing labeling requirements for charging information
The government acknowledges that many manufacturers of smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, and laptops have already adopted USB-C for the UK market voluntarily to avoid supply chain complexities. For example, Apple, which long resisted changing its proprietary Lightning port, adopted USB-C for new iPhones last year, while the last few Lightning products are likely to make the transition next year. However, the government says it seeks to understand the implications of formally implementing such requirements.
Notably, the new iPad mini, announced on Tuesday, will not include a charger in the box for several European countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. The change is likely in response to EU regulations regarding electronic waste, but even some European countries that are not part of the EU are impacted.
Google today announced a new Google Shopping experience that has been updated to take advantage of artificial intelligence. Google Shopping has been rebuilt from the ground up with AI, pairing 45 billion product listings with Google Gemini AI models to provide a more personalized shopping experience.
The overhauled Google Shopping feature uses AI to show the most relevant products when someone searches for something to buy. Google will provide an AI-generated brief with top suggestions to consider when making a purchase, along with some recommendations.
Results will be organized into categories to provide an overview of different types of products, and there are dynamic filters that will let users narrow down results based on their preferences. Google has also added in the virtual try-on option and AR shopping tools, along with a "Deals" section for browsing personalized deals.
There is a new Google Shopping home page that has a personalized feed populated with suggestions based on user preference and past searches. Personalized results can be turned off by going to the Google Shopping menu and tapping on "Shopping preferences" at the bottom of the page.
The new Google Shopping website is rolling out now in the United States, but not all users will see it right away. Google says it will take a few weeks for it to be available to all U.S. users.
Apple has held an October event in three out of the past four years, but is an event this month still likely after today's surprise iPad mini 7 announcement?
While some Apple enthusiasts believe that the iPad mini 7 being unveiled in a press release today means that Apple is unlikely to hold an October event this year, the announcement does not entirely rule out the possibility. Last year, Apple held a 30-minute virtual event on October 30 to introduce new MacBook Pro and iMac models with the M3 series of chips, so another Mac-focused event this October would not be out of the ordinary.
This month's updates to the Mac lineup are rumored to be more significant than those announced a year ago. In addition to updated MacBook Pro and iMac models with the M4 series of chips, the Mac mini is expected to receive its biggest redesign since 2010, and that might be something that Apple wants to highlight on video during a virtual event this month. According to rumors, the new Mac mini will be nearly as small as an Apple TV, and feature two front-facing USB-C ports, which would make it look more like the Mac Studio.
On the other hand, Apple already unveiled the standard M4 chip in the iPad Pro earlier this year, whereas the M3 chip was unveiled at the October event last year. Still, there are the higher-end M4 Pro and M4 Max chips that need to be announced.
This isn't to say that Apple will for sure host an event this month. Rather, there is simply no reason that the iPad mini being announced early rules out an event.
What do you think? Will there be an event this month, or simply more press releases?
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