Apple Maps has expanded the availability of cycling routes in the southern hemisphere by adding support for New Zealand.
Apple first added cycling directions to Apple Maps in iOS 14, providing specific directions for bike riders with bike lanes, bike paths, and bike-friendly routes that highlight steep inclines, stairs, and other obstacles.
Prior to this expansion, cycling directions in Apple Maps were primarily available in select countries and major cities across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. As for Oceania, the feature was previously limited to Australia, so the addition of New Zealand significantly enhances its coverage in the region.
Apple typically rolls out new features gradually, so users across New Zealand may see the cycling directions become available in stages. The company has not provided details about coverage within the country, but it is expected to include major urban areas and popular cycling routes. Apple maintains a list of all of the areas where cycling directions are available on its website, but New Zealand has not yet been added.
Oura today announced its latest smart ring, the all-titanium Oura Ring 4, featuring improved accuracy and a redesigned companion app.
The Oura Ring 4 introduces "Smart Sensing" technology, which the company claims enhances data accuracy by adapting to the specific contours of an individual's finger. This new algorithm reportedly improves blood oxygen sensing accuracy by 30% over the Oura Ring 3, and reduces gaps in heart rate tracking. The ring's sensors are also now recessed, which is said to provide a more comfortable fit for all-day wear.
The new wearable boasts a slimmer profile and expanded size options to cater to a wider range of users. There are now twelve sizes, ranging from 4 to 15. (Oura Ring 3 was limited to sizes 6 to 13.) The expanded size range comes as Oura reports a shift in its user demographics, with women in their 20s now representing its fastest-growing segment. The company says battery life has also been extended to up to eight days, depending on the size of the ring.
Alongside the hardware update, Oura has also overhauled its companion app with a new three-tab interface: Today, Vitals, and My Health. The redesign aims to simplify navigation and provide clearer insights into both daily and long-term health metrics. New features include automatic activity detection for over 40 activities, enhanced stress tracking, and a "Fertile Window" prediction tool for users trying to conceive.
Priced at $349, the Oura Ring 4 will be available in six colors: Gold, Rose Gold, Brushed Silver, Stealth, Black, and Silver. Shipping starts from October 15, but it's worth noting that Oura Ring 4 continues to be available via the company's controversial subscription model, with membership priced at $5.99 per month or $69.99 annually after the included one-month trial.
Apple Ring Rumors
Earlier this year when the first reports of Samsung's Galaxy Ring began to circulate, rumors about Apple's potential entry into the wearable ring market also started swirling. Several patents suggest Apple has explored the concept, and recent reports indicate that the company's industrial design team has presented a health-focused smart ring idea to executives.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in February said the ring could be a lower-cost alternative to the Apple Watch that could sync health and fitness data with a paired iPhone. However, Gurman at the time also said that active development was not underway, so it currently remains unclear if it will be released in the near-term, if indeed ever.
Now that Apple doesn't include power adapters with new iPhones, you have to supply your own, and it can be a little confusing figuring out what you need specifically to get the fastest charging speeds. Apple added another layer of complexity this year with upgraded MagSafe charging for the iPhone 16 models, a feature that also requires specific hardware.
USB-C
All of the iPhone 16 models can charge from 0 to 50 percent in approximately 30 minutes. You need Apple's $19 20W adapter or better for fast charging, and if you already had an iPhone that could fast charge, you probably have the hardware you need.
iPhones charge fastest when the battery is low, and then charging slows down, so you'll see the most rapid charging at lower battery levels.
Some people have seen sporadic higher maximum charge levels over 30W, but that seems to happen only when you're playing a game or doing something else that drains battery quickly. The extra power boost seems to be aimed at making sure the iPhone 16 is able to maintain its fast charging speed even when it's using extra power. With prior iPhone models, charging would slow down if you were doing something that used up a lot of battery.
PhoneArena did a charging test and when playing a game, the iPhone 16 was able to charge at up to 39W for a short period of time while it had under 50 percent battery. In other tests where the iPhone wasn't in use, PhoneArena did not see charging speeds over 20W for the iPhone 16 or 27W for the iPhone 16 Pro.
PhoneArena and ChargerLAB didn't test charging speeds, so we did a quick test. An iPhone 16 Pro Max charged from 0 to 55 percent in 30 minutes with a 30W charger, and from 0 to 45 percent in 30 minutes with a 20W charger. A third test with a 140W charger saw the 16 Pro Max charge from 0 to 56 percent in 30 minutes. Tests all used the USB-C to USB-C cable that comes with the iPhone and Apple's power adapters.
For the iPhone 16 Pro models, it looks like you can get slightly faster charging speeds with a 30W or better charger, even though Apple only recommends a 20W or better charger for fast charging. Going over 30W doesn't seem to make much of a difference. The standard iPhone 16 models seem to max out at around 20W, so they don't need a 30W+ charger.
If you've already got a 20W charger and have an iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max, there's no real reason to upgrade. You'll still hit close to 50 percent in 30 minutes with a 20W charger. If you're often charging while also playing games, or want to optimize you might want to consider investing in a 30W+ charger for faster sustained charging speeds.
Note that you can also use higher-watt chargers -- 20W is just the minimum for "fast" charging.
MagSafe
The iPhone 16 models can charge at up to 25W over MagSafe, up from 15W. 25W charging via MagSafe is also fast charging, so for the first time, the new iPhones can fast charge wirelessly.
To take advantage of the faster MagSafe charging, you need a 30W or higher power adapter, which Apple sells for $39. Of course, you can use a higher powered power source or a third-party power adapter as long as it delivers at least 30W.
You also need one of Apple's new MagSafe chargers, which were released alongside the new iPhone models.
Older MagSafe Chargers from Apple will not charge your iPhone 16 model at above 15W, nor will older third-party MagSafe chargers. If you have a MagSafe stand or multi-device charger from a company like Mophie or Belkin, it's now outdated and can't charge your new iPhone at its maximum wireless charging speed.
The new MagSafe Chargers from Apple will only charge the iPhone 16 models at 25W, and while you can use them with your older iPhones, charging will be limited to 15W.
Qi2 chargers are equivalent to the prior 15W MagSafe Charger and can only charge iPhone 16 models at 15W.
At a Glance
If you don't want to read the accessory explanation, here's what to buy for iPhone 16 fast charging:
USB-C for iPhone 16: 20W or better power adapter paired with the charging cable the iPhone came with. 30W is better for the fastest speeds, especially if you charge while using your iPhone.
USB-C for iPhone 16 Pro: A 30W or better power adapter will get you the best fast charging speed.
MagSafe: 30W or better power adapter paired with Apple's new $39 MagSafe Charger.
Bonus: Faster Data Transfers
If you want to transfer files from your iPhone 16 Pro to another device quickly, you're going to want to pick up a USB 3 cable for 10Gb/s transfer speeds.
The cable that comes with your iPhone 16 is limited to USB 2 speeds of 480Mb/s.
Google today announced an update for the summary card feature in Gmail, which is designed to provide helpful information at the top of incoming emails.
Summary cards have a new look for purchases, events, bill, and travel emails, with Google adding new action buttons. With these action buttons, Gmail users can do things like add an event to the calendar, or set a reminder to pay a bill.
Purchases - Summary cards will show tracking information for purchases and order details.
Events - Dinner reservations, concert tickets, and more will be highlighted, and there are options to add events to the calendar, invite others, and get directions.
Bills - Summary cards can show bills, with an option to get a reminder to pay or to add a due date in Google Tasks.
Travel - Users can manage reservations, check in for flights, and see important details like hotel checkout times.
Google says that it updated the summary card backend, so key information will be organized across all related emails and updated in real-time. Users can expect to see updates on incoming package deliveries, for example, thanks to the new dynamic version of summary cards.
Summary cards will be shown in additional places in Gmail, such as search and a new "Happening Soon" section. Happening Soon shows the estimated delivery date of incoming packages, and users will only see the section when there are deliveries. In the future, more types of summary cards will be shown in this section.
Purchase summary cards are rolling out for individual emails in the Gmail for iOS app starting today, and event, bill, and travel summary cards and the Happening Soon section set to launch in the coming months.
Apple CEO Tim Cook will soon be $50 million richer after selling 223,986 shares of Apple Stock, earning him a total of $50,276,076, according to an SEC filing. Cook was originally granted the stock as part of performance-based award based on Apple's shareholder return relative to other S&P 500 companies, and he often sells stock in October.
Earlier this week, Cook was granted an additional 219,502 shares of Apple stock. 54,876 shares are set to vest in one-third increments in April of 2027, 2028, and 2029. 164,626 shares are performance-based and will vest on October 1, 2027. Depending on Apple's performance between fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2027, between 0 and 200 percent of the target number of shares can vest.
The total bonus will depend on Apple's total shareholder return relative to other companies in the S&P 500 over the next two years.
As of early 2024, Cook owned over three million shares of Apple stock, along with an additional 1.3 million unvested RSUs. Cook's unsold stock is worth over $500 million, and stock grants make up the majority of his total compensation.
In 2023, Cook's base salary was $3 million, but he also received $47 million in stock awards, $10.7 million in performance-based bonus awards, and $2.5 million in other compensation, such as 401(k) contributions, term life insurance premiums, vacation cash-out, security expenses, and personal air travel expenses.
If you just got a new iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro, you might be looking for accessories like cases or chargers. MacRumors videographer Dan highlighted some of his favorite iPhone cases, screen protectors, and chargers this week, so check out the video below for some product suggestions.
Nomad Modern Leather Folio ($70) - Apple doesn't make leather cases anymore, so if you're looking for a replacement, Nomad offers good alternatives. The Folio case folds in half, offering protection for both the front and back of the iPhone.
Nomad Traditional Leather Case ($60) - Available in black or brown, Nomad's Traditional Leather Case is closer to Apple's now-discontinued leather cases. It has an opening for the Camera Control button, so the case won't impede the button's functionality.
Nomad Magnetic Leather Back ($40) - If you don't want to obscure the sides of your iPhone and just need some protection for the back, Nomad's Magnetic Leather Back is worth checking out.
Beats iPhone 16 Case ($49) - Apple's Beats brand released iPhone 16 cases this year, and they're made from a protective polycarbonate material that comes in four colors. Since Apple basically designed this case, it works seamlessly with the Camera Control button.
ESR Tempered Glass Screen Protector ($15.50) - Prefer your iPhone naked? ESR's screen protector is easy to put on, cheap, and offers decent coverage for your screen in case of an accidental drop.
Moft Tripod Wallet Stand ($45) - The Tripod Wallet Stand from Moft can hold a couple credit cards and fold out into a stand for watching videos, making FaceTime calls, and more with multiple positions available.
Chargers
ESR Qi2 3-in-1 MagSafe Charger Stand ($101) - ESR's 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station uses Qi2, so it can charge your iPhone 16 at 15W. It is also able to fast charge the Apple Watch and charge up your AirPods, plus it has CryoBoost technology (a fan and heat dissipation) to keep your iPhone cool so it charges faster.
Nomad Stand One Max ($150) - The Stand One Max from Nomad also uses Qi2 to charge an iPhone 16 at up to 15W, and it has fast charging. If you're looking for something high quality, you won't go wrong with Nomad.
Belkin 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charger ($100) - Another Qi2 charger, the Belkin 3-in-1 Magnetic Foldable Wireless Charger has a fold-down iPhone charger and Apple Watch charger so you can use it while it's flat or while the charging stands are upright.
Belkin 2-in-1 Charging Travel Pad ($120) - For travel, the 2-in-1 Magnetic Charging Travel Pad from Belkin is ideal. It folds in half so it takes up little room in a bag, but it can fast charge the Apple Watch and also charge an iPhone at up to 15W. Either charger can be used with compatible AirPods.
Have a favorite case or charger for the new iPhone 16 models? Let us know what it is in the comments below.
Two students at Harvard University modified a set of Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses to add AI-based facial recognition technology, and the result is a wearable that is able to identify people in real time, according to a report from 404 Media.
The modified Meta Glasses are able to use the camera to scan a stranger's face to get their name, and there's also a function for pulling information like home address, phone number, and family members from internet sites that store that kind of data.
AnhPhu Nguyen and Caine Ardayfio, the creators, demonstrated the glasses in public. Ardayfio walked up to a total stranger, scanned her face, got her name and affiliations, and then pretended that he knew her from one of the organizations that came up in a search about her. In a second demo, Nguyen identified a random man and initiated a conversation, pretending to have read his work based on what the glasses surfaced.
The Meta Glasses were set up to stream video directly to Instagram, and a computer program monitors the stream. AI determines when a face is detected, and then an internet search is conducted to find more pictures of the person. From there, online articles, voter registration databases, and other public information is used to suss out a name, phone number, address, and relative's names. Everything happens in a couple of minutes, and it's fed back to a smartphone app.
Dozens of Harvard students were identified and they were never aware that AI face scans had been used to suss out their names and information about them. Nguyen said that the project is meant to raise awareness of what can be done with today's consumer technology, face search engines, LLMs, and public databases. The two creators have no plans to release any kind of product or code.
Nguyen and Ardayfio chose the Meta Ray-Ban Glasses because "they look almost indistinguishable from regular glasses," making them ideal for surreptitious image capture. Reverse facial recognition was used to match faces to publicly available images, and PimEyes, a face recognition search engine, was identified as the "most effective" way to find people. An LLM was used to look up details about a person across the web, and FastPeopleSearch provided additional information. The entire setup is automatic, thanks to LLMs.
Meta's Ray-Ban Glasses are simple in design and are primarily focused on taking images, but even that limited hardware is enough to generate detailed information about a person almost instantly. With a faster processor, on-device AI capabilities, better camera technology, and augmented reality, future products could do even more.
In response to the report, Meta told 404 Media that PimEyes facial recognition can be used with any camera, and it's not something that is "only possible because of Meta Ray-Bans." That is true, but the Meta Ray-Bans look like a standard pair of glasses, and many people aren't aware when the glasses are being used to take photos. PimEyes said that it found the report "quite surprising" because its search engine is "not designed to identify individuals, either directly or indirectly."
Apple today released new public betas of tvOS 18.1 and HomePod Software 18.1, allowing non-developers to test the software ahead of when it is released later in October. The third betas come a week after the second betas.
Public beta testers who have signed up for Apple's public beta program can download tvOS 18.1 by opting in to beta updates through the Settings app on the Apple TV. HomePod software can be downloaded through the Home app on the iPhone. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner of the app, choose Home Settings, and then select Software Update.
tvOS software releases are usually minor in scale compared to other operating system updates, focusing primarily on smaller improvements rather than outward-facing changes. We don't know what's included in tvOS 18.1.
The HomePod and HomePod mini's software is also based on tvOS 18.1, and there is no word on what's in those updates either.
While we don't always know what's new in these betas, we let MacRumors readers know when the updates are available so those who want to update to the latest beta can do so.
We're getting closer to Prime Day on October 8, and in the lead-up to the shopping event Amazon has introduced a few discounts on some of Apple's newest accessories. This includes M4 iPad Pro Magic Keyboards, the new MagSafe Chargers, and Apple Pencil Pro.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Magic Keyboard
Starting with the new 2024 Magic Keyboards, you can get the 11-inch model in Black for $279.00, down from $299.00. This is an all-time low price on the accessory and it has an estimated October 5-7 delivery date on Amazon.
Amazon also has the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro Magic Keyboard on sale, available for $326.00 in Black and $328.99 in White, down from $349.00. These are also record low prices on the Magic Keyboard, and you'll find similar delivery estimates of early October for these models.
Amazon recently introduced a few deals on Apple's new lineup of MagSafe Chargers, including the 1-meter model for $36.50 and 2-meter model for $45.50. Although these discounts represent just a few dollars in savings, they are the first notable sales on the 2024 MagSafe Chargers and the best deals you'll find online right now.
The new MagSafe Chargers provide overall faster charging speeds with compatible iPhone models. When paired with a 30W power adapter, iPhone 16 models can charge at up to 25W wirelessly over MagSafe, which is 10W faster than a regular non-MagSafe Qi2 wireless charger.
Apple Pencil
Amazon is discounting both the USB-C Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil Pro in the lead-up to Prime Day, available for $69.00 and $116.00, respectively. In regards to the 2023 USB-C model, this is a match of the all-time low price on the accessory.
Apple has announced that transcriptions in the Apple Podcasts app will be available in eight additional languages starting today, according to Dutch website iCulture.nl. The transcripts were previously only available for podcasts spoken in English, French, German, and Spanish since the feature launched as part of iOS 17.4.
Transcriptions in the additional languages will be rolled out on a gradual basis for all iPhones and iPads running iOS 17.4 or iPadOS 17.4 and later.
For the first time in the standard AirPods range, the AirPods 4 offer optional active noise cancellation (ANC) for an additional $50, providing a quieter and more immersive listening experience, especially in noisy environments.
Key upgrades of the AirPods 4 include a more comfortable fit, improved sound quality with a new low-distortion driver, and enhanced features like Personalized Spatial Audio. Beyond active noise cancellation, there are a handful of additional features that differentiate the two AirPods 4 models. This buyer's guide breaks down all of the differences between the two variants and helps you to decide which best fits your needs.
AirPods (Fourth-Generation, 2024)
AirPods With ANC (Fourth-Generation, 2024)
Active Noise Cancellation
Transparency mode
Adaptive Audio
Conversation Awareness
USB-C Charging Case
USB‑C Wireless Charging Case with support for Apple Watch charger and Qi‑certified wireless chargers
Support for Find My with speaker in charging case
Charging case weighs 1.14 ounces (32.3 grams)
Charging case weighs 1.22 ounces (34.7 grams)
$129
$179
Choosing between the AirPods 4 and the AirPods 4 with ANC ultimately depends on whether active noise cancellation is a priority for you. If you frequently find yourself in noisy environments—such as commuting on public transport, traveling by plane, or working in cafes—the AirPods 4 with ANC should dramatically improve your experience for just $50 more. Although the noise cancellation is not as effective as that of the AirPods Pro because they do not have an in-ear design with silicone tips, they perform surprisingly well for open-ear earbuds and offer enough isolation to make a difference in lower-frequency environments like engine hums and busy streets.
The ability to charge with an Apple Watch or Qi wireless charger is also notable, making the AirPods 4 with ANC considerably more versatile to charge, especially if you have an Apple Watch. The $129 AirPods can only charge via a wired USB-C connection, which is less convenient than wireless charging. However, USB-C has become such a ubiquitous cable that it is unlikely to bother users who are used to wired charging.
Likewise, the speaker in the charging case for Find My is a useful additional feature for those prone to misplacing their AirPods around the house. These added capabilities generally make the AirPods 4 with ANC worth the extra $50 over the non-ANC model for most enthusiastic tech users.
On the other hand, if you haven't owned any AirPods before or simply don't feel the need for noise cancellation, the standard AirPods 4 will be a more economical choice. They retain the sound quality improvements, spatial audio, and comfort enhancements of the AirPods 4, but at a lower price point. For users upgrading from AirPods 2 or 3 and who rarely find themselves in noisy places, the AirPods 4 are a good choice that will give you most of the key updates without the extra cost or additional features you may not use.
AirPods can frequently be found for lower prices at third-party retailers, so be sure to check out MacRumors' deals roundup for the best possible price – which could reduce the price difference between the two variants and make the ANC model more accessible.
Best Buy might offer an unspecified iPad mini model on clearance "soon," according to a product listing that was spotted on the retailer's website.
The placeholder listing is for an Apple product with a "MINI WIFI" model name, and it is in the "tablets" section on Best Buy's online store. Altogether, this strongly suggests that the listing will be for an iPad mini. The device will apparently be available for a clearance price of $359.99 in the U.S., down from a regular price of $599. However, the iPad mini currently starts at $499, so the listing appears to have a pricing error.
If the listing ends up being for the iPad mini 6, it could hint at the iPad mini 7 coming soon. Or, this could be a nothingburger. We'll see!
Last month, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said a new iPad mini was "on deck" for an Apple event this month, alongside the first Macs with M4 chips. However, he offered a more vague timeframe in his latest report this week, which stated that Apple was working on a new iPad mini that would "potentially" be released "by the end of 2024."
Rumored features for the next iPad mini over the previous model include a faster chip, upgraded front and rear cameras, a fix for "jelly scrolling" screen tearing in portrait orientation, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support, and new color options.
Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously said the next iPad mini would enter mass production in the second half of 2024.
Apple released the current iPad mini in September 2021, with new features at the time including a larger 8.3-inch display, a USB-C port, a Touch ID power button, the A15 Bionic chip, 5G support on cellular models, a 12-megapixel rear camera with Center Stage support, compatibility with the second-generation Apple Pencil, and more.
Well-known electronics repair website iFixit today shared an AirPods 4 teardown video that offers a look inside Apple's latest wireless earbuds. Specifically, these are the entry-level AirPods 4 without active noise cancellation (ANC).
Unsurprisingly, iFixit said AirPods remain a "nightmare to take apart," with the earbuds earning a lowest-possible 0/10 score on iFixit's reparability scale.
The teardown does not reveal any major internal differences between the AirPods 3 and AirPods 4.
The charging case for the AirPods 4 without ANC is equipped with a 345 mAh battery. This is the same size battery as in the AirPods 3 charging case.
iFixit also opened up the revised AirPods Max, which launched alongside the AirPods 4 last month. Aside from a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port, the headphones have no major internal differences compared to the original AirPods Max.
Following the release of iOS 18 for the iPhone last month, Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.0.1 with bug fixes in the near future.
We previously reported that Apple has been internally testing iOS 18.0.1, and today a private account on X with a proven track record of sharing iOS-related information said the update will have a build number of 22A3370.
We expect iOS 18.0.1 to be a minor update that hopefully addresses the following issues:
An iMessage bug where a shared Apple Watch face can cause the app to repeatedly crash
The update could also include security patches.
It is unclear when iOS 18.0.1 will be released to the public, but our best guess is the update will be available either this week or next week.
iOS 18.0.1 will precede iOS 18.1, which Apple previously announced will be released in October. Already available in beta, iOS 18.1 includes the first Apple Intelligence features for the iPhone, including writing tools, notification summaries, and more. Apple Intelligence is available on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and any iPhone 16 model.
Microsoft this week announced Office 2024, a new standalone version of its productivity suite for both Mac and PC users. Available now, Office 2024 offers an alternative for those who prefer a one-time purchase over the subscription-based Microsoft 365.
The new release includes updated versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook. These applications come as "locked-in-time" versions, meaning they won't receive ongoing feature updates like their Microsoft 365 counterparts.
For Mac users, Office 2024 brings several notable improvements, according to Microsoft. Excel now boasts faster performance, particularly when working with multiple open workbooks. Meanwhile, Outlook for Mac introduces customizable swipe gestures that are designed to enhance email management and work with Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse.
PowerPoint gains new features such as "cameo," which allows users to embed a live camera feed directly into slides, and "recording studio" for capturing narration, animations, transitions, and inking. Elsewhere, Word and PowerPoint now support liking and reacting to comments in collaborative documents.
Microsoft say Mac users will also benefit from an enhanced inking experience in OneNote, including a full-screen pen-focused view. Additionally, the suite now supports version 1.4 of the OpenDocument format (ODF) across Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Office 2024 is compatible with macOS Ventura, macOS Sonoma, and macOS Sequoia. The suite of apps requires both a Microsoft account and an internet connection for installation and activation. Two editions are available: Office Home 2024, priced at $149.99, includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. Office Home & Business 2024, at $249.99, adds Outlook and includes commercial use rights. Both editions are available now from retailers worldwide and via the Microsoft website.
While Office 2024 provides a non-subscription option, Microsoft continues to position Microsoft 365 as the recommended choice for those seeking the latest features and regular updates. However, the standalone Office 2024 offers a familiar alternative for Mac users who prefer a traditional licensing model.
WhatsApp has announced it is rolling out new filters and backgrounds for users to personalize their video calls. The popular chat platform said the new effects are designed to make video conversations "more engaging" and give them a "more personal touch."
The update includes 10 filters and 10 backgrounds that users can apply to improve their video calling experience. Filters range from classic options like "Black & White" and "Vintage TV" to more artistic effects such as "Light leak" and "Prism light." Background choices offer variety, from practical settings like "Office" and "Cafe" to scenic options like "Beach" and "Sunset."
In addition to filters and backgrounds, WhatsApp is introducing "Touch up" and "Low Light" options. These features are aimed at enhancing the user's appearance and improving video quality in suboptimal lighting conditions, potentially avoiding embarrassment during calls.
To access these new effects, users can select the effects icons located in the top right corner of the screen during a video call. The functionality will be available for both one-on-one and group video calls. The new filters and backgrounds are expected to be available to all WhatsApp users in the coming weeks.
The introduction of new video call effects follows the rollout in August of a new event planning feature that lets WhatsApp users organize events, meetings, and social gatherings directly within a group chat.
Sonos today announced a series of new commitments that are meant to demonstrate the company's "renewed focus" on software quality and customer experience. The announcement and an accompanying video from Sonos CEO Patrick Spence come as Sonos tries to ameliorate the negative experience customers have had with the May Sonos app update.
Going forward, Sonos says that it isn't just going to fix its app mistake, but also build a better Sonos experience. To that end, Sonos made seven pledges:
Unwavering focus on customer experience with ambitious quality benchmarks, and a promise to not launch products that don't meet the standards customers expect.
More stringent pre-launch testing with a broader range of customers to resolve issues before new software comes out.
No more all-at-once app releases. Any new major changes to the Sonos app will be released gradually, and customers will be able to opt-in to test new features before they become default.
There will be a new Quality Ombudsperson role that will give employees a clear path to raise concerns regarding quality and customer experience.
Home speaker products currently under warranty will have their warranty extended for an additional year.
App updates will come every two to four weeks to "optimize and enhance" the app experience. This includes after the current issues are fixed.
Sonos is establishing a Customer Advisory Board to provide feedback and insights from a customer perspective to shape and improve products before they launch.
Sonos says that its Executive Leadership Team will not accept any bonus payout for the October 2024 to September 2025 fiscal year unless Sonos is able to improve the quality of the app and rebuild customer trust.
According to Sonos, more than 80 percent of the missing features from the app have now been reintroduced, and the company expects to be at close to 100 percent in the coming weeks.
Recent reports have suggested that Sonos employees raised an alarm prior to when the redesigned Sonos app launched in May. The app was an immediate disappointment to customers because it was riddled with bugs and missing many key Sonos features, and there was significant outcry over the downgrade. Sonos was not able to roll back the changes, and has spent 2024 trying to fix the app.
Sonos has delayed new product launches to focus on software, and as a result, will miss its annual revenue target by $200 million.
Each year, the developers behind well-known iPhone camera app Halide take an in-depth look at the new camera technology that Apple has introduced. This year, Sebastiaan de With took more than 1,000 photos with the iPhone 16 Pro to examine changes to the camera setup, Apple's image processing, and more.
Apple added an upgraded 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera to the iPhone 16 Pro models this year. De With found it to take photos that have "impressive sharpness," but Apple did not add a larger sensor, so you're still not going to get the level of detail that you get with the Wide camera, which has a much bigger sensor.
For macro photos, the 48-megapixel lens "does wonders" for up-close shots. In prior iPhones, the Ultra Wide was cropping in from a 12-megapixel photo, which meant you ended up with an image that was approximately three megapixels. With the 48-megapixel lens, cropping in provides a true 12-megapixel image with more detail.
As for the Main camera, which Apple now calls the "Fusion" camera, it is using a sensor that is the same physical size as the iPhone 15 Pro sensor. While both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro have a "Fusion" camera, the iPhone 16 Pro has a larger and higher quality sensor. As with the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPhone 16 Pro combines pixels and can produce better 24-megapixel and 12-megapixel images using that data, in addition to full 48-megapixel photos. Processing is about the same as last year, and there is little difference between images captured with the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro with the standard Wide camera.
There are some notable internal changes that speed up image capture. The Apple Camera Interface provides faster sensor readout times for improvements to QuickTake. QuickTake also supports 4K Dolby Vision HDR, which is a noticeable improvement, according to de With. Capturing 48-megapixel ProRAW images is also a lot faster with quicker shutter speeds, and there's little delay.
For those interested in more info on everything new with the iPhone 16 Pro related to photography, including Camera Control, the Telephoto lens, Night mode, and more, the full Halide review is well worth a read.
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