The popular messaging app, WhatsApp, has introduced a new feature that allows users to privately add or save contacts across linked devices. This feature, called "Identity Proof Linked Storage", keeps names and numbers encrypted for added privacy. Additionally, WhatsApp is also rumoured to introduce a username feature for chatting without sharing phone numbers and a revamped iOS interface with a new home widget. This latest update from WhatsApp is sure to make managing contacts easier and more secure.
The popular video conferencing tool, Google Meet, has announced a new update featuring a revamped call-screen interface that will now be available to all users. The redesigned interface includes a new pill-shaped search bar and contact suggestions, making it easier for users to connect. This update follows the recent introduction of AI-generated notes that automatically summarize meetings. While the new interface is already accessible for Android users, it is yet to be released for iOS users. With this update, Google aims to make virtual meetings smoother and more convenient for all users, whether they are casual or professional.
Apple has launched a new Clean Up feature in their iOS 18.1 developer beta, aiming to remove unwanted objects from photos. In a face-off against rival tools Google Magic Eraser and Samsung Galaxy AI, we test the capabilities of Apple's Clean Up on three photos with varying levels of difficulty. Will Apple's tool reign supreme or will its competitors prove to be more effective?
Twitter, now known only as X, has finally answered users' requests for an edit feature for direct messages. This highly anticipated feature has already been rolled out to iOS users and will soon be available on other platforms. However, there's a limit to the number of edits allowed per message. Meanwhile, Elon Musk recently pointed out a concern with X's content algorithm, highlighting a common drawback of social media algorithms.
The first beta of iOS 18.1 has been released and it comes with an early preview of Apple Intelligence, a set of new features powered by AI technology. The beta is currently only available for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, and will be released to the public in October. Users can join a waitlist to try out the AI features, which will initially be available in the United States only. This may be the reason for the early release of the iOS 18.1 beta, as Apple will need time to test and potentially delay these features before the iOS 18 public release.
Apple has released the first betas for their upcoming software updates, which include early versions of their highly anticipated Apple Intelligence features. These new betas will run alongside the current iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia 15 betas, giving developers the option to test out the new features or stick with the standard track. However, only select devices will be able to access these features, which include Siri's revamped design and smart replies in Messages. While some features won't be available until later this year, developers can opt into the waitlist and enable Apple Intelligence on their device in the Settings app.
Apple has released the latest updates for iOS and iPadOS, bringing the versions to 17.6. These updates, which come two months after the release of iOS 17.5 and iPadOS 17.5, include important bug fixes and security updates for compatible iPhones and iPads. While there are no notable features in these updates, they are recommended for all users and likely some of the last updates before the release of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 in September.
Apple has released the first betas of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 with early access to Apple Intelligence features. These include Writing Tools, a redesigned Siri, improved Mail and Messages functionalities, and more. While currently available for developers only, Apple plans to release a public beta later this fall, making these AI features available to all users with eligible devices.
In 2021, social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, experimented with a downvote feature for posts, but eventually scrapped it when acquired by Elon Musk. However, new code references discovered in the latest iOS app update suggest X may be considering implementing downvotes specifically for replies. This potential addition aligns with X's focus on crowdsourced fact-checking and could potentially create a Reddit-like "hivemind" effect by downranking posts that receive negative ratings from individuals with differing views.
Apple has added new hiking features to their Maps app on iOS 18, just months after declaring AllTrails the iPhone App of the Year. Users in the U.S. can now access and save thousands of hikes in all 63 national parks, as well as create and save their own custom walking routes. These features also include topographic maps on the iPhone, previously only available on the Apple Watch. While these features are mostly limited to the U.S., topographic maps are also available in Japan. iOS 18 is currently in beta and will be released in September.