News on the sidelines for the week of March 29-April 4

The iPhone 6 Plus and iPad Mini have become obsolete devices, leaks of the iPhone SE 4 confirm its design similar to the iPhone 14, a new artificial intelligence system for Apple that can overcome GPT-4, the design of iOS 18 will resemble the VisionOS system, and a new spatial personality test. For Apple Glasses, and other exciting news on the sidelines...

Apple is exploring a mobile robot that follows users around their homes

Apple is creating new robotic products that could become “the next big thing,” as it calls them. One such project is a mobile robot that can follow people in their homes. Another device is an advanced table-top device equipped with a screen that can move intelligently. Apple wants these robots to use artificial intelligence to navigate homes crowded with furniture in a smooth manner, and perhaps help with household chores such as washing dishes, but this is extremely difficult and unlikely anytime soon, due to technical complications. The mobile robot could compete with Amazon's Astro home robot. For a table device, one idea is to have the screen mimic head movements during FaceTime video calls. However, Apple faces some technical challenges regarding this technology. These robot projects are still in the very early research stages, and it is not clear whether they will actually be released as products.

iPadOS 17.5 beta update hints at battery capacity and number of charging cycles

Codes in the beta version of the iPadOS 17.5 update for the iPad indicate that Apple may expand the Battery Health menu, currently available on the iPhone, to include upcoming iPad models. The menu is expected to display the maximum remaining capacity and number of iPad battery cycles. Although the menu is not visible on current iPad models in the beta, it could be included in the new iPad Pro and iPad Air models that are rumored to launch in May, as well as future iPad versions. Although the public release of the iPadOS 17.5 update is expected in May, it is important to note that this feature depends on the results of the code in the beta, so its inclusion in the final release is not guaranteed. However, it indicates Apple's interest in providing information about battery health to iPad users, similar to the iPhone.

Testing the new spatial personality for Apple Glass

Apple Vision Pro users can now set up a special “spatial avatar” that shows their head, hands and upper body instead of just their face during virtual interactions. This makes it appear as if other people are actually in the same room. With spatial personas, you can see where everyone is looking or pointing, and hear sounds coming from their virtual locations as they move through their physical spaces. It provides a more immersive experience compared to a minifigure with just a face. Spatial characters can be used for activities such as watching movies together, video calling, using shared apps, playing games, and more. The Spatial Portrait feature is currently in beta testing and requires a VisionOS 1.1 update, with support for up to 5 participants at a time. You can watch the video:

iPadOS 17.5 beta hints at new Apple Pencil and 'pinch' gesture

The first beta of the iPadOS 17.5 update refers to a potential new fourth generation Apple Pencil, as “V4,” indicating an upcoming update to the accessory. Speculation suggests that this new Apple Pencil could come with the updated iPad Pro and iPad Air models in May. Another code indicates the possibility of a new “squeeze” gesture for the Apple Pencil. This gesture may provide users with a faster way to perform actions such as adding stickers, text boxes, signatures, or shapes in photo editing applications. The report also stated that Apple tested a new Apple Pencil that supports the VisionOS system for Apple Glass.

Anniversary of the launch of the iPad 14 years ago

April 3 marks the 3th anniversary since Apple launched the original iPad on April 2010, 9.7, marking the beginning of a product line that greatly influenced the tablet market, and had a major impact. The iPad is designed to bridge the gap between laptops and smartphones. Its sleek design and simple iOS interface, combined with its 18-inch touchscreen, set it apart from competitors. The success of the iPad has led to the development of a vast ecosystem of applications designed specifically for its larger screen, from productivity tools to games and educational software. Over the years, the iPad lineup has expanded to include models like the iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro, with accessories like the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard to enhance its functionality. Although a new iPad hasn't been released in nearly XNUMX months, Apple is expected to unveil refreshed iPad Air and iPad Pro models in May, with updates for other models expected later in the year.

The design of iOS 18 will resemble VisionOS

A leaked image indicates that the iOS 18 update may get a design inspired by the VisionOS system. The leak shows the redesigned camera app with transparent elements and greater depth. The image was provided by an anonymous source. Although these claims cannot be confirmed, they are consistent with previous rumors that iOS 18 will adopt some VisionOS design elements such as depth, transparency, and buttons. Apple will preview the iOS 18 update at WWDC in June.

Multiple sources have indicated that this leaked camera app image is fake. These pictures are questionable.

Apple researchers reveal a new artificial intelligence system that can overcome GPT-4

Apple has developed a new artificial intelligence system called ReALM that helps it better understand and respond to commands and prompts. ReALM helps you understand what you mean when you talk about things on your screen, even if you don't say exactly that.

Imagine you are using your phone in the car. You can ask Siri to “turn on the music player” instead of having to say the full name of the app. ReALM detects what you are signaling based on the situation. I imagine you saying to him in Egyptian colloquial language, for example, “You have something for us to listen to, Siri Pasha” 😂, so Siri immediately opens the music application and plays something from her favorites, simply like that. The purpose is to simplify things and make them more natural.

You can also manipulate objects on the screen. For example, if you were viewing a map on your iPhone and said, “Go there,” it would now be difficult for Siri to understand where you meant by “there.” But with ReALM, Siri will be able to understand that you are pointing at a specific point on the on-screen map.

ReALM also works in a smart way, converting what appears on the screen into text, then using this text to understand the context and what you indicate with your voice commands.

The idea of ​​ReALM is to make voice interaction with devices more smooth and natural, as you will not need detailed explanation, but simple gestures and words will suffice.

This technology is still in development, but it has the potential to make voice assistants even more useful in everyday situations!

iPhone SE 4 cases confirm its design similar to the iPhone 14

Images of cases allegedly designed for the fourth-generation iPhone SE have emerged, confirming rumors indicating a complete redesign to eventually resemble the iPhone 14 that was released in 2022. Screenshots from a video shared by leaker “Majin Bu” confirm the reports. Which states that the iPhone SE 4 will come with an edge-to-edge screen with a notch that contains a TrueDepth camera array for the facial fingerprint, and will come with a 6.1-inch OLED screen, a single rear camera, an action button, and a USB-C port.

The iPhone 6 Plus and iPad mini are becoming obsolete devices

Apple has updated its list of “obsolete” products, adding the iPhone 6 Plus and iPad Mini, meaning Apple no longer provides repairs or service for them. The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus were launched in September 2014 and feature larger screens and Apple Pay support. While the iPhone 6 Plus was discontinued in September 2016, the iPhone 6 remained available through resellers for a few more years, preventing it from being classified as “vintage” just yet. On the software side, iOS 13 dropped support for it in 2019. Additionally, the fourth-generation iPad mini is now classified as “vintage” as well, as are the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus on its “legacy” list, but ONLY COLOR (PRODUCT) RED. Other color options for these models are not considered “old.”

Miscellaneous news

◉ A widespread outage affected many Apple online services and platforms, including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Books, Apple TV and more, and Apple has resolved the issue and the services are fully operational again.

◉ Apple and Google have teamed up to prevent the use of Bluetooth trackers to track people without their consent. Apple said it will add alerts similar to AirTags to third-party item trackers in a future software update, possibly iOS 17.5. iOS 17.5 beta includes tips for these alerts. Several companies, including Tile, Chipolo, Samsung, Eufy, and Pebblebee, have supported the initiative.

◉ A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan, causing damage to some of TSMC's semiconductor manufacturing facilities, which in turn halted production of 3nm chips. Another plant in Hsinchu was also forced to stop production due to pipeline failures and damage to chips. Because TSMC's advanced chips require continuous production over several weeks, it is possible that some chips that have already been manufactured may have been damaged even if they were not directly damaged. While TSMC is working to quickly restart some production lines, the full impact on Apple's supply chain remains uncertain.

◉ Apple has released a new firmware update for AirPods Max. Apple does not provide specific details about the update, but it usually includes fixes for problems. To update, make sure the speaker is connected to your iOS device or Mac. The update will be done silently.

◉ Compatible Apple Watch 4 may not support the upcoming watchOS 11 update according to rumors. This means that the watch will not receive new software features and bug fixes.

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