News on the sidelines week 2 - 8 January

 CES 2026: An innovative smartphone controller, Samsung announces a new 6K Odyssey G9 display that delivers 3D content without glasses, a new crease-free foldable screen technology emerges, the Mac screen is transformed into a touchscreen, Intel flexes its muscles with new processors, Apple develops a new way to silently update your device's security, the iPhone 17e boasts new features, and other exciting news on the sidelines…

News on the sidelines Week Mar 5 - Mar 11


Launch of ChatGPT health service with support for the “Health” app 

From PhoneIslam: Two circular diagrams with a heart icon in the middle surrounded by smaller icons - steps, lungs, fire, syringe, ear and bed - on a gradient background, making them ideal for a news summary or the week's news in health and wellness.

OpenAI has announced a new and useful feature called “ChatGPT Health,” a dedicated section that allows you to privately inquire about your health, separate from your usual conversations. This service enables you to connect apps like Apple’s Health app to help the system understand your sleep and activity patterns. It can also analyze your medical test results to help you understand them and prepare for doctor visits. It is important to emphasize that this is a helpful tool and not a replacement for consulting a qualified physician. The service is designed with high security standards and strong encryption to ensure the confidentiality of your data and prevent its use in training artificial intelligence. It is currently available on a waiting list and will soon be rolled out to all users via the web and mobile apps.


Dell unveils the world's first 52-inch 6K curved monitor

From PhoneIslam: A modern office workspace with a large screen displaying graphs and data - ideal for preparing summaries or keeping up with tech news - with a laptop, keyboard and mouse on a wooden desk, and another workstation in the background.

At CES 2026, Dell announced a stunning, first-of-its-kind 52-inch curved monitor with 6K resolution. Designed as a complete solution that eliminates the need for multiple monitors, this monitor features eye-protection technologies, delivers rich colors, and acts as a comprehensive hub, allowing you to charge your devices, connect various accessories, and access the internet at high speeds through a single port. Its most remarkable feature is its ability to display content from up to four different computers simultaneously and control them all with just a keyboard and mouse, making it an ideal choice for professionals. It is available now starting at around $2800.


Apple is studying revolutionary imaging technology for future iPhone cameras.

From PhoneIslam: A close-up view of the three camera lenses on the back of a modern smartphone, showing metallic and glass details - perfect for capturing January news or margin photos with stunning clarity.

Apple is currently exploring the addition of a highly advanced imaging technology to its upcoming iPhones, enabling the camera to capture details and colors invisible to conventional lenses. This technology would make the phone smarter and more capable of distinguishing between different materials, such as skin and fabrics, significantly improving image quality and the device's visual intelligence. Despite these potential benefits, the concept is still in its early stages and may not be implemented soon due to its cost and technical complexity. Meanwhile, leaks suggest improvements to the lenses of the anticipated iPhone 18, but there are no current plans to increase the camera resolution to 200 megapixels.


The 200-megapixel camera on the iPhone: A deferred dream and a focus on quality first.

From PhoneIslam: A close-up image of the back of the dark blue smartphone, showing three camera lenses, a flash, and a side button against a dark gradient background - perfect for tech news updates and the latest Apple news.

Recent leaks reveal that Apple has no plans to release a 200-megapixel camera in iPhones anytime soon. This technology remains merely a concept under initial consideration and has not yet entered the testing phase. Instead of chasing huge numbers, the company is currently focusing on improving the existing 48-megapixel cameras of the anticipated iPhone 18, with a greater emphasis on enhancing image quality in various lighting conditions and improving zoom capabilities. This underscores Apple's ongoing philosophy of prioritizing realistic image quality and refined performance over simply increasing megapixel count, which may not be seen for several years.


Google is bringing artificial intelligence to television... Will Apple follow suit?

From PhoneIslam: A living room with a flat-screen TV displaying a summary of technology news, surrounded by plants, books, and neutral decor.

Google recently unveiled exciting new AI features for its TV systems, designed to make your experience easier and more enjoyable. You can now speak to your TV in natural language to adjust settings, such as saying "The screen is too dark," and the system will automatically optimize it. You can also search for and edit your photos and view helpful interactive information. This development gives us a strong glimpse into what Apple might offer in the future with its Apple TV, as it is expected to integrate similar technologies into its upcoming devices, anticipated to be released in the spring of 2026, making TV control and content suggestions smarter and simpler than ever before.


Intel flexes its muscles with new processors, and rumors circulate about a renewed partnership with Apple.

From PhoneIslam: Several laptops were displayed on the shelves, labeled "Innovations in personal computers powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors," with the Intel Core Ultra logo on the wall, ideal for the follower looking for the latest innovations in computing.

Intel recently unveiled a new and powerful generation of computer processors built with advanced American technology, promising users significantly faster performance in gaming and work, along with a battery that lasts for more than a full day. While Apple devices currently rely on its own chips, this announcement has revived talk of a potential future collaboration. Reports indicate that Apple may utilize Intel's advanced manufacturing facilities to produce some of the chips for its upcoming Mac computers by 2027, opening a new avenue for partnership between the two tech giants.


Apple is developing a new way to silently update your device's security.

From PhoneIslam: The iPhone screen displays security enhancement settings, shows the option to install updates automatically, and lists iOS 26.3 for testing purposes only - perfect for those who keep up with tech news.

Apple is currently testing a very useful security feature in its new iPhone and Mac operating systems, designed to protect you from cyber threats faster than usual. Instead of waiting for a full, major system update, this feature will instantly and automatically patch any security vulnerabilities in your browser or system "in the background" if you choose. This means your device will always be protected with the latest security measures effortlessly, while still allowing users to wait for traditional updates.


An innovative accessory that transforms your Mac screen into a touchscreen.

From PhoneIslam: A hand touching a laptop screen displays a simple black line drawing of a face in a digital art program - ideal for creating digital drawings or summaries of tech news.

Have you ever wished you could control your Mac with touch? That dream is now a reality thanks to an exciting new accessory unveiled at CES 2026 called "Magic Screen." This accessory is a smart glass layer that easily attaches to your existing Mac's screen, instantly giving you full touch control using your fingers or even a stylus, just like using a large tablet. While leaks suggest Apple is planning to officially release its first touchscreen Mac later this year or next, this innovation offers the experience now. It supports displaying and controlling iPhone apps, boasts long battery life, and will be available to users soon.


Promising leaks: The upcoming iPhone 17e will feature modern specifications and a competitive price.

From PhoneIslam: A smartphone with a purple gradient screen and a notch at the top, appearing on a black background, appears in my 2024 tech news summary.

Apple appears to be planning a significant upgrade for its upcoming budget-friendly iPhone 17e. Recent leaks suggest it will feature a modern design with a "dynamic island" display instead of the traditional notch at the top, bringing it closer to more expensive models. The upgrade won't be limited to aesthetics; the phone will be powered by the advanced A19 chip, ensuring high speed and performance, and may also include MagSafe magnetic charging, a feature missing from the previous model. Production is expected to begin this month in preparation for a spring launch, all while maintaining its affordable price point of around $600, making it a very attractive option for those looking to upgrade at a reasonable cost.


An innovative charger that transforms the iPhone into a smart companion with a magical touch.

From PhoneIslam: A screenshot of a device displaying news about modern technologies with some updates on the side.

Imagine your phone charger transforming into a friendly personal assistant that interacts with you throughout the day! That's what the recently unveiled "DeskMate" offers. More than just a regular magnetic charging pad, it's a smart desktop robot that holds your iPhone and transforms it into a companion with expressive cartoon features. The device can move and rotate to always face you, and it can help you organize your schedule, take notes during meetings, and even chat with you to break the work routine. It's expected to launch soon for under $300, making it your perfect desk companion.


Revolutionary technology for the foldable iPhone screen eliminates the annoying crease problem.

From PhoneIslam: A tablet integrated into a display stand displays a digital document titled "Bioscience Lecture: Chapter 1. Principles of Genetic Engineering" with an illustration of DNA, featured in Biotechnology News in the Weekly Marginal Tech News, January 2024.

CES 2026 brought good news for those awaiting a foldable iPhone, with the unveiling of a stunning new screen technology that completely eliminates the crease or crease typically seen in the middle of current foldable phones. This new screen, developed by Samsung, appears perfectly flat and clear when unfolded, and strong indications suggest that Apple will utilize this advanced technology in its upcoming device, expected to launch in September of this year. This means we can expect a more elegant and eye-friendly user experience, overcoming the previous drawbacks of this type of device.


Miscellaneous news

WhatsApp has announced three new features for group chats designed to make communication more organized and clear for everyone. These features include defining your role within each group to clarify your position, converting written text into easy-to-use stickers, and adding event reminders to help participants remember important dates. These updates are now available globally and are part of an ongoing series of improvements aimed at making the WhatsApp chat experience simpler and more efficient.

At CES 2026, Satechi announced its first Thunderbolt 5 product, the CubeDock, which combines port expansion with the ability to add a fast internal storage drive. The device supports very high transfer speeds, supports multi-monitor setups at high resolution, and provides powerful charging for laptops and smart devices, ideal for professional use. It is scheduled for pre-order at $400, with shipping beginning in the first quarter of 2026, along with a new Thunderbolt 5 cable priced at $40.

From PhoneIslam: Two small, silver desktop computers are displayed on two wooden bases, showing from the front and back with ports and ventilation grilles visible, as if they were common in tech news on the sidelines.

At CES 2026, Samsung announced the new Odyssey G9 6K monitor, which displays 3D content without the need for glasses. It uses eye-tracking technology to automatically adjust depth and viewing angle. The monitor is geared towards gamers and boasts exceptional smoothness, supporting select games that are specifically optimized to provide a deeper sense of distance and objects compared to traditional monitors. Samsung also unveiled other gaming monitors with higher refresh rates and different resolutions, but pricing has not yet been announced.

From PhoneIslam: Five Samsung Odyssey gaming monitors are on display, each showcasing vibrant, dynamic science fiction graphics.

Apple announced a limited edition of AirPods Pro 3 to celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Horse. Featuring an exclusive horse motif, these earbuds are available in select Asian countries for a limited time at the same price and specifications as the regular version. Technically, they are identical to the original AirPods Pro, which offered improved sound, better noise cancellation, and an updated fit. Shipping will begin on January 8th. Simultaneously, Apple is releasing a range of accessories themed around the Year of the Horse, including iPhone cases, power banks, AirTag cases, and various travel products.

From PhoneIslam: A pair of white wireless earbuds in an open charging case with an illustration of a unicorn, against a blurred background of a person riding a horse at sunset, perfect for listening to tech news or watching your January 2024 summaries.

8BitDo has unveiled an innovative smartphone controller designed for portrait mode, specifically for one-handed gaming or a flip phone-like experience. The controller connects to iOS and Android phones via USB-C and attaches to the bottom of the screen. It features traditional buttons with customizable options. The company confirmed it is officially supported by Apple and will be available this summer, though pricing has not yet been announced. Further details are expected to be revealed at CES 2026.

Apple is preparing to launch a new MacBook in the first half of 2026, targeting budget-conscious consumers and students in particular, aiming to be a strong competitor to other affordable laptops. Reports indicate that the device will combine an affordable price with powerful performance, utilizing the same A18 Pro processor found in the iPhone 16 Pro. This promises excellent speed for browsing, watching videos, and handling everyday tasks, along with long battery life. This device is expected to be Apple's most affordable laptop, priced significantly below $1000, making it a golden opportunity for those looking to enter the Apple market at a reasonable cost.

A recent report indicates that the Vision Pro headset has yet to attract a significant number of users due to its high price, uncomfortable size, and limited availability of dedicated apps. Reports also point to a significant decline in production and marketing efforts, with sales remaining limited compared to other Apple products like the iPhone and iPad. These challenges reflect a generally weak demand for virtual reality devices, despite Meta's continued dominance in this market with cheaper, but less sophisticated, products.

Clicks Technology has unveiled a new Android-powered phone called the Clicks Communicator, designed to serve as a second phone alongside the iPhone, with a clear focus on communication rather than browsing content. The device features a physical keyboard and displays messaging and email apps directly on the home screen, providing a simpler and less distracting user experience. It is scheduled to be showcased at CES 2026 with a starting price of $499, with an early pre-order option available at a lower price, and shipping expected to begin later this year.

From PhoneIslam: There is an orange-colored smartphone partially located beneath a smaller device with a touchscreen and physical keyboard, displaying notifications from various messaging apps - ideal for keeping up with weekly summaries or the latest tech news.

Clicks has launched a new case that adds a physical keyboard to iPhones, targeting those who enjoy fast typing and the feel of older BlackBerry phones. The case features comfortable keys with backlighting, supports both wired and wireless charging, and connects via Lightning or USB-C depending on the model. While it adds a little bulk to the phone, it offers a more precise typing experience and is available for pre-order for several models at varying prices.

From PhoneIslam: A person is using a smartphone with a physical keyboard case, reading an email titled "It's Just Clicks." On the desk are headphones, a mouse, a pen, and a notebook—perfect for following my tech news roundup or my January 2024 tech news diary.


This is not all the news that is on the sidelines, but we have brought you the most important of them, and it is not necessary for the non-specialist to occupy himself with all the incoming and outgoing. And help you with it, and if it robbed you of your life and got busy with it, there is no need for it.

Sources:

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5 comment

comments user
Ahmed Badr

Where are the apps that were available every Friday?

comments user
Abbas

Could you explain?

comments user
Abbas

Hello, Hello Phone Islam, do you have any information about the iPhone 17 Pro Max being out of stock in Iraq and what is the reason?

    comments user
    Abdallah

    The reason is definitely in the basement 😬

comments user
Abdallah

A revolutionary update and product 😂 and in the end it turns out to be tomatoes
Brother, there's no such thing as revolutionary anymore. You yourself wrote in a previous post that you went back from the iPhone 17 to an older product. There's no progress, no legendary release, nothing revolutionary. Honestly, it's not an iPhone from version 11.

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