Apple has released the first developer beta version of its upcoming iOS 18.3 update, just days after introducing iOS 18.2 that was packed with Apple Intelligence features. While Apple has not yet disclosed specific changes in the latest beta, there is speculation about support for more smart home devices, such as robot vacuum cleaners, within the Home app. Although the first developer beta for iOS 18.3 is now available, the stable version of the update is expected to roll out in January next year.
What to expect from upcoming iOS updates
The iOS 18.2 update added advanced Apple Intelligence features, such as image generation tools and system-wide ChatGPT integration. However, there are more intelligence features that Apple has yet to roll out, including on-screen awareness, personal context understanding, and more for the digital assistant Siri. Apple has also not yet launched the Priority Notification feature, which uses AI to sort notifications based on their importance.
More advanced Siri features are expected with the iOS 18.4 update in March next year, but iOS 18.3 could bring some minor tweaks and changes to existing Apple Intelligence features.
Apple Intelligence features with iOS 18.2
Last week, Apple released the iOS 18.2 update for eligible iPhones, adding several new Apple Intelligence features, including support for OpenAI’s ChatGPT within Siri and Writing Tools, Image Playground, and Genmoji. Here are the key Apple Intelligence features:
– Image Playground: A tool for generating images using text input or existing images from the Photos app. Users can create images based on themes, styles (such as animation, 3D, or illustrations), and specific requests. It is integrated within native apps like Messages, Freeform, and Keynote and also available as a standalone app.
– Genmoji: Integrated into the emoji keyboard, Genmoji enables users to generate custom emojis using text and images.
– Image Wand: Introduced in the Notes app, this tool transforms sketches into illustrations or generates images based on surrounding text.
– Describe Your Change (Writing Tools): This new option complements existing tools like Rewrite, Proofread, and Summarise, giving users more control over writing style and expressiveness.
– Compose with ChatGPT (Writing Tools): OpenAI’s chatbot integration allows users to generate text and accompanying images, accessible systemwide.
– Visual Intelligence: iPhone 16 series introduces a new Visual Intelligence feature. By long pressing the new Camera Control button, users can get information about real-life objects using Google image search or ChatGPT. It can also translate text, summarise it, and even detect and save phone numbers and email addresses.
– ChatGPT in Siri: With ChatGPT integration, Siri can now suggest using ChatGPT for specific queries and provide ChatGPT-powered responses directly. Users can enable or disable this integration and manage shared information.
While the iOS 18.2 update is available for all iPhones running iOS 18 versions, Apple Intelligence features are only available on iPhone 15 Pro models and the new iPhone 16 series.
Tag: Apple
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Apple releases iOS 18.3 first developer beta
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Prepare to remove TikTok from app stores: US lawmakers to Google, Apple
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Two influential US lawmakers, including Indian-American Raja Krishnamoorthi, have asked Google and Apple to remove TikTok from their app stores ahead of a potential ban on the video-sharing platform next month. A bill signed by President Joe Biden into law in April requires China-based ByteDance, which owns TikTok, to divest from it by January 19 or face a US ban.
Ahead of the January 19 deadline, House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Chair John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi on Friday wrote to Apple CEO Tim Cook, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and TikTok CEO Shou Chew. The lawmakers asked Cook and Pichai to prepare to remove TikTok from their play stores by January 19. In their letter to the TikTok CEO, they urged Chew to “immediately execute a qualified divestiture”.
All three letters come after the DC Circuit Court’s 3-0 opinion that upheld the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.
In the letters to Cook and Pichai, the lawmakers said, “Today, we sent a letter to TikTok highlighting that Congress has provided ample time—233 days and counting—for the company to take the necessary steps to comply with the law and pursue a divestment that protects US national security.”
“As you know, without a qualified divestiture, the Act makes it unlawful to provide services to distribute, maintain, or update such foreign adversary-controlled application (including any source code of such application) by means of a marketplace (including an online mobile application store) through which users within the land or maritime borders of the United States may access, maintain, or update such application.
“Under US law, (Apple and Google) must take the necessary steps to ensure it can fully comply with this requirement by January 19, 2025,” they wrote.
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Apple releases third beta of iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2: Here is everything new
After the release of iOS 18.1, Apple is now testing the third beta versions of iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 with developers. The third developer beta of iOS 18.3 has been rolled out ahead of the anticipated public release in December. This update focuses on bug fixes and new features to enhance user experience across apps like Photos and TV, as well as expanded functionality with Apple Intelligence.According to a report by MacRumors, the most significant updates in this beta include improvements to the Photos app’s video player, a customizable navigation bar in the TV app on iPadOS, and expanded control over the Camera Control button, adding functionality for newer iPhone models. Let’s take a quick look at everything new Apple is testing with iOS 18.2 beta.
iOS 18.2 features Update in Photos App
The Photos app received a major redesign with iOS 18, but not all users were pleased with the initial changes. In response to this user feedback, iOS 18.2’s third beta is bringing a new upgrade to photos app, which will reportedly expand the video player and reduce the thick borders that previously surrounded videos.
New Camera Control setting
The latest beta of iOS 18.2 introduces an upgraded Camera Control setting for iPhone 16 users. Located under Display & Brightness settings, users will find a “Require Screen On” toggle, which when activated, will restrict the button’s use to only when the iPhone screen is on. Users can also disable this feature, allowing the button to function even when the screen is off.
Redesigned CarPlay icons
With iOS 18.2 beta 3, Apple has also updated the Climate and Media app icons for CarPlay. The resigned look will also appear in future CarPlay-supported vehicles which are expected to launch by the end of 2024.
Other iOS 18.2 Updates
The iOS 18.2 update also brings changes to the AirDrop icon, which now appears in a dark hue when Dark Mode is enabled, addressing previous inconsistencies. Additionally, the update also fixes problems with Precision Finding on AirTags and the “Play Sound” functionality for AirPods and compatible third-party accessories within Apple’s Find My network.
For features of Apple Intelligence
The latest beta also introduces new AI-driven tools like Genmoji, a custom emoji generator, and Image Playground, which enables users to create AI-generated images from prompts. Moreover, Apple is also integrating ChatGPT into Siri that will now allow users to receive more comprehensive answers and create content without needing an external account.
iOS 18.2 release date and compatibility
The third developer beta of iOS 18.2 is compatible with the iPhone XS and later. However, advanced Apple Intelligence features, such as Visual Intelligence and Siri’s ChatGPT integration, are exclusive to the latest hardware-specifically, the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 series, and select M-series iPads and Macs. A public beta is expected soon, offering a broader audience the chance to preview these updates before the official December release. Alongside iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2, Apple has also released new betas for macOS Sequoia 15.2, watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, and HomePod Software 18.2. This complete suite of updates is expected to officially launch in December, delivering a robust range of new features across Apple’s devices. -
Apple eyes bigger slice of India’s streaming market with Airtel deal
Bengaluru (TIP)- Apple is tying up with India’s Airtel to offer the telecom firm’s premium customers its music and video streaming services for free, potentially giving the US firm access to thousands of consumers in a price-sensitive market. The move comes as competition tightens in India’s $28-billion entertainment market and an $8.5-billion merger of the Indian media assets of Reliance and Walt Disney faces close scrutiny from regulators.
“Apple TV+ will come bundled with premium Airtel WiFi and Postpaid plans,” Airtel said in a statement on Tuesday, though the companies did not disclose a deal value for the partnership or information on costs.
With mostly English-language content, Apple TV+ is a small player in the Indian market, where its rivals include Netflix , Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar and billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s JioCinema. Apple is following competitors in bundling streaming services with telecom plans to grow its audience more quickly.
Premium users of Airtel’s broadband and postpaid services can access Apple TV+ and Apple Music later this year as part of their plans. Airtel will shut its music app Wynk in this process, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Airtel has about 281 million subscribers for its India telecom offerings, while its top rival, Ambani’s Reliance Jio, has about 489 million.
Ambani announces suite of AI tools called ‘Jio Brain’
Reliance Jio is developing a suite of tools and applications that span the entire artificial intelligence (AI) lifecycle called ‘JioBrain,’ Reliance Industries’ Chairman Mukesh Ambani said during the conglomerate’s 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, August 29.
The company will set AI-ready data centres at Jamnagar, in Gujarat powered by the company’s green energy, said Ambani. “We are also starting to use JioBrain to drive a similar transformation across other Reliance operating companies, and to fast-track their AI journey as well,” Ambani said.
“I anticipate that by perfecting JioBrain within Reliance, we will create a powerful AI service platform that we can offer to other enterprises as well,” he added.
JioBrain integrates 5G’s high speed, and low latency with machine learning capabilities such as anomaly detection, predictive forecasting and automation. The platform can train and apply machine learning (ML) models at the network edge and in the service provider cloud.
“This enables CSPs (cloud service providers) to apply machine learning to not only the network but also to a wide range of 5G services and industrial applications including image and video AI at the edge, probing at the edge, healthcare, education, gaming, and entertainment use cases,” as per Jio Brain’s website. -
Apple announces changes to iOS, Safari, App Store ahead of EU DMA Act
Apple has announced changes to iOS, Safari, and the App Store in the European Union in response to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) coming into force in March.
For users, the changes include new controls and disclosures, and expanded protections to reduce privacy and security risks the DMA creates, the company said in a statement. The key news is that third-party app stores will be allowed on iOS for the first time. The changes will arrive with iOS 17.4 in March.
The changes include more than 600 new APIs, expanded app analytics, functionality for alternative browser engines, and options for processing app payments and distributing iOS apps. Across every change, Apple is introducing new safeguards that reduce – but don’t eliminate – new risks the DMA poses to EU users.
With these steps, Apple will continue to deliver the best, most secure experience possible for EU users. “The changes we’re announcing comply with the Digital Markets Act’s requirements in the European Union, while helping to protect EU users from the unavoidable increased privacy and security threats this regulation brings,” said Phil Schiller, Apple Fellow.
“Developers can now learn about the new tools and terms available for alternative app distribution and alternative payment processing, new capabilities for alternative browser engines and contactless payments, and more. Importantly, developers can choose to remain on the same business terms in place today if they prefer,” he added.
The new options for processing payments and downloading apps on iOS open new avenues for malware, fraud and scams, illicit and harmful content, and other privacy and security threats. The new capabilities will become available to users in the 27 EU countries beginning in March 2024.
In March, Apple will share new resources to help EU users understand the changes they can expect. That includes guidance to help EU users navigate complexities the DMA’s changes bring – including a less intuitive user experience – and best practices for approaching new risks associated with downloading apps and processing payments outside of the App Store.
Available for developers’ apps around the world, Apple also announced new options for streaming games, along with more than 50 forthcoming reports in areas like engagement, commerce, app usage, and more.
Source: IANS -
Apple overtakes Samsung as top seller of smartphones
Apple ended Samsung Electronics’ 12-year run as the largest seller of smartphones in the world, after commanding a 20% market share in 2023, according to a report from International Data Corp. Samsung ended the year with a 19.4% share, followed by China’s Xiaomi, Oppo and Transsion, preliminary data from IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker showed. The change in ranking comes after a tough year that saw consumers going slow on smartphone upgrades and choosing cheaper handsets due to high inflation and economic uncertainties. A slower-than-expected recovery in China, the world’s largest smartphone market, also weighed on overall phone sales.
Apple and Transsion, which sells Tecno, Infinix and itel brands, were the only two of the top five smartphone vendors to record sales growth last year, even though the overall market declined 3.2% to 1.17 billion units and hit a decade low.
“While we saw some strong growth from low-end Android players like Transsion and Xiaomi in the second half of 2023, stemming from rapid growth in emerging markets, the biggest winner is clearly Apple,” said Nabila Popal, research director at IDC’s Worldwide Tracker team. Phone shipments from Samsung were down 13.6%, while iPhone shipments were up 3.7% last year, according to IDC data.
Samsung focused on the mid- to high-end segment for profitability but lost share in the low-end segment, said Amber Liu of research firm Canalys.
Apple, however, is facing pressure in China from a resurgent Huawei as well as from budget Chinese brands. The iPhone maker is offering discounts of as much as 5% on some models in the country to attract customers.
Microsoft on Friday overtook Apple as the world’s most valuable public company, as Wall Street grew more concerned over the demand for its iPhones and other high-end gadgets. Source: Reuters -
US regulator denies Apple, Disney bids to skip votes on AI
New York (TIP) – The top U.S. securities regulator has ruled that Apple and Disney cannot avoid shareholder votes about the use of artificial intelligence proposed by a labor group.
In a January 3 notice, the US Securities and Exchange Commission rejected a request by the iPhone maker and the entertainment giant to exclude from its upcoming annual meetings a call for reports on the use of AI.
Corporations have adopted new technology for its promised efficiencies. But this trend has raised fears that it will replace many creative and professional workers or unfairly take over their jobs, issues recently highlighted in Hollywood labor disputes and the recent New York Times lawsuit. Are. Similar shareholder proposals were filed by the pension trust of the largest US labor union federation, the AFL-CIO, which also has AI measures pending at four other technology companies. In Apple, the group asked for a report on the company’s “use of AI in its business operations and disclosure of any ethical guidelines the company has adopted regarding its use of AI technology.” In a similar request, it also asked Disney to report on its board’s role in overseeing the use of AI.
In its support statement at Apple, the AFL-CIO wrote that “AI systems should not be trained on copyrighted works, or the voices, likenesses, and performances of professional artists, without transparency, consent, and compensation to creators and rights holders. “
Brandon Reese, deputy director of the AFL-CIO’s investment office, said the SEC’s ruling could pave the way for settlements with Apple and Disney that would bring them in line with AI disclosures from other companies like Microsoft.
In contrast, Apple and Disney “haven’t even begun to grapple with these ethical issues” around AI, Rees said.
Apple and Disney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Both companies had argued that the proposals could be removed from their ballots because they were related to “normal business operations”, such as the company’s choice of technologies.
The SEC disagreed. “In our view, the proposal goes beyond normal business matters and does not seek to micromanage the company,” the agency wrote in separate letters. Source: Reuters -
Apple resumes Apple Watch sales after ban is paused
You can once again buy the latest Apple Watches straight from Apple. The Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 will be available again in some physical Apple stores.
The restarting of sales comes hours after a federal appeals court paused a sales and import ban that covered both devices. Apple was banned from selling both products in the US after the US International Trade Commission found that the company had violated patents from the medical device maker Masimo.
The appeals court said that Apple could continue selling its watches temporarily, while the company waited to hear back on whether proposed changes to its watches would avoid the patent issues. US Customs and Border Protection is scheduled to rule on the changes on January 12th. Failing that, the court is considering whether to put the ban on hold until it can rule on the patent dispute, which could potentially delay the ban for months longer. “Apple’s teams have worked tirelessly over many years to develop technology that empowers users with industry-leading health, wellness and safety features and we are pleased the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has stayed the exclusion order while it considers our request to stay the order pending our full appeal,” Rothberg said in an emailed statement.
Apple pulled sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 from its online and physical stores ahead of the ban going into effect on December 26th. The ban covers devices that include a blood oxygen saturation sensor. Apple has included one on flagship watches since late 2020, with the Series 6. Only the lower-priced Apple Watch SE doesn’t include one and has been able to remain on sale. Third-party retailers were allowed to continue selling through their stock of Apple Watches while the ban was in place, though the import ban would have eventually prevented them from acquiring more units. Source: Theverge.com -
Apple’s valuation may soon be more than Europe’s largest stock market
Technology giant Apple is known to be one of the biggest and most profitable name in the industry. But on Wednesday, December 13, the firm made headlines for making an impact to be remembered on the largest stock market of Europe – France.
The French stock market is considered among the big leagues even for firms valued at billions of dollars, but the iPhone maker is eclipsing the largest stock market in Europe with its rising valuation, now crossing USD 3.1 trillion.
Apple Inc is now the world’s most valuable publicly traded company, and its market value on Wednesday closed at a record high, at $3.1 trillion. Meanwhile, combined market value of companies listed on the French stock market was about $3.2 trillion as of Wednesday’s close.
According to an index compiled by Bloomberg, Apple is not only on track to dominate the French stock market, but is also bigger than all but the six largest stock markets in the world, as per its most recent market value.
As surprising as it may seem, this is not the first time that the iPhone maker has overtaken Paris’ stock exchange in terms of market value. The duo swapped positions a number of times during last year’s second-half selloff as central banks raised interest rates to tackle inflation.
French stock market vs Apple
The French stock market is at a record high this week, propelled by luxury-good companies including Louis Vuitton owner LVMH and Birkin bag manufacturer Hermes International SCA. The stocks pulled back starting in mid-summer, only to rev up again in recent weeks as evidence grew that inflation is cooling and thus interest rates may have peaked, with no sign of a recession in the US.
However, the United States has seen one of the biggest stock market surges in history when it comes to tech companies, with Apple benefiting heftily from the hike. Apple has soared more than 50% in 2023, adding about $1 trillion in market value. Shares edged higher in pre-market trading. -
Apple Rolls Out Second Public Beta For iOS 17
Three weeks after the release of the first public beta, Apple has now rolled out the second public beta of iOS 17. This also comes a week after Apple released the fourth developer beta of iOS 17 which changed icon layout in the Messaging app, removed the Photo Stream feature, and introduced a new option in Settings to disable AirDrop transfer. These software updates mean not just registered developers, but public beta testers will also be able to download the second iOS 17 beta update. Not only this, apart from iOS 17, Apple has also rolled out public betas of iPadOS 17, tvOS 17, watchOS 10, macOS Sonoma, and HomePod software 17 to users registered in the Apple Beta Software Programme.
iOS 17 update
iOS 17 update will allow anyone to download the public betas before everyone else and try new features on iPhones as part of the Apple Beta Software Program. Users can try the new features and share their valuable feedback to Apple using the Feedback Assistant app. Other than this, iOS 17 brings lots of changes to the standby feature for displaying information in landscape mode, as well as developments in the Phone, Messaging, and FaceTime apps.
Messages and FaceTime enhancements will also be seen in Macs with macOS Sonoma. When it comes to tvOS 17, the new version enables FaceTime for the first time ever on Apple TV. As for watchOS 10, the update brings a brand-new interface for Apple Watch apps.
According to Apple, the next big iOS update will be officially released around the same time as the launch of its new iPhones. This means the public could see the iOS update in September.
iOS 17 Public Beta: Steps To Get It On Your Phone
– Step 1: Head over to the Apple Beta Software Program page to install iOS 17 public beta.
– Step 2: Post that, sign up or sign in using your Apple ID.
– Step 3: Once you are done with the sign-in process, go to settings, then general settings.
– Step 4: Click on Software Update and the new Beta updates menu will pop up on your screen under the Automatic Updates option.
– Step 5: Click on iOS 17 Public Beta and return to the updates page.
– Step 6: The update will now be available. Tap download and install the new update on your iPhone. -
Apple’s market value breaches $3 trillion mark again
Apple Inc’s market capitalisation on Friday, June 30, breached the $3 trillion mark for the first time since January last year, as investors bet on the iPhone maker’s ability to grow revenue even as it explores new markets such as virtual reality.
Shares of Apple, which is also the world’s most valuable- listed company, were up 1.3% at $191.99 in morning trading. They have jumped nearly 46% this year and, at the current price, the company’s market value stands at $3.02 trillion.
Apple’s market value briefly peaked above $3 trillion in intra-day trading on Jan. 3, 2022, before closing the session just below that mark. The gains in Apple shares come as technology stocks rebound on bets that the Federal Reserve may be slowing its pace of interest rate hikes as well as on the buzz around artificial intelligence. Apple’s less-than-expected fall in sales in its most recent quarterly report has highlighted the tech giant’s resiliency in an uncertain economy and reinforced its reputation among investors.
Currently, four other US companies have a valuation of more than $1 trillion — Alphabet Inc, Microsoft Corp , Amazon.com Inc and Nvidia Corp. Source: Reuters
India’s forex reserves drop by USD 2.9 billion to USD 593.1 billion
India’s forex reserves dropped by $2.901 billion to $593.198 billion in the week ended June 23, reported the Reserve Bank of India on Friday. This reversed an increase in reserves by $2.35 billion last week.
Foreign currency assets during the week decreased by $2.212 billion to $525.44 billion as the RBI sought to defend the value of the rupee by selling dollars in the open market. Gold reserves dropped $745 million to $44.304 billion and Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) increased by $85 million to $18.334 billion. India’s reserve position with the IMF was down by $29 million to $5.12 billion in the reporting week. Source: TNS -
Apple set to launch its credit card in India: Report
London/Hong Kong (TIP)– Technology giant Apple is gearing up to launch its own credit card in India. The iPhone maker’s chief executive officer (CEO) Tim Cook recently met HDFC Bank CEO and managing director Sashidhar Jagdishan during his recent trip to India in April, Moneycontrol reported. As per report, Apple is having talks with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to launch ‘Apple Pay’ in the country. It is unclear whether the discussions pertained to the credit car being powered by the Rupay platform or for the unified payments interface (UPI). Rupay credit card can be linked to UPI too.
In India, only banks can launch credit cards while UPI is for customers to make seamless and fast payments by scanning QR codes through mobile phones. According to the Moneycontrol report, Apple has held talks with the Reserve Bank of India over the modalities of the card. The RBI reportedly asked the company to follow regular procedure for co-branded credit cards.
As per reports, Apple is set to launch its co-branded credit card with HDFC Bank in India. The discussions are in the early stages. At present, the tech behemoth currently operates a premium credit card in the United States, made of titanium and launched in partnership with Mastercard and Goldman Sachs. For the past couple of years, Apple has been focusing on India. According to report, the iPhone maker’s sales in India touched around Rs 50,000 crore in the financial year 2022-23. Recently, Tim Cook during his visit to India had launched two exclusive stores in Mumbai and Delhi. Apple has been shifting a significant portion of iPhone production to India. It has a four per cent share of overall smartphone market in India, which amounts to two crore users.
As mentioned earlier, only banks can issue credit cards to the customers. In India, Apple cannot introduce a card with its logo and customer’s name on the front. In the US, the brand names of Goldman Sachs and Mastercard appear on the Apple card. But the tech giant cannot take these liberties in India.
Talking about rewards, the Apple card is integrated with Apple Pay and the reward will be deposited into the Apple wallet. This card does not have any annual fees. In the United States, the company let its card users buy the products in installment without interest. -
Apple reveals 15-inch MacBook Air at developer conference
Apple Inc has said it will add a 15-inch MacBook Air to the company’s lineup, powered by an Apple-designed M2 processor chip. The laptop with six speakers will start at $1,299 and be available next week. The 13-inch MacBook Air will drop to $1,099. Apple updated its Mac Studio desktop machine, saying its new M2 Ultra chip can process artificial intelligence work that rival chips do not have enough memory to handle.
Apple also introduced a new version of the Mac Pro, its highest-performing desktop, with an M2 Ultra chip. Until Monday, the Mac Pro was the last computer in Apple’s lineup that still used an Intel chip. Apple’s Mac lineup has experienced a revival since it started using its own chips in 2020, but in recent quarters sales have slumped along with the broader PC market. The big highlight of the day is expected to be Apple unveiling a mixed-reality headset, its first big move into a new product category since the introduction of the Apple Watch nine years ago. The launch will see Apple test a market crowded with devices that have yet to gain traction with consumers and put it in direct competition with Facebook-owner Meta Platforms. -
Make your skin look younger with bottle gourd
Bottle gourd might not sound as a delight for your taste buds but knowing about the benefits it has on your skin, you will surely fall in love with this pale veggie. Bottle gourd (commonly known as lauki/ghiya) not only gives you the right nutrition to your body, but it also ups your beauty quotient. Wrinkle-free skin With powerhouse nutrients such as vitamin C and zinc, bottle gourd helps in tackling premature ageing. The juice helps slow down cell ageing and prevents wrinkles from appearing on the face. You can have the lauki cooked or in the juice form for consumption. You can also apply the juice externally on your face and neck area for beautiful skin.
For that natural glow
Loaded with minerals, antioxidants and vitamins, bottle gourd juice can do wonders to your skin, lending it a healthy glow. Use it as your morning mantra as it aids proper functioning of your digestive system and makes your skin radiant. Have a glass full of bottle gourd juice every morning on a regular basis for better results.
Haircare
You will be shocked to learn that the staple from your kitchen can also tackle and control premature greying of hair. It contains vitamin B that has a cooling effect on your scalp and thus, helps reduce discolouration and frizziness of your natural hair. Regular intake of bottle gourd can also control hair fall. Grate a few pieces of bottle gourd and mix it with yoghurt or apple cider vinegar and use as a hair pack. You will be relieved of your hair problems after regular usage.
Reduces pimples and acne
Bottle gourd juice effectively cleanses the system and keeps dirt, pollution and oil under control. Hence it balances the secretion of oil from the pores which in turn reduces pimples and breakouts. You can consume it cooked or as a juice to combat your skin related problems.
Smooth and clear skin
As bottle gourd purifies the blood, it helps in making the skin smooth and supple. It cleanses the body internally which eventually leads to healthy, glowing and clear skin. Make a smoothening face pack using cucumber and bottle gourd in equal proportions. You can also add besan and curd if you wish. Apply it on your face for around twenty minutes and wash off with warm water. It will nourish your skin to the core and give it a butter-smooth feel at the same time.
Puffy eyes
You can get rid of your eyes bags naturally using bottle gourd. It is the cooling effect and water content of the vegetable that does the trick. The remedy also works to relax and relieve your eyes. Press bottle gourd round slices onto your eyes and lie down relaxed. Wait for 20 minutes and then remove the slices. You will love the soothing impact it will have on your eyes. -
Apple CEO Tim Cook takes 40% pay cut
Apple Inc. is cutting Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook’s compensation by more than 40% to $49 million in 2023, citing investor guidance and a request from Cook himself to adjust his pay.
As part of the changes, the percentage of stock units awarded to Cook and tied to Apple’s performance will increase to 75% in 2023 from 50%, as well as in future years, the company said in a regulatory filing Thursday. For 2022, Cook received compensation of $99.4 million, including $3 million in base salary, about $83 million in stock awards and a bonus. That was up slightly from 2021, when his total pay package was $98.7 million.
Cook’s latest pay was based on “balanced shareholder feedback, Apple’s exceptional performance and a recommendation from Mr. Cook,” the iPhone maker said in the filing. The company also plans to “position Mr. Cook’s annual target compensation between the 80th and 90th percentiles relative to our primary peer group for future years,” Apple said. Apple has drawn criticism from groups such as Institutional Shareholder Services about Cook’s previous compensation package, but a majority of shareholders voted to approve it last year. ISS, a top advisory firm, complained that Cook’s stock would continue to vest post-retirement and that half of the rewards didn’t depend on performance criteria like the company’s share price.
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Apple is working on adding touch screens to Macs
Apple Inc. is working on adding touch screens to its Mac computers, a move that would defy long-held company orthodoxy and embrace an approach that co-founder Steve Jobs once called “ergonomically terrible.” Apple engineers are actively engaged in the project, indicating that the company is seriously considering producing touch-screen Macs for the first time, according to people familiar with the efforts. Still, a launch hasn’t been finalized and the plans could change.
For more than a decade, the company has argued that touch screens don’t work well on laptops and that the iPad is a better option if someone wants a touch interface. Apple also has worried that touch-screen Macs could cannibalize iPad sales.
But rivals have increasingly added touch screens to computers, putting pressure on Apple to do the same. A Mac resurgence in recent years also has made the business a bigger moneymaker than the iPad — and the company wants to keep its computer lineup as compelling as possible.
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Apple warns of security flaw for iPhones, iPads and Macs
Apple disclosed serious security vulnerabilities for iPhones, iPads and Macs that could potentially allow attackers to take complete control of these devices. Apple released two security reports about the issue on Wednesday, although they didn’t receive wide attention outside of tech publications. Apple’s explanation of the vulnerability means a hacker could get “full admin access” to the device. That would allow intruders to impersonate the device’s owner and subsequently run any software in their name, said Rachel Tobac, CEO of SocialProof Security.
Security experts have advised users to update affected devices — the iPhone6S and later models; several models of the iPad, including the 5th generation and later, all iPad Pro models and the iPad Air 2; and Mac computers running MacOS Monterey. The flaw also affects some iPod models. Apple did not say in the reports how, where or by whom the vulnerabilities were discovered. In all cases, it cited an anonymous researcher. Commercial spyware companies such as Israel’s NSO Group are known for identifying and taking advantage of such flaws, exploiting them in malware that surreptitiously infects targets’ smartphones, siphons their contents and surveils the targets in real time.
Source: AP
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Apple agrees to pay $50 million to settle flawed ‘butterfly’ keyboards lawsuit
Apple has agreed to pay $50 million to settle the lawsuit over flawed “butterfly” keyboards in MacBooks in the US. A group of MacBook users in 2018 had filed a class-action lawsuit against Apple for the controversial butterfly keyboards, alleging that the new design failed when even tiny particles of dust accumulated around the switches. They alleged that the company concealed the fact that its butterfly keys were prone to failure. The lawsuit covered those who purchased an Apple MacBook with a butterfly keyboard in seven states: California, New York, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Washington, and Michigan. Apple later launched an improved keyboard design in late 2019.
Once the $50 million agreement is approved, those who replaced multiple keyboards can expect maximum payouts of $300 to $395 and people who replaced one keyboard can get $125 and those who replaced key ‘caps mat’ get $50, reports CNBC. Law firms Girard Sharp LLP and Chimicles Schwartz Kriner and Donaldson-Smith LLP can claim up to $15 million from the $50 million windfall to cover legal fees.
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Apple iOS 16, iPadOS 16 public beta now ready for download
Apple has officially made the first public beta versions of iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 available for all users on Monday. The final version of iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 will be rolled out to iPhone and iPad users this fall after the new iPhone 14 series is launched. If you want to install the beta software, you’ll have to register your device with Apple.
You can learn how to do it at Apple’s Beta Software Programme site. Once your iPhone or iPad is registered, an available software update will become visible in your Settings. Just make sure you back up your data first, as betas are full of bugs. It is always recommended to install the public beta software on a spare Apple device. Cupertino announced iOS 16 alongside iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura and WatchOS 9 last month during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). The idea behind the public beta software is to give anyone to try an early version of the next big update for iPhone, iPad or Mac before the final version, which usually comes around the same time as the new iPhone in September.
The public beta released on Monday does not require users to have a developer’s account.
Apple iOS 16 public beta: What’s new?
iOS 16, the next big update for the iPhone, lets you customise the lock screen. Users can apply different styles and fonts, giving your iPhone a personality of its own. Additional information resembling mini-widgets shows the weather, activity, alarms and more. With iOS 16, Apple is also letting users edit a message after it’s sent or unsend a message.
Users will have up to 15 minutes to unsend or edit a message, Apple said. Other updates include an email scheduling option in the Mail app and a new way to sign in to services or websites by using your iPhone through Passkeys.
Which iPhones will get iOS 16?
All iPhones from iPhone 8 and up (2017) will be compatible with iOS 16.
Here’s a full list of devices that will get it:
– iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
– iPhone X
– iPhone SE (2020)
– iPhone XS and XS Max
– iPhone XR
– iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
– iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max
– iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max
– iPhone 14 series (upcoming)
iPadOS 16: What’s new?
As for iPadOS 16, the new update for the iPad improves the multitasking capabilities of Apple’s tablet and also gives users more control over how to resize apps. Some of the features such as Stage Manager are limited to the M1-powered iPads, however. The iPad is also getting a Freeform app, which essentially creates a whiteboard for when you want to work together with others in real-time, for example, a FaceTime call.
Which iPads will get iPadOS 16?
iPad 9.7 (2017) and any model newer than that will be compatible with iPadOS 16. Here’s the full list.
– iPad mini 5 (2019), iPad mini 6 (2021)
– iPad 9.7 (2017), iPad 9.7 (2018), iPad 10.2 (2019), iPad 10.2 (2020), iPad 10.2 (2021)
– iPad Pro all models
– iPad Air (2019), iPad Air (2020), iPad Air (2022)
Source: The Indian Express
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Apple to add ‘lockdown’ mode on iPhones, iPads, Macs against spyware
Apple said it will roll out a “lockdown” option for iPhones, iPads and Mac computers intended to protect against spyware unleashed by state-sponsored hackers — although enabling that protection will also make these devices less useful. The safeguard announced Wednesday, July 6, is a tacit acknowledgement that not even Apple — the world’s most valuable company — has been able to adequately shield the iPhone and its other products against intrusions from state-backed hackers and commercial spyware. Governments have used these tools to violate the privacy of journalists, political dissidents and human rights activists.
The new feature, called “lockdown mode”, will initially be offered as a test version so that security researchers can help Apple identify any bugs or weaknesses. Apple usually releases its major updates to its device operating systems in late September. While only a handful of countries appear to have the resources to develop in-house mobile phone hacking tools, private companies like Israel’s NSO Group have been selling phone hacking software to government agencies around the world for years.
The growing hacker-for-hire problem prompted Apple to file a federal lawsuit late last year against NSO Group for breaking into iPhones and other Apple products. In its complaint, Apple accused NSO Group employees of being “amoral 21st century mercenaries who have created highly sophisticated cyber-surveillance machinery that invites routine and flagrant abuse.” NSO, which has been blacklisted by the US Commerce Department, has denied any wrongdoing and said its products have been used to thwart child abusers and terrorists. Unlike the security features that Apple builds into most of its software, the company’s lockdown feature is meant to serve as an emergency button that Apple expects will only be needed by a small number of its users. The lockdown measure is considered a last resort for people targeted by spyware, since activating lockdown will disable many popular features. That includes sending attachments and links in texts, as well as the ability to receive FaceTime calls from new numbers. Web browsing will also be limited. Source: AP
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Brad Pitt’s Formula One Racing Movie Lands at Apple
Apple Original Films has emerged as the highest bidder for Brad Pitt’s upcoming movie about Formula One racing.
Joseph Kosinski, who just steered “Top Gun: Maverick” to blockbuster success, is directing the yet-to-be-titled film, which will be produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment and seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton.
Brad Pitt is playing a driver who comes out of retirement to compete alongside a rookie driver and the titans of the sport. Ehren Kruger, one of the three screenwriters on “Top Gun: Maverick,” is responsible for penning the screenplay.
Additional producers are Kosinski and Chad Oman of Jerry Bruckheimer Films. Copper CEO Penni Thow serves as executive producer.
This marks Apple Studios’ second collaboration with Pitt and Plan B Entertainment. They are also working on an untitled film in which Jon Watts (“Spider-Man: No Way Home”) is directing and Pitt and George Clooney are starring as two lone-wolf fixers assigned to the same job.
Apple Original Films, which became the first streaming service to win the Oscar for best picture for “CODA,” has been making moves (and dropping serious amounts of cash) to ramp up its movie library. There are two high-profile projects from Martin Scorsese on the company’s slate, including his upcoming Western crime drama “Killers of the Flower Moon,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Jesse Plemons, as well as his musical biopic about the Grateful Dead, with Jonah Hill set to star as the iconic rock band’s frontman Jerry Garcia.
Apple recently acquired “12 Years a Slave” filmmaker Steve McQueen’s World War II film “Blitz.” Up next, the streamer is debuting “Cha Cha Real Smooth,” a feel-good comedic drama about a bar mitzvah DJ who strikes up a friendship with an older woman, on June 17. Source: VARIETY -
Apple’s Shazam App to suggest nearby concerts
Shazam, the music recognition platform acquired by Apple for reportedly $400 million in 2018, has gained a new feature designed to make it easier for users to locate and explore upcoming live music shows Shazam’s new concert feature is now available on iOS and Android. “Shazam has a long history of innovation in music discovery and connecting artists and fans,” Apple VP for Apple Music and Beats Oliver Schusser said.
“With the reemergence of live music, we’re excited to give Shazam users access to concerts and bring even more discoverability to artists.” The planform has been also updated to version 15.0, with the app now able to spend more time listening to songs that are tough to recognise.
Available as an update via the App Store, Shazam version 15.0’s update notes explain that the milestone update adds in a change to the way the feature functions. The app is free to download from the App Store, is compatible with all iPhones and iPads running iOS 13.0 and iPadOS 13.0 or later and weighs in at 34.2MB in size.
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Apple ‘dominates’ list of top 10 best-selling smartphones
Apple dominated the list of top 10 best-selling smartphones in 2021 globally, as seven out 10 smartphones in the list were iPhones, a new report said. According to market research firm Counterpoint, the top 10 best-selling smartphone models contributed 19 per cent to the total global smartphone unit sales in 2021, compared to 16 per cent in 2020. “The share of the top 10 models is increasing YoY, indicating a trend of brands focusing on their leading models and making their portfolios leaner in some cases,” the research firm said in a statement. “With entry-level models facing component shortages in 2021, we also saw faster diffusion of key features in the mid-tier segment,” it added. Apple secured seven spots in the list, its highest ever, while Xiaomi captured two spots and Samsung one. There were more than 4,200 active smartphone models in the global market in 2021.
The top five models in 2021 were from Apple. The iPhone 12 was the best-selling model, followed by iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 11. The top three models contributed 41 per cent to Apple’s total sales. Samsung’s Galaxy A12, an entry-level smartphone, took the sixth position in 2021. Almost all regions and countries showed strong demand for A12 throughout the year.
Source: IANS
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Apple expected to launch iPhone SE 5G with Touch ID on March 8
Apple event called ‘Peek Performance’ has just been announced. The iPhone 13 maker will host its first event of 2022 on March 8. The new Apple event will be hosted virtually. Apple is expected to announce the new iPhone SE 5G alongside a couple of more products.
Apple did not reveal what it plans to unveil at the March 8 event. The Apple event invite includes the Apple logo glowing in shades of Blue, Purple, Orange and Yellow. One of the multiple products that could launch on March 8 is the new iPhone SE 5G.
The upcoming iPhone is rumoured to feature the same iPhone SE 2020 design. It will come with a faster A15 Bionic chip for 5G network support. The budget iPhone will also feature a 4.7-inch display. The iPhone will have thick bezels at the top and bottom of the display, with the latter making room for the iconic Home button for Touch ID. The iPhone SE 5G is also rumoured to come with a 12MP rear camera and a 12MP front camera sensor.
Alongside the iPhone SE 5G, Apple might also launch a new iPad Air. The colourful invite does suggest that Apple will launch a product in multiple colour options, which does hint at the iPad Air 5. Apple has not refreshed the iPad Air lineup since 2020. Therefore, we can expect the new iPad Air 2022 to launch at the Apple event on March 8. The new iPad will get some under the hood improvements like a faster chip, 5G connectivity and an updated FaceTime camera with features like Centre Stage.
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Apple will soon let you repair your iPhone, Mac at home
Apple will now allow users to carry out Do-It-Yourself (DIY) repairs on certain iPhone and Mac computers.
It starts sometime next year with the new Self Service Repair option, which will roll out in the US and other countries.
It will allow users to access – in other words, buy – genuine parts and tools for iPhone and Mac repairs on the new Apple Self Service Repair Online Store, thereby doing away with the need to go to a service centre.
It makes Apple the first smartphone brand, and indeed a computing device maker, to offer a self-repair option to its consumers. In the first stage of this DIY repair adoption, parts and tools will be available for the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 series. That’ll be followed by parts and tools for Mac computing devices, the recent ones powered by the M1 chips, including the new MacBook Pro 14 and the iMac 24-inch.