RPRNA

Search results for: “Android”

  • Apple should boost CarPlay for electric cars

    Apple should boost CarPlay for electric cars

    Apple’s CarPlay makes it easy to use your iPhone in the car, letting you access apps safely on the road. However, for electric vehicle (EV) owners, CarPlay falls short. Its EV routing tool, which plans trips with charging stops, only works with a small number of models, like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Porsche Taycan. This leaves most EV drivers without proper support.

    The issue is that CarPlay’s charging and battery tracking features depend on carmakers sharing live battery data, and only a few do. Meanwhile, rivals like Google’s Android Auto face similar challenges, but some automakers are creating their own EV-friendly systems. For instance, General Motors is phasing out CarPlay in its electric models to build custom software that better handles navigation and charging needs.

    To stay ahead, Apple could add features that don’t rely on carmakers, like improved charger finders or simple battery range predictions. Including more EV-focused apps, such as those for locating charging stations or optimizing routes, would also make a big difference. With CarPlay in nearly 98% of new U.S. cars, Apple has a golden chance to shine in the EV world. It just needs to move quickly to meet the rising demand for electric vehicles.

  • New iPad Pro with M5 chip and Gemini widgets for iPhone

    New iPad Pro with M5 chip and Gemini widgets for iPhone

    Apple’s upcoming iPad Pro with the M5 chip, expected in fall 2025, promises a big upgrade. Last year, Apple surprised many by putting the M4 chip in the iPad Pro before Macs, which upset some Mac users who waited months for M4 MacBooks. This time, Apple plans to launch the M5 chip in MacBook Pros first, giving iPad Pro users a more powerful device later.

    The M5 iPad Pro should keep the same starting prices—$999 for the 11-inch and $1,299 for the 13-inch—despite possible chip tariff issues. This shift back to Macs debuting new chips first feels like a return to Apple’s usual strategy, making the iPad Pro a solid upgrade choice.

    Meanwhile, Google’s Gemini app for iPhone now offers handy home screen widgets. These include a square widget with four icons to open the app, use the microphone, take photos, or start Gemini Live. There’s also a rectangular widget with a search bar and options to upload files or access your gallery.

    Styled like the Google Search app, these widgets make Gemini quick to use. However, some users still want a version optimized for iPads, as Android tablets already have one. The update, version 1.2025.1662203, is rolling out now, bringing iPhone users faster access to Gemini’s AI features. This combination of Apple’s M5 iPad Pro and Google’s Gemini widgets shows how both companies are improving their devices to stay competitive and user-friendly.

    Source/Via

  • Gmail for iPhone and iPad gets a fresh new look with Material 3 design

    Gmail for iPhone and iPad gets a fresh new look with Material 3 design

    Google is giving Gmail on iPhone and iPad a new look by updating it with the Material You (Material 3) design style. This update changes how things look, making the app feel more modern and in line with other Google apps.

    One of the main changes is the updated top bar. It now has a rounded search field that takes up the full width, along with a profile picture on the right. The Gmail logo is now smaller and moved to the left, giving the app a cleaner appearance. This design is already used in other Google apps like Drive and Docs on iOS.

    The main screen still shows your email list, and the overall layout hasn’t changed much. However, everything looks more polished thanks to small design updates, like better use of space and more consistent colors.

    This redesign brings Gmail for iOS closer to the look of its Android version, which already received the Material You style earlier. The update started rolling out through version 6.0.240421, so if you haven’t seen it yet, it should arrive soon via the App Store.

    Google continues to refresh its apps to match the latest design trends, and this Gmail update is part of that effort to make its apps more unified and user-friendly.

  • M2 iPad Air can run Windows 11 with ARM support

    M2 iPad Air can run Windows 11 with ARM support

    The new M2 iPad Air, announced by Apple earlier this month, is already showing some exciting capabilities. A developer named @imbushuo has managed to get Windows 11 running on the iPad Air with the help of the UEFI-based open-source tool called Project Sandcastle.

    This setup works because the M2 chip in the iPad Air uses the same arm64 architecture that Windows 11 supports. That means the operating system can run on the device without needing to be fully changed. However, it still needs tweaks and technical steps to get everything working smoothly.

    In a shared video, the iPad Air is seen running Windows 11. While not everything works perfectly, like Wi-Fi and touchscreen input, many core features are functional, showing that the tablet can handle a desktop OS like Windows.

    This isn’t the first time developers have experimented with running non-Apple systems on Apple devices. The same project, Sandcastle, has been used before to bring Android and Linux to iPhones and iPads. This latest test with Windows 11 on the M2 iPad Air proves how flexible and powerful Apple’s new chips are.

    While it’s not something regular users would do, it shows the iPad has strong potential for more than just iPadOS, especially in the hands of tech-savvy developers.

  • Apple hit with new lawsuits over late Siri upgrades

    Apple hit with new lawsuits over late Siri upgrades

    Apple is facing fresh legal trouble in the U.S. and Canada because of delayed Siri improvements tied to its Apple Intelligence features. Customers who bought the iPhone 16 expected a smarter, more personal Siri, as shown in ads, including one with actor Bella Ramsey. But Apple pushed back these upgrades, possibly to 2026, leaving buyers upset.

    Two new lawsuits claim Apple misled people with false advertising. One, filed in California, says the company broke rules by promising features that aren’t ready. The plaintiffs argue they wouldn’t have paid so much for their iPhones if they knew the truth. A similar case in British Columbia, Canada, makes the same point. These follow an earlier lawsuit, and they might combine later.

    Apple hyped the new Siri at its 2024 developer event, showing it handling tasks like checking flight details or finding lunch plans from texts and emails. Now, the company admits it needs more time. If courts agree Apple was wrong, iPhone 16 buyers could get money back. Apple hasn’t commented on the lawsuits yet.

  • Cool iOS 18.4 iPhone tricks you might not know

    Cool iOS 18.4 iPhone tricks you might not know

    Every time Apple updates iOS 18, like with iOS 18.4, they sneak in a few surprises for your iPhone. You’ve probably heard about turning doodles into awesome art, tweaking your home screen, making custom emojis, and exploring Apple Intelligence or Visual Intelligence.

    But what else is hiding in iOS 18.4 that’s flying under the radar? There’s a lot to uncover! Apple adds settings that don’t get much attention, but they’re super handy. Here are some of my favorite secret iOS 18.4 features worth checking out.

    Power Off Your iPhone Without Buttons

    No need to press physical buttons to restart your iPhone anymore. The updated control center has all the usual stuff—brightness, volume, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth—and now includes a restart option. Just swipe down from the top-right corner, press and hold the power icon in the control center’s top-right, and a slider pops up to shut down your phone. To turn it back on, you’ll still use the side button.

    Share Wi-Fi with a QR Code

    Sharing your Wi-Fi just got easier. With iOS 18.4, you can create a QR code for your network. It’s perfect for sharing with a group, someone not in your contacts, or even Android users. Open the new Passwords app, find your Wi-Fi network, tap it, and select “Show QR Code.” Anyone who scans it with their camera connects instantly.

    Tweak Your Flashlight’s Beam

    The iPhone flashlight isn’t just brighter—it’s smarter. On supported models, you can now adjust the beam’s width. Go wide to light up more space or narrow for a focused glow. Turn on the flashlight from the lock screen or control center, and swipe left or right on the Dynamic Island to play with the beam. It’s great for setting up photo lighting!

  • Could watchOS 12 bring smart features and a fresh look? Maybe Not

    Could watchOS 12 bring smart features and a fresh look? Maybe Not

    There’s buzz that watchOS 12, the next update for Apple Watch, might roll out some big changes. Rumors suggest it could include Apple’s new “Intelligence” system—think smarter replies, better Siri, and handy app features. Plus, there’s talk of a redesigned interface to make your watch easier and more fun to use.

    Imagine a smoother layout or bolder icons to freshen things up. But hold off on getting too excited—insiders say these upgrades aren’t a sure thing. Apple might save the brainy stuff for later, and the look could stay pretty much the same. We’ll know more as 2025 rolls on, so stay tuned!

    Meanwhile, whispers about the iPhone 17 Pro are heating up too. Word is, it might sport a huge camera bar across the back. Why? To pack in better lenses and sensors for sharper photos and videos. This chunky design could make the phone a photography champ, especially in low light or for zooming far. Fans are split—some love the bold idea, others think it’s too clunky. Either way, it shows Apple’s aiming to shake things up in the camera game.

    Both the watch and phone rumors hint at Apple pushing for smarter, flashier tech. But with no solid proof yet, it’s all just guesswork. The watchOS 12 update might stick to small tweaks, and the iPhone’s camera bar could still change before it hits stores. For now, it’s fun to dream about what’s next, but don’t bet on anything just yet. Keep an eye out for official news as the year unfolds!

    Source/Via

  • New iPhone 17 Models: What we know so far

    New iPhone 17 Models: What we know so far

    Apple fans are buzzing about the iPhone 17 lineup, expected to launch in September 2025. Recent leaks give us a peek at what’s coming, and it’s exciting! One big highlight is the iPhone 17 Air, a super slim version of the phone. Dummy models—fake units showing the design—suggest it’ll be thinner than ever, replacing the bulkier iPhone Plus. These early models, spotted on Android Headlines, hint at a fresh look with a sleek body that’s easy to hold.

    Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro is grabbing attention too. Rumors from MacRumors say it might let you record two videos at once with its camera. Imagine capturing a wide shot and a close-up together—perfect for vloggers or anyone who loves making videos. This feature could make the Pro a top pick for creative folks. The design might also change, with a new camera bar across the back instead of the usual square bump.

    Both models promise cool upgrades. The Air focuses on being light and stylish, while the Pro boosts camera power. Leaks show the Air could have a single camera, keeping things simple, while the Pro’s dual-recording trick adds something special. Apple seems to be mixing things up this time, dropping the Plus model to bring in the Air as a fresh middle option.

    These early glimpses aren’t final—Apple could tweak things before the big reveal. Still, the dummy units and rumors point to a bold shift for 2025. Whether you want a slim phone or a video-making beast, the iPhone 17 lineup looks set to impress. Stay tuned for more as we get closer to the launch!

  • iOS 18.4 brings better messaging and app choices

    iOS 18.4 brings better messaging and app choices

    Apple’s iOS 18.4 update, released on April 2, 2025, makes texting and app use simpler for iPhone users. The Messages app now supports RCS (Rich Communication Services) for more people, especially those on smaller T-Mobile networks like Mint Mobile and Google Fi.

    This means you can send high-quality photos, see when someone’s typing, and enjoy smoother chats with Android friends. To check if it works for you, go to Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging. If your carrier supports it, you’ll see “RCS” in the text box when messaging Android users.

    Plus, iOS 18.4 lets you pick your favorite apps as defaults in new areas like messaging and calls. Before, you could only set defaults for things like email or browsers, but now you can choose apps like WhatsApp for texting or calling instead of Apple’s built-in options.

    This gives you more control over how your iPhone works. Both updates make everyday tasks easier and more personal, so you can chat and use apps your way. Have you tried these changes yet? They’re a big step forward!

  • Google Maps might soon be the go-to map app on iPhones in Europe

    Google Maps might soon be the go-to map app on iPhones in Europe

    Google Maps could soon become the main navigation app for iPhone users in Europe, thanks to new rules. On March 28, 2025, reports hinted that Apple might have to let users pick their default apps more freely in the European Union (EU). This change comes from a law called the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to make things fairer for tech companies and give users more choices.

    Right now, iPhones automatically use Apple Maps for directions. But with the DMA, Apple may need to let people choose Google Maps or other apps instead. This would be a big shift, as Google Maps is super popular—tons of people already love it for its easy-to-use features and accurate details.

    The EU has been pushing big tech companies like Apple to open up their systems. This isn’t just about maps; it’s part of a bigger plan to stop companies from locking users into their apps. If this happens, iPhone users in Europe might see a pop-up asking them to pick their favorite map app when they set up their phone.

    For Google, this is great news. More people might switch to Google Maps, especially since it’s already a top choice on Android phones. Meanwhile, Apple might need to work harder to keep users hooked on Apple Maps. Either way, iPhone fans in the EU could soon enjoy more freedom to navigate their way!

More posts