Apple’s team of clever scientists has made a little robot that looks like a lamp, with movements that feel very real. You can see all about it on their special research website. This robot, which kind of looks like the playful Luxo Jr. from Pixar, might just be a sneak peek into what Apple has planned for the future.
In a video, we see this robot acting very much like a friend. Someone asks it about the weather, and the robot turns to look outside the window before telling them it’s a nice day for a hike. But when it hears it’s not invited, the robot seems a bit sad.
In another scene, the robot follows the person’s hand signals, adjusting the light just right for taking photos with an iPhone. At another moment, it gently nudges a mug towards someone as a reminder to drink water.
The robot also helps by showing a tutorial video on the wall when someone is trying to build something new, like a 3D printer. And for fun, it dances to music, making it feel like a companion rather than just a machine.
The researchers, including Yuhan Hu, Peide Huang, Mouli Sivapurapu, and Jian Zhang, noted that making the robot move in a lifelike way really makes people want to interact with it more than if it just did simple tasks.
According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple might be working on something similar with an iPad-screen on a robotic arm. They’re thinking about announcing this cool device maybe in 2026 or 2027. This robot would understand your voice commands, like “look at me,” especially useful during video calls.
This robot could be a fancy version of Apple’s upcoming smart home hub, expected to come out soon and priced around $1,000, though plans might still shift. This little robot friend from Apple is not just about tech; it’s about making our daily lives a bit more fun and interactive.
The team behind the beloved Twitterrific app has just released ‘Weave’, a new app designed to blend your social media, blogs, and other online content into one easy-to-use timeline.
Weave Brings Together Your Online World on iPhone and iPad
A while back, we shared news about ‘Project Tapestry’, which has now evolved into ‘Weave’ and is available on the App Store for both iPhone and iPad. The app’s main goal? To create a single, flowing timeline where you can enjoy your favorite blogs, social networks, and more.
Here’s what you can expect from Weave:
Your Internet, Your Rules: Weave mixes posts from platforms like Bluesky, Mastodon, Tumblr, alongside RSS feeds, podcasts, and YouTube videos. Everything appears in the order it happens, so you see what’s new first, without any algorithmic interference.
Easy Browsing: With Weave, you can look through content from many sources effortlessly. Set up your timelines, sync where you left off on different devices, and enjoy your feeds in a clear, colorful layout.
No Spoilers Here: Set up rules to filter out content you don’t want to see, keeping your feed spoiler-free and tailored to your interests.
Find What You Need: Search across all your feeds at once. Whether it’s a blog post, video, or podcast, Weave helps you find it quickly and save it for later.
Privacy First: Weave keeps your data on your device, ensuring your privacy. There’s no selling or sharing of your information.
Expand Your Weave: With custom connectors, you can add even more types of content. If there’s an open data feed out there, you can connect it to Weave.
Weave offers the kind of user-friendly customization you’d expect from Twitterrific creators, including options for icons, layouts, and fonts, plus support for both light and dark modes. You can save articles for later, too.
Weave is free to download from the App Store, but you can opt for a subscription to enjoy features like ad removal, custom timelines, and more. Subscription options include $1.99 per month, $19.99 per year, or a one-time payment of $79.99.
TSMC, a big partner for Apple, makes chips for millions of their devices each year. But, according to their founder, there was a time when Intel tried to make chips for the iPhone but didn’t do well enough to impress Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook.
TSMC Founder Wasn’t Worried About Intel Competition for iPhone Chips
In a recent conversation on the Acquired podcast, Morris Chang, the founder of TSMC, talked about the history of working with Apple. One key point was back in February 2011 when Intel was considered for producing iPhone chips.
At that time, Intel already made chips for Apple’s Macs. However, their attempt at iPhone chip production didn’t go as planned. Chang mentions a talk with Jeff Williams, who said, “We need to take a break from our talks for a couple of months because Intel’s top people have approached Tim Cook to discuss making chips for the iPhone.”
Chang wasn’t too concerned because, in 2011, Intel didn’t have the same strong reputation it once did:
“Jeff was talking about the iPhone,” Chang said. “I wasn’t too worried because Intel wasn’t the big deal anymore. I had to agree to Jeff’s request, but I wasn’t really concerned.”
Later, Cook met with Chang over lunch at Apple’s headquarters, where he reassured Chang by saying, “There’s nothing to worry about,” explaining that Intel didn’t have the right know-how to be a chip foundry. Chang found this response brief but reassuring.
Chang also shared insights on Intel’s customer relations:
“Before Apple became our customer, I knew many of Intel’s customers in Taiwan, like all the PC makers. None of them were fans of Intel. Intel often acted like they were the only game in town.”
He added that these customers “all wished there was another supplier.”
You can view the complete interview for more insights into the tech industry’s past.
This year, people in Europe will be able to make video calls using satellite technology, thanks to a successful demonstration by Vodafone working together with AST SpaceMobile. The service will soon expand to the United States through AT&T, although it might take a little longer there.
Just like the current satellite options for texting and calling, this new technology will work in places where there’s no regular phone signal.
Apple Paved the Way with Satellite Messaging
For many years, satellite communication was only possible with special equipment. However, smartphones have now caught up. Apple started this trend with its Emergency SOS via Satellite feature in 2022, which lets you contact emergency services from spots with no cell service. They’ve even updated it so you can send messages to your loved ones. Apple started with Globalstar but has now teamed up with SpaceX and T-Mobile to use Starlink’s satellite system.
Voice and Internet from Orbit
In 2023, AST SpaceMobile showed that regular phones could do more than just send messages via satellites; they could also make voice calls and use mobile data. They proved this by connecting a call from Maui, Hawaii, to Madrid, Spain, using their BlueWalker 3 satellite. They also managed to achieve a download speed of about 14 Mbps in another test.
Satellite Video Calls Are Here
Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile have now shown that video calls are possible too, using typical 4G/5G phones. They made history with the world’s first video call from space, connecting a call from a remote part of Wales where there’s never been mobile internet before. This was done by Vodafone’s engineer, Rowan Chesmer, who called Margherita Della Valle, showcasing the potential for internet access and messaging in areas without coverage.
Vodafone plans to roll out this service across Europe by the end of 2026, although they haven’t shared how much it will cost yet. Meanwhile, AT&T is testing similar services in the US, but they’ll probably start after Europe. This new technology could change how we stay connected, especially in the most remote places.
This week, Apple released iOS 18.3, bringing new features but also taking one away. Specifically, they turned off AI-generated summaries for notifications in two types of apps, and one of these choices has left me puzzled.
Why News Apps Lost Summaries
It’s unusual for Apple to take away features in iPhone updates, but they did just that with iOS 18.3. The AI summaries for news apps were disabled because they were giving out incorrect information, which caused a stir. This made sense since people were complaining about misleading news alerts.
The Mystery of Entertainment Apps
The summaries for entertainment apps have also been turned off, and this is what’s confusing. If you check your iPhone settings under Notifications > Summarize Notifications, you’ll see apps like Disney+, Max, and YouTube marked as ‘Temporarily Unavailable’ for summaries.
I looked at the App Store’s Entertainment section, which now is easy to find at the top of the Apps tab. It’s mostly streaming services, along with some music, podcast, and even drawing apps. I can’t figure out why these would need their summaries disabled unless there was some issue with podcast titles that sound like news.
What’s Next?
Apple has promised that these features will come back once they fix the problems with the AI. I hope they do this soon, as it would be great to have those useful summaries back. Until then, the absence of these features in entertainment apps remains a bit of a puzzle to me.
Not all music streaming platforms give the same amount of money to musicians, and a recent study shows just how different these payments can be. For example, Apple Music pays artists way more than Spotify does.
The study, done by Duetti, looks at how much artists got paid in 2024 by different platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.
One key thing they checked was how much money artists make for every 1,000 times their song is played. Here’s what they found for 2024:
Amazon paid $8.80 for 1,000 streams.
Apple Music paid $6.20.
YouTube paid $4.80.
Spotify only paid $3.00.
This shows that Apple Music paid artists more than twice what Spotify did. One reason for Spotify’s lower payments is its free version which has lots of ads but doesn’t make much money for artists.
While Spotify has ads like YouTube, YouTube still manages to pay artists more. Apple Music, on the other hand, only has paid subscriptions, which lets them give more money to artists.
Another concerning point from the report is that even though Spotify has been increasing its prices, the money artists get from each stream has been going down. This is a bit troubling, especially since Spotify has been putting more effort into podcasts and audiobooks, possibly at the cost of music artists’ earnings.
In a bid to curb the rising tide of vehicle thefts, the Arvada Police Department in Colorado has taken an innovative approach by distributing Apple AirTags for free to community members. This move comes in light of the proven effectiveness of these small, $30 devices in thwarting car thefts since their launch in 2021.
The giveaway, which took place on January 19, 2025, not only provided AirTags but also included a mix of other tracking devices like Tile. According to local reports, half of the trackers available were handed out, each accompanied by a car sticker warning potential thieves that the vehicle is equipped with a tracking device.
One resident, previously a victim of car theft, expressed his support for the initiative, noting the potential deterrent effect of the stickers and the confidence that his car could be recovered if stolen again.
Since their introduction, AirTags have not only been pivotal in vehicle recovery but have also been involved in various other scenarios, from uncovering local fraud to international espionage. Despite controversies surrounding their potential misuse for stalking, Apple has consistently enhanced the device’s privacy features to prevent such incidents.
As AirTags continue to prove their utility, there’s anticipation around an update expected in 2025, which might bring improved location accuracy and extended range, maintaining the device’s significance in personal security and asset tracking.
For years, the relentless pursuit of thinner and lighter devices has driven innovation in the tech world. Now, whispers from the rumor mill suggest Apple might be poised to revisit this idea with a reimagined iPhone, tentatively dubbed the “iPhone 17 Air.” This potential addition to the iPhone family has sparked considerable interest, with concept renderings and speculative reports painting a picture of a remarkably slim device. Let’s delve into the details and explore what this intriguing possibility could entail.
A Return to Slender Form:
The core concept behind the iPhone 17 Air revolves around achieving an unprecedented level of thinness. Reports indicate Apple is aiming for a profile even slimmer than the iconic iPhone 6, which measured a mere 6.9mm. Imagine holding a device that feels almost impossibly light and sleek in your hand. This focus on form factor could mark a significant design shift, potentially echoing the design philosophy of the MacBook Air line, prioritizing portability and elegance.
Visualizing the Air: Concept Renderings and Speculation:
While official details remain shrouded in secrecy, talented concept artists have taken the available information and created compelling visualizations of what the iPhone 17 Air could look like. One such concept, popularized by Technizo Concept on YouTube, offers a glimpse into a potential future. It’s crucial to remember these are based on leaks and rumors, so they should be viewed with a healthy dose of skepticism.
The concept video showcases a device with a refined aesthetic. The rear design presents a few possibilities. One version features a horizontal camera array with three lenses, while others suggest a simpler one or two-lens setup. This uncertainty highlights the fluidity of the information available and the potential for changes before any official announcement.
Material choices also play a crucial role in the concept. A blend of aluminum and glass is suggested, with the glass back being essential for enabling wireless charging – a feature now considered standard in premium smartphones. This combination of materials would likely contribute to both the device’s structural integrity and its premium feel.
Another compelling feature showcased in these concepts is the inclusion of a USB-C port. This transition, already implemented in other Apple devices, would bring faster charging speeds and improved data transfer capabilities to the iPhone line.
Display and User Experience:
The front of the conceptual iPhone 17 Air is imagined to house a 6.65-inch OLED display, potentially incorporating ProMotion technology. This would translate to a smoother and more responsive visual experience, with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. The Dynamic Island, Apple’s innovative notification system, is also expected to make an appearance, potentially in a refined, more compact form.
Positioning within the iPhone Lineup:
Speculation suggests the iPhone 17 Air could replace the “Plus” model in Apple’s product line. This strategic move would position the Air as a distinct offering, focusing on a unique combination of slim design and powerful features. Reports indicate the Air could be approximately 2mm thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro, which measures 8.25mm. This would result in a device around 6.25mm thick, truly pushing the boundaries of smartphone thinness.
Pricing and Availability:
Perhaps one of the most intriguing rumors surrounding the iPhone 17 Air is its potential pricing. Sources suggest Apple is aiming to position the Air as a more affordable option compared to the Pro models. This would make the device accessible to a wider audience while still offering a compelling set of features. If these rumors hold true, the iPhone 17 Air could retail for under $1,000, potentially around $899, similar to the current pricing of the Plus models.
The anticipated launch timeframe for the iPhone 17 lineup, including the potential Air variant, is expected to be September 2025. This gives Apple ample time to refine the design, finalize specifications, and prepare for what could be a significant step in the evolution of the iPhone.
A Note of Caution:
It’s crucial to reiterate that much of this information is based on rumors and concept renderings. While these provide an exciting glimpse into potential possibilities, they should be taken with a grain of salt. Apple’s final product could differ significantly from what is currently being speculated.
Conclusion:
The prospect of an iPhone 17 Air has ignited the imaginations of tech enthusiasts and industry observers alike. The focus on achieving remarkable thinness, coupled with potential improvements in display technology, charging capabilities, and pricing, makes this a compelling concept. Whether these rumors materialize into reality remains to be seen. However, the very idea of an ultra-slim iPhone underscores Apple’s continued pursuit of innovation and its willingness to explore new design paradigms. As we approach the anticipated launch date, we can expect more details to emerge, further clarifying the future of the iPhone and the potential arrival of the elusive Air.
For years, the blue checkmark has reigned supreme across social media, a symbol of authenticity in a digital world often plagued by impersonators and misinformation. Telegram, the popular messaging app known for its focus on privacy and security, has long offered its verification system for public figures and organizations. Now, Telegram is taking a bold step forward, introducing a novel approach: third-party verification. This new system promises to enhance trust and uniquely combat misinformation.
The Current Landscape of Telegram Verification
Telegram’s existing verification system follows a familiar model. To earn the coveted blue checkmark, individuals and organizations must demonstrate notability and verifiable identity. This typically involves showcasing at least two credible English-language press mentions and linking back to the Telegram account from at least two other established social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, VK, and Snapchat. This system has served its purpose, but it also presents limitations, particularly for organizations managing multiple accounts.
A New Era of Decentralized Verification
Recognizing the need for a more scalable and flexible solution, Telegram is pioneering a decentralized verification model. This new system empowers already-verified organizations to verify additional accounts under their umbrella. This means that instead of relying solely on Telegram’s internal verification process, established entities can vouch for the authenticity of related accounts, creating a network of trusted sources.
Instead of the familiar blue checkmark, accounts verified by a third party will display a distinct logo next to their names. This visual cue clearly distinguishes these accounts from those verified directly by Telegram, providing users with a clear understanding of the verification source. Furthermore, the name of the verifying organization will also be displayed, adding another layer of transparency and accountability.
The Benefits of Third-Party Verification
This innovative approach offers several key advantages. Firstly, it streamlines the verification process for organizations managing multiple accounts, reducing the administrative burden and ensuring consistency across their online presence. Imagine a large news outlet with separate Telegram channels for different departments or regions. Under the new system, the main news outlet account could verify all related channels, ensuring users that they are indeed interacting with official sources.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, third-party verification strengthens the fight against scams and misinformation. By empowering trusted organizations to act as verifiers, Telegram creates a proactive defense against impersonators and malicious actors. This decentralized approach distributes the responsibility of maintaining online integrity, making it more difficult for bad actors to operate undetected.
Telegram emphasized the proactive nature of this solution in a recent blog post, stating that it “sets a new safety standard for social platforms.” This underscores the company’s commitment to creating a safer and more trustworthy online environment for its users.
How Third-Party Verification Works in Practice
The process for becoming a third-party verifier involves an initial verification by Telegram, followed by an application process to become eligible to assign verified marks. Telegram has also implemented a Bot API, allowing organizations to automate the process of assigning and removing verification status for related accounts.
To illustrate how this works in practice, consider a hypothetical scenario: a well-known tech website, “TechNow,” has a verified Telegram account. Under the new system, TechNow could verify the accounts of its individual writers, displaying the TechNow logo next to their names. This would assure readers that they are communicating with legitimate members of the TechNow team.
A Human Touch: The Importance of Context and Trust
While technology plays a crucial role in combating misinformation, the human element remains essential. Context and trust are paramount in navigating the digital landscape. Telegram’s third-party verification system recognizes this by leveraging the existing trust users place in established organizations. By empowering these organizations to act as verifiers, Telegram strengthens the overall ecosystem and fosters a greater sense of confidence among its users.
This new feature isn’t just about adding another layer of verification; it’s about building a more resilient and trustworthy online community. It’s a testament to Telegram’s ongoing commitment to innovation and its dedication to providing a safe and reliable communication platform for millions of users worldwide. This decentralized approach to verification could very well become a new industry standard, shaping the future of online trust and authentication.
The tech world never stands still, and the anticipation for the next iteration of Apple’s mobile operating system, iOS, is already building. While official details remain tightly under wraps, glimpses into potential features and confirmed updates offer a tantalizing preview of what iPhone users can expect in the coming months and into 2025. This exploration delves into both conceptual innovations and concrete developments, painting a picture of the evolving iOS experience.
Conceptualizing iOS 19: A Designer’s Vision
Independent designers often provide fascinating insights into potential future features, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. One such visionary, known as Oofus, has crafted an intriguing iOS 19 concept, showcasing some compelling ideas.
One particularly captivating concept is the introduction of Lock Screen stickers. In recent years, Apple has emphasized customization, with features like Home Screen and Lock Screen widgets and app icon tinting. Extending this personalization to include stickers on the Lock Screen feels like a natural progression, allowing users to express themselves in a fun and visually engaging way. Imagine adorning your Lock Screen with playful animations, expressive emojis, or even personalized artwork.
Another intriguing idea is a feature dubbed “Flick.” This concept proposes a streamlined method for sharing photos and videos, possibly involving a simple gesture or interaction. This could revolutionize the sharing experience, making it faster and more intuitive than ever before.
Beyond these highlights, the concept also explores potential enhancements to the screenshot interface and new customization options within the Messages app, further demonstrating the potential for innovation within iOS. It’s crucial to remember that these are just concepts, but they serve as valuable inspiration and spark discussions about the future of mobile interaction.
Confirmed Enhancements Coming in Early 2025
While concepts offer a glimpse into the realm of possibilities, Apple has also confirmed a series of concrete updates slated for release in the first few months of 2025. These updates focus on enhancing existing features and introducing new functionalities, promising a richer and more powerful user experience.
Siri Reimagined: The Dawn of Intelligent Assistance
Apple has declared a new era for Siri, with significant improvements on the horizon. Following incremental updates in iOS 18.1 and 18.2, iOS 18.4 is poised to deliver substantial enhancements to Siri’s capabilities.
Expanded App Actions: Siri will gain the ability to perform hundreds of new actions within Apple apps, eliminating the need to manually open them. This integration will extend to supported third-party apps through App Intents, further streamlining user interactions.
Contextual Awareness:Drawing inspiration from a real-life assistant, Siri will leverage personal data like received texts and past calendar events to provide more intelligent and relevant assistance. This contextual awareness will enable more natural and intuitive interactions.
Onscreen Awareness:Siri will become aware of the content displayed on the screen, allowing users to directly interact with it through voice commands. This feature could revolutionize how users interact with their devices, enabling seamless control and manipulation of onscreen elements.
These advancements, combined with existing ChatGPT integration, aim to transform Siri into a truly powerful and intelligent assistant, ushering in a new era of human-computer interaction.
Prioritizing What Matters: Enhanced Notifications
Apple Intelligence is also revolutionizing notification management. The introduction of priority notifications will allow users to quickly identify and address the most important alerts. These notifications will appear at the top of the notification stack and will be summarized for faster scanning, ensuring that users stay informed without being overwhelmed.
Expressing Yourself: New Emoji and Image Styles
The world of emoji continues to evolve, with new additions planned for iOS 18.3 or 18.4. These new emoji will offer even more ways for users to express themselves, adding to the already extensive library.
Furthermore, the recently introduced Image Playground app will receive a new “Sketch” style, adding another creative dimension to its image generation capabilities. This new style will allow users to create images with a hand-drawn aesthetic, further expanding the app’s versatility.
Smart Homes Get Smarter: Robot Vacuum Integration
The Home app is expanding its reach to include a new category: robot vacuums.This long-awaited integration, expected in iOS 18.3, will allow users to control their compatible robot vacuums directly from the Home app or through Siri commands, further enhancing the smart home experience.
Bridging Language Barriers: Expanding Apple Intelligence Language Support
Apple is committed to making its technology accessible to a global audience.Starting with iOS 18.4, Apple Intelligence will support a wider range of languages, including Chinese, English (India), English (Singapore), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, and more. This expansion will enable more users around the world to benefit from the power of Apple Intelligence.
Looking Ahead: The Future of iOS
These confirmed updates represent just a fraction of what Apple has in store for 2025. The company will undoubtedly unveil further surprises in iOS 18.3 and 18.4. The Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June will provide a platform for major announcements regarding iOS 19 and beyond, offering a deeper look into the future of Apple’s mobile operating system. The evolution of iOS continues, promising a future filled with innovation, enhanced user experiences, and seamless integration across Apple’s ecosystem.
