TechnoSports Media Group

Tag: iPhone

What are the new features introduced in the Apple iOS 14.5?

Apple has commenced beta testing for iOS 14.5, and whereas the iOS 14.4 release was mostly about bug fixes and not a lot of feature changes, this version brings several welcome improvements. You’ll get the long-awaited App Tracking Transparency feature, the ability to unlock your iPhone with your Apple Watch, and also AirPlay support for Fitness+.

On February 1, the iPhone maker released the first developer beta, and the public beta is expected to follow within soon. We will probably see the final release happen sometime in February.

What’s new in iOS 14.5

App Tracking Transparency

Image: Mac Rumours

Apple’s long-advertised App Tracking Transparency feature will have its groundwork laid in this version of the iOS. Simply put, whenever applications want to track your activities outside the app, your iPhone will now require them to ask for permission (through a standard iOS prompt). Most users are unaware that many apps track activities across other apps or websites. The practice is not being blocked by Apple, it is merely requiring informed consent just as it does for, say, location access.

AirPlay 2 support for Fitness+

Apple’s new fitness subscription service can only be used on an iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV and not on a Mac or any other smart TV. With iOS 14.5, you can overcome this setback by streaming workouts from your iPhone or iPad to an AirPlay 2 supported device. This will make the service a lot less restrictive as there are lots of TVs that support AirPlay 2 these days. You won’t see your real-time metrics on screen, but that’s a relatively small price to pay.

Unlock iPhone with Apple Watch

Image: Mac Rumours

Face ID is great, but the global COVID-19 pandemic and the constant mask-wearing have exposed an obvious flaw—when half your face is covered up it doesn’t work. With iOS 14.5 (and watchOS 7.4), you have the option to automatically unlock your iPhone when you’re wearing an unlocked Apple Watch.

To use this feature, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and toggle on the “Unlock with Apple Watch”. For this to work, you’ll have to be wearing your Apple Watch which must be protected with a passcode and unlocked. Then, when Face ID sees you’re wearing a mask, it will unlock with your Apple Watch. You’ll feel a quick double-tap on the watch haptics and an “Unlocking with Apple Watch” message will show up on your iPhone screen. This cannot be used to authenticate Apple Pay or App Store purchases.

Dual-SIM 5G Support

Image: Mac Rumours

The iOS 14.5 will bring about global support for 5G in Dual-SIM mode on the iPhone 12 models. The Dual-SIM feature on the ‌iPhone 12‌ will let users use two lines of 5G service on a single ‌iPhone‌, useful especially for keeping separate work and home numbers. Prior to iOS 14.5, except for China, in all countries, Dual-SIM mode was limited to LTE.

Podcasts App

Image: Mac Rumours

Some minor design changes were made to the Podcasts app including the “Shows” option in the app, which is now more prominently listed with episode descriptions and an easier access “Resume” button. The Search tab helps you to go through different categories to find what you’re looking for.

Reminders App

Image: Mac Rumours

There is now an option to print a Reminder list, a feature that has been wanted by Reminders users for some time, plus, an option to sort lists in Reminders is also included by Due Date, Creation Date, Priority, or Title, plus.

News App

Image: Mac Rumours

There’s a new Search tab in the Apple News app, and the News+ section has been redesigned with a “For You” feature and an easier to access Browse tab.

How to get the iOS 14.5 beta

If you want to try out the iOS 14.5 beta before its general release, do remember that the company suggests you do not run the 14.5 beta on any critical device, you never know what can go wrong.

Developers can go head to developer.apple.com/download and download a developer beta profile on the device upon which they which to run the beta. Those who aren’t developers can join the public beta by heading to beta.apple.com.

Once you have the profile, enable it by going to Settings > General > Profile and your device will reset to enable the profile. After it has reset with the profile enabled, to download the latest beta release you can head to Settings > General > Software Updates.

SOURCE 1

SOURCE 2

February 2, 2021
Next iPhone to come with an optical in-display fingerprint sensor?

Apple brought Face ID to the world and it was quickly welcomed by the users. Soon, all the smartphone companies incorporated that innovation. The US tech giant, Apple, is one of the biggest companies in the world. According to the reports, Apple might come with an in-display fingerprint sensor. This is an incredible journey from the smartphone company that has seen it all from Touch ID to fingerprint recognition to Face ID and now possibly to the in-display fingerprint sensor.

Also read: Microlens in a smartphone: What is it? Are they useful or just a hoax?

Being said that, Apple is not the first company to try out this feature. A number of premium smartphones available in the market do utilize this technology. But, the iPhone did not support the in-display fingerprint sensor. Soon, we can expect this to change.

With the speed, Apple is moving, we can very well expect upcoming iPhones to come with the in-display fingerprint sensor. Another suggestion which this report makes is that the new iPhones will not come only with the in-display fingerprint sensor. You can expect the smartphone to have both Touch ID and Face ID. A former employee quoted that an optical version could be more reliable than the existing ultrasonic technique.

Currently, Apple features the Touch ID only on iPhone SE and MacBooks. You can also spot a fingerprint sensor in current MacBook devices. Though, this sensor is shifted from the screen to the sleep button on the side in iPhone SE.

Also read: Top 10 Smartphones under Rs.18000 in India | January 2021

Serving additional biometric options will help the company to make the product more attractive. iPhone 13 is expected to come with Wi-Fi 6E technology but can we expect it to come with this in-display fingerprint sensor? Let’s hope for it!

Source 1 | Source 2

February 2, 2021
Facebook will prompt iPhone users about personalized ads

We know Facebook has made the social media more of a business these days and it gathers a lot of data from users knowningly as well as unknowningly. However, off late it has faced issues to gather data from iPhone users as Apple has made user permissions and other privacy features quite strict.

So, Facebook Inc. looks forward to address this with a full-screen prompt that will ask Facebook and Instagram users to allow their app and website activity to be used for personalized ads and to “support businesses that rely on ads to reach customers.”

This is an attempt to get as much users in their network before the upcoming Apple Inc’s privacy changes which according to Facebook will hurt its advertising business.

We know that the social media giant has been raising its voice against Apple’s privacy features which ask iPhone users to whether to allow apps to track them across other websites and apps or not. Apple has said that its pop-up privacy notifications will start appearing on most iPhones in next couple of months.

Although there’s a huge debate in Apple’s privacy-centric options, however, at the end of the day, it’s better to have an OS which at least notifies you before even sending data anonymously, that can be misleading most of the times.

Source

February 1, 2021
Apple files a patent for a Periscopic zoom camera lens for its upcoming flagships

For some time, Apple has been linked to bringing periscopic zoom lens to its iPhones. But till now, we haven’t seen an iPhone featuring that lens. A new report that surfaced online tells us that the US Patent and Trademark Office published a new patent application. This application includes a folding camera technology with a range of 85 to 165mm.

Apple, in a report in July 2020, said that a Periscope Camera Module might come up with iPhone 11 series but this didn’t happen. Suggestions came that the company is still working on the build the product. With this patent, we believe that Apple might be close to launching this lens in their upcoming smartphones.

The Cupertino-based giant plan to use this in a small form factor camera module. The patented camera which we can see consists of two light folding elements. Also, a lens system is seen which is located between these two light elements. There is also a high possibility that folding elements feature an aperture stop. A refractive power is placed on a lens barrel of the element. With such diversity, we understand why people are looking forward to this innovation.

Also Read: List of smartphones powered by MediaTek Dimensity 1000+ SoC

Another amazing quality of this patented camera lens is that it has superior zoom capabilities paired with another dimension of zoom functionality. This camera lens might sound interesting but we are still unaware when we can see this as a part of the new iPhone series. Probably 2021? Hopefully!

To our amusement, the patented document also tells us that this camera lens may not only be a part of new iPhones but also of “a personal computer system, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, tablet or pad device, slate, or netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation,” and a few more devices. This is completely revolutionary from the US tech giants. Imagine a camera lens covering most of the devices for the company.

Source 1 | Source 2

January 31, 2021
Apple files patent for a foldable device with multiple integrated cameras

A patent was published by the US Patent and Trademark Office for the US tech giant, Apple. The patent shows that Apple might be thinking to launch iPhones with foldable designs in near future. Foldable smartphones are quickly becoming a new trend in the smartphone industry. And, it seems like Apple doesn’t want to stay behind their competitors anywhere.

Samsung has launched its foldable phones in the market in 2019. Other companies like Xiaomi and Motorola are also in the process of building foldable smartphones.

A few days back we reported that Apple is already testing out a few prototypes to make foldable smartphones. Not only this, but Apple is also thinking to integrate a number of cameras in their future foldable smartphone. These extra sensors will improve panoramic shots.

Also Read: Apple to come with foldable smartphones in near future?

The cameras which we might find in this smartphone will be integrated into different locations. This will help users to have different angles of view. In the patent, the US giant Apple, says that they are aiming to bring a smartphone with a “flexible housing formed from flexible fabric, flexible polymer, or other flexible materials.”

A traditional wide-angle camera capture panoramic shots with huge difficulty. If users try to change the positions of their hands, the photo gets all blurry. Putting camera sensors in different locations will eliminate that shortcoming. That means, with the aid of flexible housing, Apple is trying to offer a better camera experience to its user.

Also Read: Apple might feature an in-display fingerprint scanner in iPhone 13, foldable iPhone in the works

Also, you will be able to capture a composite panoramic image due to the sensors which can be easily panned out. One last thing to notice is that this is just a patent and the real device is yet to be out. There is always a chance that the patent does not actually become a reality or if it does, it comes with a lot of different specs. So, do keep that in your mind.

January 27, 2021
Android 12 OS might include iPhone’s Back Tap feature

After getting huge success through Android 11 OS, Android v12 is knocking on the door as it is expected to be available after certain months. This version of 12 will arrive with some of the exciting features, such as Add Pairs (a new form of split-screen mode). Another interesting feature that Android 12 is going to have is iPhone’s Back Tap feature (double-taps on its rear panel to open shortcuts). Generally, we see iOS is borrowing features from Android. But this time, it looks to get swapped for the first time.

Also read: Samsung designed Two Galaxy Buds Pro Cases, looking similar to the 2000s Flip Phones

In the current version of iOS, there is an interesting feature called Back Tap, by which the user can double-tap on the rear panel of the iPhone to take a screenshot. For comparison, Android has some other process to take a screenshot (screen swiping or power button+Down volume button). The double-tap feature on the rear panel was first introduced to replace the Active Edge feature that we’ve seen in the Google Pixel series. But, unfortunately, this feature dropped from the Pixel 4a onwards.

Credit: TipS Make

Regarding the Android 12 update, the beta version of v12 is at about six months away to get reached to its users. As earlier mentioned, there will be another interesting feature App Pairs, basically an updated form of a split-screen feature allowing 2 apps to share a display. For example, you can use Chrome to pair with Google Maps to search for a specific location. Through Android 12, Google might allow more access to sources of apps that are not the Play Store.

source1 | source2 | source3

January 25, 2021
LG will no longer be producing LCDs for iPhone

We all know that LG supplies LCDs for iPhone. But according to a recent report, LG will no longer supply LCDs for iPhone SE, but the good news is the company will continue the supply of OLEDs for the iPhone 12.

According to the recent report of Elec, the new LEDs for iPhone is not profitable, so LG is not producing the screen for iPhone till the 3rd Quater of 2020 and then they are decided to stop producing LEDs for Apple.

We all know, that LG is one of the major manufacturers of display technology but they supply a small portion of OLEDs for iPhone 12. Recently we have got the news that LG is no longer supplies LCDs for iPhone SE going forward and instead focuses those factories on in-vehicle displays.

Now, Apple is planning to move its entire iPhone lineup to OLED for the iPhone SE and other iPhone with LCD displays on last year. The South Korean giant Samsung has supplied a huge portion of OLEDs for iPhone and the rest portion are supplied by LG.

According to the report, previously Apple has tried to use a third manufacturer, BOE. But BOE keeps running into production quality issues with the OLEDs.

The recent report reveals that from now, Apple will depend on Sharp and JDI for LCD panels. Now LG is planning to make Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Silicon (LTPS) thin-film transistors, which is mainly used for vehicle display touch screen.

It is highly expected that Apple is going to use Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide (LTPO) display in the next iPhone for ProMotion. But there is no information regarding the manufacturer of this display.

Source

January 24, 2021
Top Deals on Apple iPhones in Amazon Great Republic Day Sale
The 72nd Indian Republic Day is nearby and for the celebration of this day, Amazon as usual is here with the sale days. Like every year, the e-commerce platform announces its Great Republic Day sale deals exclusively for India.

For Prime members, the first grand Sale of this year will start on 19th January and will continue till 23rd January. Point to note, the non-prime users will get access on 20th January, and for the prime members, the counters will open on 19th January, as mentioned, at 12:00 PM sharp. Here is the list of all Apple iPhones on Amazon and some special offers on them. Avail up to 30% off on most premium smartphones.

1. iPhone 12 Mini

Specifications:
- 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display
- Ceramic Shield, tougher than any smartphone glass
- A14 Bionic chip, the fastest chip ever in a smartphone
- Advanced dual-camera system with 12MP Ultra Wide and Wide cameras; Night mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3, 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording
- 12MP TrueDepth front camera with Night mode, 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording
- Industry-leading IP68 water resistance
- Supports MagSafe accessories for easy attach and faster wireless charging
- iOS with redesigned widgets on the Home screen, all-new App Library, App Clips and more
Buy from here:

2. iPhone 12

Specifications:
- 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display
- Ceramic Shield, tougher than any smartphone glass
- A14 Bionic chip, the fastest chip ever in a smartphone
- Advanced dual-camera system with 12MP Ultra Wide and Wide cameras; Night mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3, 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording
- 12MP TrueDepth front camera with Night mode, 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording
- Industry-leading IP68 water resistance
- Supports MagSafe accessories for easy attach and faster wireless charging
- iOS with redesigned widgets on the Home screen, all-new App Library, App Clips and more
Buy from here:

3. iPhone 12 Pro

Price: ₹ 1,17,900

Specifications:
- 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display
- Ceramic Shield, tougher than any smartphone glass
- A14 Bionic chip, the fastest chip ever in a smartphone
- Pro camera system with 12MP Ultra Wide, Wide and Telephoto cameras; 4x optical zoom range; Night mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3, Apple ProRAW, 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording
- LiDAR Scanner for improved AR experiences, Night mode portraits
- 12MP TrueDepth front camera with Night mode, 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording
- Industry-leading IP68 water resistance
Buy from here:

4. iPhone 12 Pro Max

Price: ₹ 1,27,900

Specifications:
- 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display
- Ceramic Shield, tougher than any smartphone glass
- A14 Bionic chip, the fastest chip ever in a smartphone
- Pro camera system with 12MP Ultra Wide, Wide and Telephoto cameras; 5x optical zoom range; Night mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3, Apple ProRAW, 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording
- LiDAR Scanner for improved AR experiences, Night mode portraits
- 12MP TrueDepth front camera with Night mode, 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording
- Industry-leading IP68 water resistance
Buy from here:
January 21, 2021
Apple’s TWS Market Share fall to 29%, but it still maintains a significant hold on the Market

Apple is the current leader of the market of the true wireless earbuds, but that journey as a leader has had more than a few bumps. The Cupertino tech giant’s grip has loosened, from 41 percent market share earlier to 29 percent more recently, a report stated. However, as the figure is still considerably higher than any of its competitors’, we don’t think Apple will be sweating over this loss too much.

Xiaomi Comes Closest to Apple, With Less Than Half the Share

Counterpoint Research has released a report stating that by Q3, 2020, Apple’s 29 percent market share doesn’t reflect a drop in AirPods sales, instead, it shows that competition has increased from the likes of Xiaomi. Xiaomi’s and Apple’s business models are not the same, while Apple continues to sell largely expensive wireless earbuds, Xiaomi offers way more affordable commodities, being sold in the $20-$50 range, therefore consumers get more choices when purchasing.

Xiaomi controls less than half that market with a 13 percent share even though it is having a positive run in this market. Apple’s tightly integrated iOS ecosystem could be included as one of the reasons why it continues to dominate this segment. When consumers get themselves a pair of AirPods, the pairing process, among others, is simplified due to the purpose. Users no longer have to swing into the ‘Settings’ of their iPhone or iPad due to the purchase, as connectivity between the two devices is swift and painless.

Image: WCCFTech

Of course, for a lot of customers pricing could still be a concern, especially when they are expected to pay $549 for the AirPods Max, while there’s competition from Sony WH-1000XM4 offered for a much lesser $349. To counter this, there is a rumor that Apple is going to launch a more affordable version of the AirPods Max for $349, but it’s not mentioned when they’re expected to release.

Later this year, the AirPods 3 is expected to release in March, and possibly the AirPods Pro 2 at an unconfirmed time. These releases will help the company maintain its momentum in the TWS (True Wireless Stereo) market, and we’ll see if those numbers change soon, so we have to wait and watch.

SOURCE

January 18, 2021
Apple might feature an in-display fingerprint scanner in iPhone 13, foldable iPhone in the works

Apple to launch its iPhone 13 series later this year and some reports are saying that this iPhone 13 lineup might include an in-display fingerprint scanner. Though there may not be any major upgrade, the return of the in-display fingerprint reader in iPhones will definitely be a good thing for its users.

Starting with the iPhone X, only iPhone SE (2020) had arrived with an in-display fingerprint scanner. No other iPhones from then featured the Touch ID fingerprint reader for biometric authentication. In place of the fingerprint, Apple has used the face ID facial recognition.

Also read: Apple iPhone 12 Mini to be discounted for the first time to ₹ 59,900

Regarding the working behind this, it is expected that Apple will use a tweaked version of Qualcomm’s 3D Sonic sensor to bring an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor to its upcoming 2021 iPhone models. Back in 2017, when Apple has launched it’s iPhone X, Apple has come up with its Face ID detection for biometric authentication, and last year, with the launch of the iPhone SE (2020), Apple has introduced its touch ID sensor.

But at the time of Covid-19, it is quite ironic that iPhone users can’t unlock their devices using Face ID detection because of face masks, whereas in that case, fingerprint touch ID could be more beneficial for its users.

Also read: The upcoming Apple iPhone 13 “Pro” variants will feature 120Hz LTPO display: Report

Apart from it, it has a possibility that in some of the future iPhone models there couldn’t be any charging port in favor of wireless charging. Another report is saying that Apple is currently working on its future iPhones having foldable displays and it has been reported that Apple has already developed prototype foldable displays for internal testing. To get more information about Apple’s foldable segment, have a look at this: Apple’s upcoming Foldable iPhone patents leaked, prototypes pass Foxconn’s durability test.

source

January 18, 2021