The world's facing a major shift in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Though most people are still practicing social distancing, many are ready for the world to return to normal or at least, close to normal. Vaccines probably won't be out until next year, if we're lucky, but Apple's latest update is meant to facilitate a few of the changes that we'll have to live with in the future.
iOS 13.5 has improved and included a few features that reflect the current shift we're going through such as within the facial recognition system. For those who've used the feature, it's probably been difficult with a mask covering your face. The new facial recognition feature is compatible with masks. Prior to this, it would've taken numerous attempts to get to the option of typing in your passcode. In addition to accessing your phone, the facial recognition system will also work with Apple Books, Apple Pay, and iTunes.
Another major update is the new technology in collaboration with Google is the Exposure Notification API that's meant to help with contract tracking the spread of the disease. A third-party app will need to be downloaded but the new feature is meant to help health authorities trace the spread of the virus.
"Starting today, our Exposure Notifications technology is available to public health agencies on both iOS and Android," it reads in their blog. "What we’ve built is not an app—rather public health agencies will incorporate the API into their own apps that people install. Our technology is designed to make these apps work better. Each user gets to decide whether or not to opt-in to Exposure Notifications; the system does not collect or use location from the device; and if a person is diagnosed with COVID-19, it is up to them whether or not to report that in the public health app. User adoption is key to success and we believe that these strong privacy protections are also the best way to encourage use of these app.
Apple To Pay $500 Million To Settle Lawsuit For Slowing Down Old iPhones
You could be getting $25 bucks if you had an iPhone 6 or 7 before December 21, 2017.
According to reports, Apple has tentatively agreed to pay a $500 million settlement after admitting to slowing down older iphones making customers having to buy new ones. The deal, which is awaiting final court approval, will cover all the phones from the 6 & 7 models, including the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone SE that ran iOS 1o.2.1 or above.
As a result, Apple will be required to pay these iPhone 6 or 7 users $25 dollars per iPhone, totaling a minimum of $310 million and a maximum of $500 million cap. In other words, if you had one these phones before December 21, 2017, then you could be entitled to $25 bucks from Apple.
Chris McGrath/ Getty Images
The company admitted in December 2017 that it used software updates to slow down older iPhones, soon after angry customers and tech analysts flagged that the updates were causing diminished performance. Apple eventually apologized and offered battery replacements to its customers for $79, which was knocked down to $29 in January 2018.
In other news, Apple has decided to reopen its factories in China amidst Coronavirus fears.
Apple Potentially Working On A Folding iPhone Based Off New Patent
The latest in Apple's overall 2020 plan for new products.
Apple is gearing up for a new year of fresh tech, with recent reports of a smaller, more affordable iPhone in the works arriving just a few weeks ago. Now, it's looking like the house that Steve Jobs built is finally looking to get into the innovative folding phone market if these latest unearthed patents are accurate.
AppleInsider reported on the patent (seen above), which was first published by the US Patent and Trademark Office on Tuesday (February 4) under the title "Electronic devices with flexible displays and hinges." As the description notes, this new device would incorporate "a flexible display that overlaps an axis," which could actually fold without a crease and might even use glass instead of plastic. What sets this one apart from, say, the Samsung Galaxy is a new hinge mechanism that makes the middle bend outwards as it folds over. As AppleInsider states, the "softer bend" inside the hinge allows for the use of less flexible glass panels and less pressure at the point of the curve.
Check out official photos of the folding iPhone concept over at AppleInsider, where you can also find more details from the official patent. Let us know if you think this will be the move that makes #TeamiPhone come out on top in the phone wars down in the comments.
Apple To Release A Smaller, More Affordable iPhone In March: Report
Will this be the move that makes Apple the dominant phone company?
In the ongoing war between phone manufacturers — in reality it’s just Apple vs. Samsung — many people proudly take a stance between either being #TeamiPhone or #TeamAndroid. However, Apple’s latest move may reportedly put them in the forefront for those that are looking for the most affordable option.
While many people were geeked off the iPhone 11 Pro unveiling a few months back (seen above), one of those bad boys will run you upwards of $1,000. Well, according to a report from Bloomberg, a “low-cost iPhone” will go into production this February and could be unveiled as early as March 2020. Bloomberg also notes that, if true, it would look similar to the iPhone 8 that was released in 2017 and include a 4.7-inch screen plus Touch ID built into the home button again. For those who were fans of Apple’s Face ID authentication, that will unfortunately be left out of the build for this proposed model. However, reports claim it will operate utilizing the same processor as the Apple iPhone 11. In short, the price will be cheap but the structure and specs will be top notch for the most part. Think of it as the “iPhone SE, Part II.”
Are you looking forward to another iPhone, particularly one that’s more affordable than the high-end iPhones Apple is planning to drop later in 2020? Sound off below in the comments!
Tyler, The Creator Has Perfect Response To Anybody Criticizing His iPhone 7
At least Tyler, The Creator has his own place.
Whoever has been wasting their time trying to roast Tyler, The Creator for still using his iPhone 7 should just give up. There is no use trying to clown the man for something so... unimportant. At the end of the day, if he's had no reason to replace the cellular device, then why would he be flaunting the brand new iPhone 11 with three cameras on the back? Clearly, he enjoys his old school phone, preferring to use it until the battery runs out and then copping something new. In fact, the next person who comes through trying to diss Tyler for his phone will be met with a swift retort that he's already tried out on Twitter.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Don't come for Tyler if you don't have your own situation in check yet. Especially if you're still living at home or you've got roommates, there's no point in trying. Taking to social media, the Grammy-nominated IGOR rapper told fans that he's sick of the iPhone 7 slander, writing: "N***as be like eW tYlEr u hAvE aN iPhOnE 7 and im like eww u have a roommate leave me alone." At least Tyler has himself a nice little mansion to go home to with his iPhone 7.
What's wrong with having an older model of the iPhone when you've got endless cash to buy a new one whenever you want? Obviously, Tyler is just feeling the old design.
Apple Now Offers ? Emoji Laser Engraving for Your AirPod Case
Apple is offering users the choice to personalize their AirPods cases — with poop emojis and more.
That’s not all — zodiac animals, select smiley faces, hearts, stars, peace signs, and more are also fair game.
Since last year, Apple has offered text engraving on the cases. Now, these 30+ emojis are also available for those willing to splurge on the luxury earbuds. However, take heed, you can’t get both text and emojis… at least not yet.
Here’s the list of emoji engraving options MacRumors:
Apple’s popular wireless earbuds, AirPods, nearly doubled in sales to $6 billion this year.
AirPods start at $159, or $249 for the Pro models.
Check ’em out here Apple.
Sources: The Verge, MacRumors | Photo Apple