In a long message posted, ironically, on Reddit, Selig goes into a ton of detail about this decision, including denying accusations that he threatened to "blackmail" Reddit. He does offer a $10 a year Apollo Pro subscription which he says has 50,000 subscribers. He stated that some people felt he could raise the price of that subscription but he says that would not be enough:

Even if I added 12,000 new subscribers at $5/month (an enormous feat given the short notice), after Apple's fees that would just be enough to break even. Going from a free API for 8 years to suddenly incurring massive costs is not something I can feasibly make work with only 30 days. That's a lot of users to migrate, plans to create, things to test, and to get through app review, and it's just not economically feasible. It's much cheaper for me to simply shut down.

Selig does say that he will be fine financially as he recently launched a second app called Pixel Pals which he says is bringing in revenue.

The increase in Reddit's API prices has already caused some popular subreddits to organize a protest. Many of them plan to go "dark" for 48 hours starting on Monday, June 12. That means regular users will be able to access those forums, but others will not be able to read them.

While Reddit apparently plans to stick with its price hikes for most developers, it did announce earlier this week it will allow some developers of non-commercial accessibility apps to access its APIs for free.

Popular Reddit iOS third party app Apollo will shut down on June 30 due to API price hikes

As the name says, the offline maps feature will allow users to select an area on the map and download it on their device. Users will then be able to find places and use turn-by-turn navigation for driving, walking, transit, and cycling without WiFi or a cellular connection.

You can try out the offline maps feature by installing the iOS 17 developer beta if you own one of the supported devices. The offline maps downloaded on an iPhone can also be used to navigate and view detailed place cards on an Apple Watch. For that, the paired iPhone should be within the range of the Apple Watch.

iPhone users aren't strangers to offline navigation as rival apps like Google Maps have offered the feature for quite some time now. But being the latest addition to Apple Maps, offline navigation is now a native feature users can expect on their devices without installing a third-party app.

Apple Maps' initial ride wasn't a smooth one as the app was loaded with inaccuracies and hiccups. Those were big enough that Apple CEO Tim Cook made an official apology and recommended some alternatives instead.

In addition to offline maps, Apple Maps will be able to display the real-time availability of EV charging stations sorted by plug type and charging network. Apple already offers a similar feature called EV Routing. The feature works via CarPlay and allows Apple Maps to track vehicle charging stats and suggest a route that includes the nearest compatible charging station. For now, it's only available on select cars including the Porsche Taycan.

Apple also said that the Maps app will make it easier to find thousands of trails in parks with place cards including detailed information such as trail length and type, difficulty, and elevation gain. However, the feature will only be available in the US at the time of launch.

Apple is finally bringing offline navigation to iPhone after a decade

The new iOS 17 default wallpaper is vague, with gradients in various colours. These colours include red, orange, pink, and blue. Apple has also decided to design two different wallpapers, a light, and a dark version. Last year, the company only had one version, and it was light. This year, we will also get an extra darker version of the same design.

Moreover, these aren't the only options that you can pick from. Apple has also included dynamic versions of wallpapers in iOS 17. They will be available once the OS finally rolls out. Unfortunately, you won't find the animated versions in this article, as we can only upload the regular ones.

The new iOS 17 wallpaper is available in full quality for download below. Click the images and download them from the tab to get the best resolution and the full image. These are best for ?phone 14 Pro Max, but you can adjust them according to your phone and preferences. Here are the iOS 17 wallpapers:

Light

Dark

iOS 17 wallpapers aren't the only newcomers

iOS 17 wallpapers are new, but they are not the only thing that Apple announced with its new OS. As Apple unveiled the brilliant iOS 17 Check In function, iOS 17 represents a huge milestone in highlighting user safety. When an iPhone user arrives at their location, a notice is sent to their specified contacts, indicating a successful arrival. This real-time communication ensures that loved ones are kept up to date and that any concerns they may have had throughout the waiting period are alleviated.

You may currently only test the developer beta; the public beta will be available in July. It is because Apple still has various issues to work out, and they will seek feedback from developers before releasing it to the general public. As a result, the corporation will have more time to test and address big issues, allowing the public to test a cleaner version with fewer bugs, mistakes, and difficulties.

Here are the new iOS 17 wallpapers

iPadOS 17 finally supports external USB webcams and cameras

iPadOS 17 focuses on customization, introducing interactive widgets, Lock Screen widgets, and a revamped wallpaper interface. Additionally, the Health app makes its debut on the iPad, emphasizing Apple's commitment to health and well-being.

One of the most significant improvements in iPadOS 17 is the introduction of interactive widgets. Users will no longer need to open individual apps to perform certain actions. These widgets provide quick access to app functions and information like iPhone's iOS 17.

iPadOS 17 introduces a revamped wallpaper interface. This new interface makes it easier than ever to change wallpapers on the fly, giving users more options to personalize their iPad's appearance. With a wide range of wallpapers to choose from, users can refresh the look of their device to suit their preferences.

Another notable addition in iPadOS 17 is the introduction of Live Activities and support for multiple timers. Live Activities bring a dynamic element to the iPad, providing real-time information and updates on various tasks and activities.

This feature enables users to stay organized and informed, ensuring a seamless workflow. Additionally, the ability to set multiple timers simultaneously enhances productivity, allowing users to manage their time efficiently.

With the arrival of the Health app on the iPad, Apple extends its focus on health and well-being to its tablet lineup. The Health app synchronizes health data between the iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch, providing users with a holistic view of their well-being.

Also, the inclusion of full support for HealthKit enables users to integrate third-party health and fitness apps, further enhancing the iPad's capabilities as a health-tracking device.

And finally, iPadOS 17 brings exciting enhancements to the Apple Notes app, including PDF support and Apple Pencil annotations. Users can now annotate PDFs directly within the Notes app using the Apple Pencil, making it a powerful tool for productivity and collaboration.

iPadOS 17 announced at WWDC, coming with interactive widgets and more

With Contact Posters, you get a full-screen graphic of the person calling you. This will help users work out who's calling them so they can decide if they want to answer. Contact Posters were shown using pictures of people and their Memoji.

“With iOS 17, we’ve made iPhone more personal and intuitive by deeply considering the features we all rely on every day,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering.

“Phone, FaceTime, and Messages are central to how we communicate, and this release is packed with updates we think our users are going to love. We’ve also reimagined AirDrop with new ways to share, autocorrect gets even better, and we’re introducing all-new experiences with Journal and StandBy, plus so much more. We can’t wait for everyone to try it.”

During the keynote, Apple also showed off NameDrop, you just hold your iPhones near each other and you'll be able to share contact details such as your phone number, email address, and Contact Poster. This seems like a much more elegant way of exchanging details than rifling through your phone looking for your phone number.

You can also send photos and files to other users like this and if the file is larger, iOS now lets you move away from the other phone and the transfer will continue.

For those of you out there who like writing stuff down, Apple has introduced a new app with iOS 17 called Journal. With Journal, you can save various types of rich content including contacts, locations, music, photos, podcasts, and workouts.

As an example, if you went for a walk at the beach with your earbuds in, you could store a journal entry with the pictures you took and the songs you listened to so that you can relive the experience. Apple said that these Journal entries are end-to-end encrypted too, you they will remain private.

Other features include Live Stickers, Live Voicemail, better autocorrect and StandBy which displays information while the phone is docked and charging.

Apple unveils iOS 17 at WWDC 2023, here are the new features

There are also new watch faces to choose from including one featuring Snoopy and Woodstock. With this watch face, the two characters interact and play on the watch hands and react to local weather conditions.

While Apple Watch is known for its usefulness in physical workouts, the company wanted to help with maintaining your mental health too.

According to research, Apple found that reflecting on your state of mind can build emotional awareness and resilience. With the Mindfulness app in watchOS 10, users can log their momentary emotions and daily moods.

watchOS 10 also focuses on vision health. Apple said that children need up to two hours outdoors. With this update, Apple Watch can track how long you've been in sunlight and for children this information can be relayed back to their parent's iPhone or iPad via the Health app.

“watchOS is the world’s most advanced wearable operating system, and it has redefined how people all over the world think of what a watch can do,” said Kevin Lynch, Apple’s vice president of Technology.

“watchOS 10 is a major milestone and an energizing new approach for Apple Watch, introducing a fresh new design for quickly viewing information, delightful new watch faces, new features for cyclists and hikers, and important tools for health.”

Apple said that watchOS 10 is available as a developer beta today and that it'll arrive as a free software update in the fall.

Apple shows off watchOS 10 at annual developer conference WWDC 2023

Once iOS 17 is announced at WWDC, Apple will waste no time and immediately release a beta version of the update for developers. Following that, in July, a public beta will be made available for all iPhone users to try out and provide valuable feedback.

Finally, in September, iOS 17 will be released to the general public, coinciding with the launch of the highly anticipated new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro lineups.

New iOS 17 features are expected to be announced at WWDC 2023 - Image: Apple

What are the new iOS 17 features?

While hardware product leaks are common, software leaks are relatively rare, as Apple tightly controls information disclosure. Nevertheless, rumors suggest that iOS 17 will bring a relatively modest update in terms of new features, with a focus on incorporating "nice to have" changes.

Bloomberg reports that iOS 17, along with Apple's other software platforms, is taking a backseat as the company dedicates its resources to the development of its AR/VR headset, which may also be announced at WWDC.

Revamped control center

One of the anticipated features in iOS 17 is a significant redesign of the Control Center. The Control Center, which provides quick access to settings and the "Now Playing" interface, has seen minimal changes since its introduction in iOS 11. However, rumors suggest that iOS 17 will introduce "major changes" to enhance its functionality and user experience, catering to users' long-standing requests.

In addition to the Control Center revamp reports from the Wall Street Journal indicate that iOS 17 will introduce a brand new journaling app. This app is expected to integrate data from various Apple apps, including Find My Device, and incorporate location-based capabilities to distinguish between personal and professional contacts, improving networking experiences.

Furthermore, iOS 17 is rumored to bring updates to the Find My and Wallet apps. The Find My app is set to gain location-based capabilities, acting as an extension of Apple's existing Find My service, while the Wallet app will receive user interface tweaks and enhancements, refining the management of digital cards and transactions.

Health app updates

Enhancements in the Health app are also on the horizon with iOS 17. Mood and emotion tracking capabilities will be introduced, allowing users to log their moods, answer questions about their day, and observe changes over time. Apple has ambitious plans to utilize algorithms to determine users' moods based on speech patterns, typed words, and other device data.

The Health app is also expected to support managing vision conditions and will make its debut on the iPad, expanding beyond its current availability on the iPhone.

Health app will get enhancements wth the iOS 17 update - Image: Apple

iOS 17's sideloading side quest

Responding to the Digital Markets Act, iOS 17 will reportedly introduce side-loading and access to third-party app stores for iPhones in the European Union. While this move aims to comply with regulatory requirements, Apple is expected to implement measures that make accessing third-party app stores more involved.

These features will be exclusive to the EU, with no plans to extend them to the United States or other countries. This one is surely the most exciting one among the new iOS 17 features.

Changes in the smart display

Expanding on the Always-On display features of the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, iOS 17 will introduce a "smart display" interface that activates when the device is in landscape orientation and charging. This interface will showcase useful information such as calendar appointments, weather updates, and notifications, resembling the functionality of a smart-home display.

Lastly, iOS 17 will bring updates to SharePlay, allowing enhanced simultaneous streaming of TV shows, movies, and other content among iPhone and iPad users. Apple has also engaged in discussions with hotels and other establishments to make AirPlay more accessible, enabling users to effortlessly beam video and audio to devices they don't own.

Enhancements to Shareplay are coming up with the new iOS 17 features - Image: Apple

Supported devices for iOS 17

Reports suggest conflicting rumors regarding the devices that will support iOS 17. One claim states that iOS 17 will drop support for certain devices, including:

• iPhone 8
• iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone X
• iPad (5th generation)
• 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st generation)

However, another source suggests that all devices currently supported by iOS 16 will continue to receive support in iOS 17, citing an anonymous member of Apple's iOS development team.

As the countdown to WWDC begins, more leaks and rumors may emerge, shedding further light on what iOS 17 has in store for Apple users. While Apple excels at keeping its developments under wraps until the official unveiling, expectations are high for this major software update.

Here are the expected new iOS 17 features

Google Wallet for Android now supports digital IDs

Google's decision to scrap the second foldable Pixel highlights the company's dedication to quality and innovation. Ross expressed pride in the team's discipline and determination to wait until they could create something "good enough or better than what was out there already."

Rumors have been circulating that Google was working on a foldable phone with a clamshell design, similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip series. Although it is unclear whether the canceled and rumored devices are the same, Ross's confirmation suggests that Google explored alternative form factors for its foldable devices.

While Google's intentions regarding the clamshell design remain uncertain, it seems probable that the company could eventually release a flip-style foldable phone.

A folding Pixel in a clamshell design would have filled a notable gap in Google's product lineup. With the Pixel Fold priced at $1,799 and the upcoming Pixel 8 series expected to top at $1,000, there currently needs to be a mid-range option for a stock Android experience on a foldable phone.

Ross's revelation of Google's plans for a potential clamshell foldable underscores the possibility of future competition between Google and Samsung in this segment. Google's decision not to launch the second foldable device likely came as a relief for Samsung, especially considering the incremental upgrades expected in its upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5.

The canceled second foldable Pixel phone may never see the light of day. However, confirming its existence provides an intriguing glimpse into Google's ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of smartphone design.

Source: Made by Google Podcast

Google's head of hardware design confimed a second foldable Pixel was canceled

Multiple sources have indicated that the iPhone 16 Pro displays will be slightly larger than their predecessors, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro. Gurman suggests that the screens will grow by "a couple of tenths of an inch diagonally," indicating a subtle increase.

Also, leaker "Uredditor" tweeted the Pro and Pro Max models would have sizes of 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. A well-known analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, supported this claim, stating that the models would be slightly larger.

On the other hand, Apple's upcoming flagship iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models were expected to feature solid-state buttons for volume and power. However, a fresh survey by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests Apple will go for regular buttons instead due to "unresolved technical issues before mass production."

And the leaker said that iPhone 15 Pro will use a combination of the Power button + Action button to turn off the device or force restart it. The iPhone 15 series is due for release in the second half of 2023. Among various features, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is expected to have the thinnest bezels of all phones and a thinner camera bump.

Apple's revenue was $94.836 billion for 2023 fiscal second-quarter financial results. That was down compared to the $97.278 billion it got from the same period a year ago, but it still beat financial analysts' expectations. Net income was $24.160 billion, again down from the $25.010 billion in revenue from a year ago.

Sources: Mark Gurman, Ming-Chi Kuo (Chinese)

iPhone 16 Pro screen sizes will be the largest ever, says analyst

Google recently took to the Android Beta Program subreddit to announce the massive changelog of the latest Android 14 Beta 2.1 update with the build number UPB2.230407.019. Being an X.1 build, the update primarily aims to iron out a long list of issues with Beta 2.

Foremost, Android 14 Beta 2.1 patches the bug that prevented users from exiting Android 14 beta testing. The update adds the May 2023 security patches to specific models, including the Pixel 6 series and Pixel 6a on Verizon.

Next, the update fixes a bug that previously hid the actual battery percentage and showed 0% instead. It also patches issues with the phones' audio and rubs out what was causing several apps, including Google Photos, to crash.

Additionally, the update fixes problems with Always-On Display, including scenarios with missing Google Messages notifications or jitter when using Android Auto. Lastly, it also patches the issue that made the Google TV app disappear in picture-in-picture mode when gesture navigation was turned on.

If you are already registered as an Android beta tester, you can check for the update under Settings > System > System Update if it hasn't already popped up in the notifications. But if you aren't part of the beta yet and would like to test it, you can enroll for Android 14 Beta on your Pixel phone(s) by going to the dedicated portal and selecting the suitable device.

However, before you enroll to receive Android 14 Beta updates on your phone, remember that it may still not be free of bugs as we are still a few months away from receiving a release candidate. Besides a buggy performance, beta updates may also break functionality for crucial apps, especially for banking and payments. Returning from the beta to a stable Android 13 version will require you to factory reset your smartphone, so ensure you weigh the prospects before making the leap.

With Android 14, Google pegs many features around AI, such as lockscreen customizations, emoji-based and AI-generated wallpapers, a major update to Find My Device, contextual back gesture, and much more announced at Google I/O 2023. However, a lot of these features have yet to make it to the available builds and can be expected to be added in the weeks leading to the final release (tentatively in August or September based on previous releases).

We, thus, recommend you wait for a few months and avoid enrolling in Android 14 if you are especially looking to try out these new features.

Android 14 Beta 2.1 update for Pixel phones fixes multiple bugs from the previous update

Play Store is one of the most popular apps on Android phones, as users need it to download apps on their devices. Google is aware that there are millions of users going into the app to look for updates or new apps and try different ways to increase its revenues. Recently, the company has added more ads to Google Play Store.

As reported by Android Police, the Play Store experience is getting "less pleasing" for users. The application already had an ad section on the main page, but now it has been expanded. Google added a new line of ads and also increased the sizes of application banners. 

Ads that appear in the "Suggested for you" portion of an app listing typically take the form of three basic icons that are displayed at once, allowing you to swipe through them to view additional recommendations. These "recommendations," actually ads, are now changing a little.

Users are now provided with two rows of apps instead of just one, and the app's image has been increased to take up more screen space. Naturally, the Play Store is now pushing recommended apps much lower by adding another row of adverts, compelling consumers to expend more time and effort when exploring the Play Store.

Credit: Android Police

Play Store's "Ad"venture

Recently, Google added more ads to the Play Store, and many users criticized the decision. The company told customers that these were proactive suggestions for apps that they might enjoy rather than advertisements.

The most recent advertisements stood out sharply from the guidelines that were introduced in November. Each recommendation had a distinct "Ad" badge that was shown next to proactive suggestions. Ads may only be seen to those whose accounts have the proactive recommendations function activated.

Google's ad policy has received criticism before, but the company has no intentions of stopping. 

Source

Nothing is getting ready to reveal its second smartphone; looks like the company wanted to be as simple as possible as they named the upcoming smartphone Nothing Phone (2). In an interview with Forbes, the company CEO Carl Pei gave a couple of pieces of information regarding the smartphone's release date and its strategies. Nothing is getting ready to release its second smartphone globally in June 2023.

The initial Nothing smartphone model came to the United States months after its launch, but this time, Pei said that they will follow a different path and launch the second phone globally.

When discussing his intentions for the Phone (2), Pei stated that the U.S. market is crucial to the company's development and that he anticipates the future product to provide consumers all around the country with a real alternative to the iPhone. "With the U.S. being a very Apple-dominated market with no real option for people looking for an alternative, it represents a good opportunity for Phone (2)," he said, speaking to Forbes' David Phelan.

Previously, Pei also disclosed that the device's processor will be a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, putting it a step above the mid-range Nothing Phone (1) but below the flagships of 2023 that will use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.

GSM Arena says that the Android phone will have a 4,700 mAh battery. That's 200 mAh more than the one in the Nothing Phone (1), but it falls short of the current benchmark of 5,000 mAh.

Nothing Phone (2)

Nothing always had an impressive design

Nothing's phones and other devices have always got the attention of users thanks to their designs. The company focuses on a transparent-looking theme on its products, and it creates a "futuristic" or just a "cool" vibe that gets the attention of people from around the world.

As seen in the image above, the company wants to continue its distinct design with Nothing Phone (2).

Source

However, the most significant addition to the platform is a comprehensive range of physical keyboard shortcuts. These shortcuts have been discovered by Android expert Mishaal Rahman and are exclusively available on large-screen devices running Android 14.

Revamped Android 14 keyboard shortcuts

In Android 14 Beta 2, Google has introduced an overhauled keyboard shortcuts menu that replaces the previous list of shortcuts found in Android 13. The redesigned menu provides a seamless user experience and offers improved accessibility.

To access this menu, users of Android 14 need to navigate to Settings -> System -> Keyboard -> Physical Keyboard, instead of the previous location at Settings -> System -> Languages & Input -> Physical Keyboard.

The newly introduced Android 14 Beta 2 brings forth an impressive collection of 29 keyboard shortcut combinations. These shortcuts streamline various actions and tasks, allowing users to navigate their devices with greater ease and efficiency.

Here are all the keyboard shortcuts available on Android 14 so far:

1. Access notification shade: Search + N
2. Take a full screenshot: Search + Ctrl + S
3. Access list of shortcuts: Search + /
4. Back button: Search + ~ | Search + Backspace | Search + Left Arrow
5. Access home screen: Search + H | Search + Return
6. Overview of open apps: Search + Tab
7. Cycle through recent apps (forward): Alt + Tab
8. Cycle through recent apps (back): Alt + Shift + Tab
9. Launcher search: Search
10. Hide and show taskbar: Search + T
11. Access system settings: Search + I
12. Access Google Assistant: Search + A
13. Lock screen: Search + L
14. Pull up Notes for quick memo: Search + Ctrl + N
15. Split screen with current app on right: Search + Ctrl + Right Arrow
16. Split screen with current app on left: Search + Ctrl + Left Arrow
17. Switch from split screen to full screen: Search + Ctrl + Up Arrow
18. Move split screen app: Search + Ctrl + Down Arrow
19. Switch input language (next): Ctrl + Space | Search + Space
20. Switch input language (previous): Ctrl + Shift + Space | Ctrl + Search + Space
21. Open assist app: Search + A
22. Open browser app: Search + B
23. Open calculator app: Search + U
24. Open calendar app: Search + K
25. Open contacts app: Search + C
26. Open email app: Search + E
27. Open maps app: Search + M
28. Open music app: Search + P
29. Open SMS app: Search + S

These shortcuts empower users to perform a range of actions effortlessly. Whether accessing the notification shade, capturing screenshots, navigating between apps, or managing multitasking through split-screen mode, these shortcuts enhance productivity and user convenience.

How to join the Android 14 beta program?

While the official release of Android 14 is scheduled for August, users can get an early glimpse of the upcoming Google mobile operating system by joining the Android 14 Beta program. To enroll in the program, simply visit google.com/android/beta. Being a part of the beta program grants users the opportunity to explore the latest features and improvements offered by Android 14 ahead of its official launch.

Android 14 comes with 29 new keyboard shortcuts

Broadcom is a technology and advanced manufacturing firm based in the United States that will develop wireless chips and 5G radio frequency components like Film Bulk Acoustic Resonato (FBAR) filters,among other 5G items. These bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filters have superior performance with steeper rejection curves compared to surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters. They will be manufactured in Broadcom’s manufacturing hubs in America such as that in Fort Collins, colourado.

Apple CEO, Tim Cook, commended that all of the technology behind Apple’s products has been designed and manufactured in American facilities, which makes the company a great contributor to the country’s economy. He added:

“We’re thrilled to make commitments that harness the ingenuity, creativity, and innovative spirit of American manufacturing. All of Apple’s products depend on technology engineered and built here in the United States, and we’ll continue to deepen our investments in the U.S. economy because we have an unshakable belief in America’s future.”

Additionally, Apple mentioned that it helps to sustain more than 1,100 jobs in Broadcom’s FBAR manufacturing hub present in Fort Collins. It elaborated that the deal will boost investment in “critical automation projects” and would make technicians and engineers more skilled.

Moreover, the Cupertino-based company reminded that the agreement comes as a part of the company’s goal announced in 2021 where it plans to invest $430 billion in the U.S. economy within five years. It added that the company is on pace with its targets with investments.

The collaboration of these leading firms in the world of technology is not something new. In 2020, they announced two multi-year pacts that could earn billions in revenue. According to these agreements, Apple would receive Broadcom-manufactured components such as wireless chips and modules for its devices that would be released towards the middle of 2023.

Apple secures supply of 5G components as it signs new multibillion-dollar deal with Broadcom

Apple Lightning to USB 3 adapters are not working with iOS 16.5

The issue came to light when users on reddit and Apple's support forums raised their voices to complain that they were unable to use their Apple Lightning to USB 3 adapters with their iPhones, after they had updated their mobile to iOS 16.5. The issue also affects iPadOS 16.5. The dongle in question is sold by Apple, which is rather ironical.

As 9to5Mac notes, the USB adapter is advertised as a "camera adapter accessory", but many iPhone and iPad users connect it to other devices that have a USB-A port, such as external hard drives, Digital Audio Converters (DAC), Ethernet adapters, microphones, etc. The description for the product does state that it can be used to connect with USB peripherals such as Hubs, Ethernet adapters, etc.

Macrumors' blog post says that reports from users indicate that they were unable to use the USB adapter to charge their devices, or to connect to their car's stereo. One user had reported that the accessory which they used to connect to a controller was working on another iPhone that they hadn't updated, but wouldn't work on the mobile that they had installed the update on. Many other users have said that they are experiencing similar issues with their USB dongle.

Some users who were affected by the issue claim that when they contacted Apple Support for help, the company's representatives had denied that they were aware of such issues. It's rather strange that the bug wasn't caught in iOS 16.5 beta or RC versions, considering that they were being tested for several weeks.

While there is no official confirmation about the problem, we think that it is just a bug in the software. A speculation from a user suggests that Apple may have patched a vulnerability to prevent a physical attack vector (hackers plugging into a phone), and that the changes made to secure the device may have unintentionally broken compatibility with the USB adapters completely.

I should mention that the bug only seems to affect USB 3 adapters, other dongles such as the lightning to 3.5 mm headphone adapter are working fine with iOS 16.5.

You could skip the iOS 16.5 update to avoid the bug, but is that a good idea? Please be aware that the update ships with fixes for several vulnerabilities, including security fixes for three actively exploited issues. So, it's up to you to decide whether you should skip the update if you want to use your USB accessory, or install the update to stay secure.

Since the issue has been reported by many users, it is possible that Apple could release a hotfix to patch the USB 3 adapter compatibility in the coming days. It is unclear whether the iOS 16.6 beta that was released recently fixes the issue.

Have you experienced the bug on your iPhone or iPad?

iOS 16.5 update prevents Apple's Lightning to USB 3 adapters from working

The current phase of Android 14's development is undeniably captivating as Google dedicates its efforts to the addition and testing of new functionalities. This dynamic period, stretching at least until June, allows ample space for further growth and refinement in this regard. However, there will come a pivotal juncture when priorities shift towards ensuring the reliability and stability of the system. At that juncture, the spotlight on new features will gradually diminish, as the primary objective becomes delivering an impeccably polished operating system to users in a timely manner.

Subsequent beta releases will provide us with a comprehensive glimpse, if not the entirety, of what Android 14 has in store and the array of offerings it will bring. However, until that time arrives, we will continue to rely on previews and leaks disseminated through third-party sources. This information channel has become integral in the tech industry, offering insights that are highly sought after by enthusiasts. It is worth noting that while this channel proves invaluable, there are instances where it can present challenges and dilemmas for the companies involved, although it's important to clarify that such complications are not applicable in the current context.

Exciting news awaits us in the forthcoming version of Android, as revealed in a recent preview shared by Mishaal Rahman, a knowledgeable freelance journalist focusing on the Android platform. Android 14 is set to introduce enhanced control over screen recordings, a feature that has seen a surge in usage due to its versatility. This functionality empowers users by enabling them to effortlessly share instructional guides, capture memorable moments from video calls, and explore numerous other possibilities. The added flexibility and convenience offered by improved screen recording capabilities are bound to enhance the overall user experience on Android devices.

Limit screen recording to a specific app

Currently, Android provides options to disable sound and hide touch gestures during screen recordings. However, the existing drawback is that all on-screen content, including notifications, is captured, potentially compromising privacy when sharing videos.

Thankfully, Android 14 brings a significant improvement in this aspect.

Image source: Unsplash

The upcoming version will introduce the ability to limit screen recording to a specific app. This means that if a screen recording is in progress and a notification pops up, it will not be included in the recorded video. This advancement eliminates the need to restart the recording consciously or accidentally if an unwanted notification appears. The inclusion of this feature undoubtedly marks a notable stride forward in terms of safeguarding privacy during screen recordings.

Source

The issue, tracked as CVE-2023-21492 (CVSS score: 4.4), impacts select Samsung devices running Android versions 11, 12, and 13.

The South Korean electronics giant described the issue as an information disclosure flaw that could be exploited by a privileged attacker to bypass address space layout randomization (ASLR) protections.

ASLR is a security technique that's designed to thwart memory corruption and code execution flaws by obscuring the location of an executable in a device's memory.

Samsung, in an advisory released this month, said it was "notified that an exploit for this issue had existed in the wild," adding it was privately disclosed to the company on January 17, 2023.

Other details about how the flaw is being exploited are currently not known, but vulnerabilities in Samsung phones have been weaponized by commercial spyware vendors in the past to deploy malicious software.

Back in August 2020, Google Project Zero also demonstrated a remote zero-click MMS attack that leveraged two buffer overwrite flaws in the Quram qmg library (SVE-2020-16747 and SVE-2020-17675) to defeat ASLR and achieve code execution.

In light of active abuse, CISA has added the shortcoming to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, alongside two Cisco IOS flaws (CVE-2004-1464 and CVE-2016-6415), urging Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) agencies to apply patches by June 9, 2023.

Last week, CISA also added seven vulnerabilities to the KEV catalog, the oldest of which is a 13-year-old bug impacting Linux (CVE-2010-3904) that allows an unprivileged local attacker can escalate their privileges to root.

Source

The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed sources, claims that Samsung has now suspended an internal review that was considering switching from Google to Bing for its smartphones.

When the original NYT story hit, it stated that Samsung was impressed with Microsoft's efforts into adding generative AI into its search program via Bing Chat. As a result of that report, Google's stock price went down by 2.5 percent on that day.

However, it was pointed out after that report was published that Google has what it calls the Mobile Application Distribution Agreement (MADA). It basically stated that any smartphone company that wanted the Google Play Store installed must also set Google Search as the default search engine on their phones.

Having said that, since Samsung is the largest worldwide Android-based smartphone company by a pretty fair margin, it's more than possible that it has a special agreement with Google that is not available for other Android smartphone companies. For example, Samsung has its own Galaxy Store for downloading apps on its smartphones which is something other Android phones with the Google Play Store don't have.

In any case, it would appear that Samsung is sticking to what it knows and will keep Google Search as the default search engine for its smartphones. Microsoft and its Bing search engine will have to find their way into the mobile space in other ways. It's already doing so by adding Bing Chat services to its Bing mobile app, and it's also adding AI chat to other mobile app services like its SwiftKey keyboard, its Edge browser, and its Skype messaging service.

There's are still rumors that Bing could replace Google Search as the default in the Firefox browser, but so far there's been no official indication that might happen.

Report says Samsung has decided not to replace Google with Microsoft's Bing in its phones

What is new in iOS 16.5 and iPadOS 16.5?

• New Pride Celebration Wallpaper for the Lock Screen to honor the LGBTQ+ community and culture. The wallpaper is only available on iOS.

  

   

• Sports tab in Apple News with easy access to everything sports-related and your favorite teams or leagues.
• Score and Schedule Cards in Apple News can take you directly to game pages with additional details about specific games.

And here are the bugs iOS and iPadOS 16.5 fix:

• Fixed an issue with unresponsive Spotlight
• Fixed an issue causing problems with loading podcasts in Apple CarPlay (iOS only).
• Fixed an issue with Screen Time setting reset and sync problems across devices.

What iPhones support iOS 16.5?

iOS 16.5 is available to all iPhone models running iOS 16. The list of supported iPhones includes the following:

• iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
• iPhone X
• iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE 2020, SE 2022
• iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max

What iPads support iPadOS 16.5?

• iPad Pro (all models)
• iPad Air 3 and newer
• iPad 5th gen and newer
• iPad mini 5 and newer

You can download iOS and iPadOS 16.5 by heading to Settings > General > Software Update.

Apple releases iOS and iPadOS 16.5 with a new wallpaper, Apple News improvements, more

A newly leaked video that appears to show the unannounced Google Pixel 8 Pro concentrates on a feature that few smartphones currently have: a rear temperature sensor.

The video, posted on YouTube by 91Mobiles, shows the sensor beneath the phone's rear photo flash. More importantly, it shows the sensor being used by the owner. She places the Pixel 8 Pro close to her forehead so that the sensor can take a temperature reading.

The user then taps on the phone's main screen and moves the phone across her temple for a few seconds. The Pixel 8 Pro then buzzes so that the user can see her temperature reading.

What's not clear from this clip is what applications will be using the Pixel 8 Pro temperature sensor. It's possible that it could be used in fitness apps such as the Google-owned Fitbit app.

Google is expected to officially announce the Pixel 8 phone series this fall, and it's also expected to have Android 14 installed, which is currently in public beta testing. A new version of the Pixel Watch is rumored to be revealed alongside the Pixel 8 phones.

Update: The video has now been pulled from YouTube, which of course is owned by Google.

Leaked Google Pixel 8 Pro video showed a rear body temperature sensor [Update]

What is new in watchOS 9.5?

• A new Pride Celebration watch face to honor the LGBTQ+ community and culture.

What Apple Watch models support watchOS 9.5?

You can download watchOS 9.5 to any Apple Watch running version 9.0 and higher. However, it is worth noting that updating watchOS requires iPhone 8 or newer with iOS 16 or later (check out what is new in the latest iOS update in our dedicated coverage). You cannot update to watchOS 9 if your iPhone runs iOS 15 or older.

• Apple Watch Series 4
• Apple Watch Series 5
• Apple Watch SE
• Apple Watch Series 6
• Apple Watch Series 7
• Apple Watch Series 8
• Apple Watch SE 2nd gen
• Apple Watch Ultra

You can install watchOS 9.5 by launching the Watch app and navigating to General > Software Update. Keep in mind that your watch should be on a charger with a minimum of 50% battery charge.

Apple releases watchOS 9.5 with a new Pride Celebration watch face

As per the report, it's a 4% increase in the count of Android switchers over the previously recorded year ending in March 2022. The firm analyzed the iPhone purchase data for the past nine years, according to which, the highest share of Android to iPhone switches was 21% in the 12 months ending in March 2016.

Furthermore, it was back in 2018 when the number of new Android switchers was 15% as it declined through the years. Other than Android, the remaining 1% to 2% of users made their switch from basic phones or were first-time iPhone owners.

"Switching mobile operating systems is perceived as a challenge by smartphone owners, so loyalty to an operating system remains very high. Still, switching does happen, and we track it in our surveys. In the past year or two, former Android users appear to account for an increased percentage of iPhone buyers," says CIRP in its report.

Apple's iPhone has reserved the top spot even during times when the global smartphone market is on a decline. Recently, the company revealed in its latest earnings call that the iPhone division crunched $51 billion in revenue in the second quarter. With that said, analysts have also attributed the increased iPhone sales to the longevity of Apple's devices and the stickiness of its ecosystem.

Source: CIRP (paywall) via 9to5Mac

Android to iPhone migration is again on the rise, claims new report