Daily Archives

2023-09-12

Apple iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max: The Titanium Revolution

by George Mensah 2023-09-12

written by George Mensah

Apple has unveiled its new iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max smartphones, and the biggest news is the switch to a titanium body. This is the first time that Apple has used titanium in an iPhone, and it’s a major upgrade over the aluminum bodies of previous models.

Titanium is a very strong and durable material, and it’s also lightweight. This makes it the perfect material for a smartphone, as it can withstand the rigors of everyday use without weighing the user down.

In addition to being strong and durable, titanium is also corrosion-resistant. This means that it won’t rust or corrode over time, even if it’s exposed to the elements.

Apple has also used a special process to give the titanium body of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max a brushed appearance. This gives the phones a more premium look and feel.

The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are also the first iPhones to come with a USB-C port. This is a welcome change, as USB-C is the more modern and versatile connector.

Another new feature of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max is the removal of the volume switch. This has been replaced with an Action Button, which is integrated with the Dynamic Island. The Dynamic Island is a new feature that allows users to quickly access frequently used controls, such as the flashlight and camera.

The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max also have substantial camera upgrades. The main camera now has a 48-megapixel sensor, and the ultra-wide camera has a 12-megapixel sensor. The telephoto camera has also been upgraded, and now has a 3x optical zoom.

The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are available in four colors: white titanium, black titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium. The smaller iPhone 15 Pro starts at $999, while the larger Pro Max is more expensive at $1,199.

Here are some additional details about the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max:

Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display (iPhone 15 Pro) or 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display (iPhone 15 Pro Max)

Processor: A16 Bionic chip

Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB

Camera: 48-megapixel main camera, 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, 12-megapixel telephoto camera

Battery: Up to 28 hours of video playback
Operating system: iOS 16

The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are the most advanced iPhones yet, and they offer a number of significant upgrades over previous models. The titanium body, USB-C port, and new camera system are all major improvements, and they make the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max the best iPhones yet.

2023-09-12 0 comment

Gadgets

Apple Watch Ultra 2: The Ultimate Adventure Watch

by George Mensah 2023-09-12

written by George Mensah

Apple has announced the Apple Watch Ultra 2, the successor to the popular Apple Watch Ultra. The new watch is designed for adventurers and extreme sports enthusiasts, and features a number of upgrades over the previous generation.

One of the most significant changes is the use of recycled titanium for the case. This makes the Apple Watch Ultra 2 the first carbon neutral Apple Watch. The watch also features a new, brighter screen with a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits. This makes it easier to see the screen in bright sunlight.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 also has a number of new features that are designed to make it more useful for adventurers. These features include:

An expanded altitude range of 500 meters below sea level to 9,000 meters above sea level.
A new dual-frequency GPS chip that provides more accurate location tracking.
On-device Siri, so you can use voice commands without your iPhone.

New Precision Finding features that can help you find your iPhone, even if it’s lost in the wilderness.
A battery life of up to 36 hours, or 72 hours in Low Power Mode.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is also compatible with the new Double-Tap feature, which allows you to control vital features of your watch and scroll through apps just by tapping your index finger to your thumb with your watch hand.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is available in four colors: black titanium, blue titanium, silver titanium, and natural titanium. It starts at $799 and will be available for purchase on September 22.

Here are some additional details about the Apple Watch Ultra 2:

The watch is water resistant to 40 meters, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling.

It has a built-in compass and altimeter, which can be used for navigation and tracking your altitude.

It also has a heart rate sensor, an ECG sensor, and an SpO2 sensor, which can be used to monitor your health and fitness.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a powerful and versatile watch that is designed for the most demanding adventures. It is the perfect choice for hikers, climbers, skiers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

2023-09-12 0 comment

Gadgets

Apple Commits to Making Products Carbon Neutral

by George Mensah 2023-09-12

written by George Mensah

Apple has announced a major push to decarbonize its global supply chain and make all of its products carbon-neutral by 2030. The company is already taking a number of steps to reduce its emissions, including using renewable energy, recycling materials, and designing its products with less carbon.

In its latest Apple event, the company featured a short film starring Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer as “Mother Nature,” grilling Apple execs — including CEO Tim Cook — about the company’s commitment to protecting the environment. Apple was clearly going all out to show off its big push into decarbonizing its supply chain.

One of the most significant announcements was that Apple will be making its iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models completely carbon neutral. This means that the entire lifecycle of the product, from the extraction of raw materials to the manufacturing, transportation, use, and disposal of the device, will have zero emissions.

Apple is achieving this through a number of measures, including:

Using recycled materials in the construction of the devices, such as 100% recycled aluminum and cobalt.

Using renewable energy to power the manufacturing process.
Investing in new recycling technologies to reduce the amount of waste generated.

Designing the products to be more energy-efficient.

Apple is also working with its suppliers to reduce their emissions.

The company’s Supplier Clean Energy Program has already helped to bring over 20 gigawatts of renewable energy online.

In addition to making its products carbon neutral, Apple is also offsetting its remaining emissions. This means that the company is investing in projects that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, such as planting trees or investing in renewable energy projects.

Apple’s commitment to decarbonization is a major step forward in the fight against climate change. The company is one of the largest corporate emitters in the world, and its efforts to reduce its emissions will have a significant impact.

Apple’s announcement is also a major win for consumers. The company’s carbon neutral products will give consumers the peace of mind that they are not contributing to climate change when they purchase an Apple product.

Apple is not the only company making a commitment to decarbonization. Other major tech companies, such as Google and Microsoft, have also announced similar goals. These commitments are a sign that the tech industry is taking climate change seriously and is committed to doing its part to address the problem.

The decarbonization of the tech industry is a complex challenge, but it is one that is essential to tackling climate change. Apple’s commitment is a major step forward, and it is hoped that other companies will follow suit.

2023-09-12 0 comment

Gadgets

Apple Expands iCloud Storage Options

by George Mensah 2023-09-12

written by George Mensah

Apple has announced plans to expand its iCloud storage options, adding two new tiers that offer up to 6TB and 12TB of storage. The new plans will be available starting on September 18, 2023.

The current iCloud storage options are:

5GB: Free

50GB: $0.99/month

200GB: $2.99/month

2TB: $9.99/month

The new 6TB and 12TB plans will cost $29.99/month and $59.99/month, respectively.

All iCloud+ plans offer the same features, including:

Increased storage space

iCloud Private Relay: A privacy-focused feature that encrypts your traffic when browsing the web

Hide My Email: A feature that generates unique email addresses to use when signing up for websites or services

Custom iCloud email domains: A way to create custom email addresses for your domain name

HomeKit Secure Video: A feature that allows you to store security camera footage in iCloud

The new 6TB and 12TB plans also offer unlimited HomeKit Secure Video camera connections.

The expanded iCloud storage options are a welcome addition for users who need more space to store their photos, videos, and other files. The new plans are also a good option for families who want to share a single iCloud account.

2023-09-12 0 comment

Mobile

iPhone 15 Pro: New Titanium Body, Same Price as Last Year

by George Mensah 2023-09-12

written by George Mensah

Apple has announced the iPhone 15 Pro, the latest and greatest in the company’s premium smartphone lineup. The new phone features a number of upgrades over its predecessor, including a new titanium body, a faster A16 Bionic chip, and a better camera system.

The titanium body is a major new addition to the iPhone 15 Pro. Titanium is a stronger and more durable material than steel, making it ideal for a smartphone that is constantly being dropped and bumped. It is also more resistant to corrosion, which means that the iPhone 15 Pro should look good for years to come.

The A16 Bionic chip is the fastest chip ever used in an iPhone. It offers up to 40% faster performance than the A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone 14 Pro. This means that the iPhone 15 Pro will be able to handle even the most demanding tasks with ease.

The camera system on the iPhone 15 Pro has also been upgraded. The main camera now has a 48-megapixel sensor, while the ultra-wide camera has a 12-megapixel sensor. The telephoto camera has also been upgraded, with a 12-megapixel sensor and 3x optical zoom.

The iPhone 15 Pro is available in four colors: black titanium, blue titanium, white titanium, and natural titanium. It starts at $999 for the 256GB model.

While the price of the iPhone 15 Pro has remained the same as last year, the overall trend in the smartphone market is for prices to increase. This is due to the rising cost of materials and the increasing complexity of smartphone designs. However, Apple has decided to keep prices in check for the iPhone 15 Pro, likely in an effort to appeal to more customers.

The iPhone 15 Pro is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, and it offers a number of features that are sure to appeal to power users and photography enthusiasts. However, the high price tag may be a deterrent for some consumers. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the iPhone 15 Pro will come down to individual needs and budget.

2023-09-12 0 comment

Gadgets

Apple Introduces iPhone 15 with Improved Camera

by George Mensah 2023-09-12

written by George Mensah

Apple held a livestream event on Tuesday afternoon to introduce the iPhone 15, the latest model in its popular smartphone lineup. As always, the camera was a major focus of the event, with Apple touting a number of improvements over previous models.

The iPhone 15’s main rear camera features a 48-megapixel sensor, a significant upgrade over the 12-megapixel sensor in the iPhone 14. This allows for more detail in photos and videos, as well as better low-light performance. The camera also has a wider aperture (ƒ/1.6) than the iPhone 14, which lets in more light.

In addition to the main camera, the iPhone 15 also has a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera. This camera is useful for taking wider shots, such as landscapes or group photos.

Both the main and ultra-wide cameras use Apple’s new “computational photography” features, which use software to improve image quality. These features include Smart HDR 4, which automatically adjusts the exposure and white balance of photos, and Night mode, which takes better photos in low-light conditions.

Apple also announced a number of new camera features for the iPhone 15, including:

Portrait mode is now automatic. The iPhone’s machine learning will automatically detect when a person or pet is in the frame and apply portrait mode, which blurs the background and focuses on the subject.
Focus and depth controls can now be adjusted after the fact. This allows you to change who is in focus in a photo, or to add or remove blur.
Cinematic mode is a new feature that allows you to create shallow depth-of-field effects in videos. This is similar to portrait mode, but for videos.

Overall, the camera on the iPhone 15 is a significant upgrade over previous models. It takes better photos in all lighting conditions, and it has a number of new features that make it more versatile.

In addition to the camera, the iPhone 15 also has a number of other new features, including:

A new A16 Bionic chip, which is said to be up to 40% faster than the A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone 14.
A new design with a flat-edge display.
A new front-facing camera with autofocus.
Support for 5G mmWave connectivity.

The iPhone 15 will be available for pre-order on September 16 and will start shipping on September 23. Prices start at $799.

2023-09-12 0 comment

Mobile

iPhone 15 Unleashed: Apple’s Ultimate Game-Changer You Won’t Believe

by George Mensah 2023-09-12

written by George Mensah

Cupertino took center stage today as Apple unveiled its much-anticipated iPhone 15 during the “Wonderlust” event. This marks the 17th generation of the iconic handset, and it brings with it a mix of familiar features and exciting new additions.

One of the standout features that carries over is the Dynamic Island cutout, now available across the entire iPhone 15 lineup. However, the real game-changer is the updated port. While not the flashiest addition, it’s undoubtedly practical and long overdue. Approximately nine months ago, some users hesitated to upgrade their iPhones, with USB-C compatibility being a significant factor. Now, Apple has finally embraced this universally recognized connector, aligning itself with industry standards. This move was partially driven by EU legislation mandating connector standardization, ultimately benefiting consumers.

The Lightning port had become somewhat outdated, having been in use for over a year since its introduction. To keep up with the evolving tech landscape, Apple is transitioning away from the Lightning port, already making strides with the iPad line, which now also embraces the standardized USB-C connector.

Dynamic Island, in its latest iteration, introduces several new features, including airline information integration. The iPhone 15 series boasts Apple’s Super Retina XDR display, available in 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches for the Plus model.

The primary camera receives a significant upgrade with 48 megapixels and pixel binning technology, resulting in a high-resolution 24-megapixel image. Additionally, improved zoom capabilities with a 2x telephoto lens promise “optical quality” for tighter shots without compromising image quality.

Machine learning now plays a role in detecting subjects, be it a person or a pet (specifically cats and dogs), automatically switching to apply the bokeh effect for a professional touch. Smart HDR mode also receives enhancements, thanks to depth sensing in the front-facing camera, which helps distinguish objects in the image and delivers a broader spectrum of colors.

Driving the iPhone 15 is the all-new A16 bionic chip, equipped with a 6-core GPU, ensuring impressive performance gains. The inclusion of Ultrawideband technology enhances the FindMy functionality, aligning it with the capabilities seen in the new Apple Watch Series 9.

Voice isolation is another area of improvement, effectively filtering out ambient noise in noisy environments. Meanwhile, the existing Satellite connectivity introduces a notable Roadside Service feature, a collaborative effort with AAA, designed to assist users in situations where a signal is unavailable.

The iPhone 15’s color palette includes vibrant options like yellow, green, blue, black, and a delightful addition – pink.

Apple’s iPhone 15 has arrived, bringing with it a mix of the familiar and the futuristic, setting the stage for a new era of smartphone experiences.

2023-09-12 0 comment

News

Google’s Privacy Nightmare: Lawsuit Shakes Tech Giant to Its Core

by George Mensah 2023-09-12

written by George Mensah

Google is currently embroiled in a class-action-style lawsuit in the Netherlands, with accusations of breaching European privacy laws at its core. The lawsuit, filed by two non-profit organizations, The Foundation for the Protection of Privacy Interests (FPPI) and the Dutch Consumers’ Association, alleges that Google has violated European Union data protection regulations by tracking and profiling consumers without their consent. The plaintiffs are not only demanding that Google ceases its tracking and profiling practices but are also seeking compensation for what they refer to as “large-scale privacy violations.”

Over 82,000 consumers have joined this legal action since it was initially announced in May.

According to the claimants, Google’s actions are in contravention of Dutch and European privacy legislation. They contend that Google collects vast amounts of users’ online behavior and location data through its services and products without providing adequate information or obtaining proper consent. Google allegedly shares this data, which includes sensitive personal information such as health, ethnicity, and political preferences, with numerous third parties via its online advertising platform. Research indicates that European residents’ internet activity and locations are exposed to online ad auctions almost 380 times a day on average.

The lawsuit not only seeks compensation for affected individuals but also demands structural changes within Google to prevent further privacy violations. The claimants argue that Google’s current practices effectively turn users into products while generating billions in advertising revenue annually.

This lawsuit, which operates on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis, remains open for sign-ups. Consumers who have used Google’s products or services in the Netherlands since March 1, 2012, are eligible to join this collective legal action.

Notably, the Netherlands adapted its class-action regime early on to align with a new EU directive on representative actions, which allows qualified entities like consumer rights groups to file collective actions on behalf of consumers. These new procedural rules have been in effect since June 25.

Additionally, a ruling by the Court of Justice of the EU in May clarified that there is no threshold of seriousness for non-material harm in privacy damages claims. This means that claims can be brought for emotional distress stemming from breaches of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or other privacy laws.

In response to this legal action, Ada van der Veer, Chairman of the FPPI, emphasized Google’s continuous monitoring practices. She highlighted how Google collects data, even through third-party cookies, effectively enabling the monitoring of users’ internet behavior across websites and apps, even when users are not actively engaging with Google’s products or services.

While Ireland’s Data Protection Commission has been investigating various aspects of Google’s business for GDPR compliance, no decisions have been issued to date. This has spurred consumer rights groups to pursue litigation, given the availability of ‘no win, no fee’ funding models. In this case, the litigation is funded by the law firm Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein.

Google’s adtech practices have faced scrutiny, with research revealing extensive data sharing in real-time bidding ad auctions. Google has been exploring alternative ad targeting methods, such as the “Privacy Sandbox,” aimed at shifting away from third-party cookies for tracking. However, concerns remain about the level of user data tracking involved in this approach. Google has also faced criticism for pushing the Privacy Sandbox onto Chrome users without an affirmative opt-in.

Notably, the Dutch Consumers’ Association previously won a privacy lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook, also funded by Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, which resulted in a declaration that Meta lacked a lawful basis for processing local users’ data for ad targeting.

2023-09-12 0 comment

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2023-09-12

Apple is achieving this through a number of measures, including:

The current iCloud storage options are:

All iCloud+ plans offer the same features, including:

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