The first thing most people seem to do when they try out a foldable phone I’m reviewing is look for the crease in the screen. In the case of Oppo’s Find N6, it might take them a while. Oppo claims that the Find N6, launching in full next week on March 17th, has the world’s […]
# iOS 26.4: Latest Features and Updates
iOS 26.4 is in the beta testing phase, accessible to developers and public beta participants. This update brings a range of new features designed to improve the iPhone experience, especially in Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Messages, and beyond. Here’s an in-depth overview of the new elements in iOS 26.4.
## iOS 26.4 Overview
The newest beta iteration, iOS 26.4 beta 3, is currently available, with a public launch anticipated by late March or early April. Earlier updates, like iOS 18.4, were rolled out around this timeframe, suggesting a similar schedule for this release.
## New Features in iOS 26.4
### Enhancements in Apple Music
Apple Music receives substantial upgrades in iOS 26.4, which include:
1. **Concerts**: Discover nearby concerts and check tour dates for artists from your library.
2. **Full-Screen Artwork**: Updated design features that improve the visuals of albums and playlists.
3. **Revamped Profile Section**: Simplified management of accounts and subscriptions.
4. **Playlist Management**: The capability to add a song to multiple playlists at once.
#### Playlist Playground
An exciting new feature is the **Playlist Playground**, which leverages Apple Intelligence to generate playlists based on user-specified text prompts. Users can further refine the resultant playlists using additional prompts, highlighting Apple’s AI integration within the user interface.
### Introduction of New Widgets
iOS 26.4 presents **Ambient Music widgets** for the Home Screen, enabling users to listen to music curated for specific moods like Chill, Productivity, Sleep, and Wellbeing. These widgets are available in small and medium configurations.
### Updates to the Reminders App
The Reminders app now incorporates a **Smart List** that gathers all tasks flagged as urgent, enhancing the previously introduced “Urgent” label that activates alarms for critical tasks.
### RCS Encryption Support in Messages
iOS 26.4 introduces support for testing end-to-end encryption of RCS messages. Users can turn on this feature within the Messages settings, and a new lock icon will represent encrypted conversations. This feature is still in beta and will be fully accessible in a future release.
### Improvements in Apple Podcasts
The update refines Apple Podcasts with **enhanced video podcast functionalities**, facilitating smooth transitions between video and audio formats. It also adds support for dynamic video advertisements.
### Updates to Apple Health
The Apple Health app has been updated to include more detailed **Sleep and Vitals information**, featuring a metric for average bedtime and reinstated Blood Oxygen levels in the Vitals graph.
### Protection Against Stolen Devices
**Stolen Device Protection** is automatically activated in iOS 26.4, requiring Face ID validation for certain actions when outside trusted locations, thereby bolstering device security.
### Additional Changes and Features
– The App Store and Games applications now feature revamped search capabilities.
– The Wallpaper Gallery and Apple Watch face gallery have improved designs.
– A new accessibility feature, **Reduce Highlighting Effects**, is now available.
– Dark Mode has been enhanced for menu popups within Control Center.
– Updated iCloud settings now enable searching Photos and iCloud Drive content.
## Conclusion
As beta testing progresses, additional modifications may be implemented in iOS 26.4. The new features, especially those in Apple Music and the Reminders app, are geared toward significantly improving user experience. User feedback will likely influence the final version, which is expected to be released soon.
**Title: Thrilling Offers on Apple’s Latest Gadgets: M4 iPad Air, M5 MacBook Air, and More**
In the tech realm, Apple remains at the forefront with cutting-edge products and attractive offers. The newest lineup includes the M4 iPad Air, M5 MacBook Air, and M5 Pro MacBook Pro, all now available for pre-order with notable discounts. This piece delves into the top deals currently on offer for these devices, alongside details about their specifications and features.
### Top Offers on the M4 iPad Air
Best Buy has rolled out the inaugural cash deal on the new M4 iPad Air, making it more attainable for shoppers. The starting price is **$559** for the 128GB variant, reflecting a **$40 reduction** from the standard price of $599. For those interested in trading in their old gadgets, the cost could fall as low as **$249**. Here’s a detailed list of the models and their pricing:
– **11-inch M4 iPad Air 128GB**: $559 (Reg. $599) or $50 off for members
– **11-inch M4 iPad Air 256GB**: $699 or $50 off for members
– **11-inch M4 iPad Air 512GB**: $899 or $50 off for members
– **11-inch M4 iPad Air 1TB**: $1,099 or $50 off for members
– **13-inch M4 iPad Air 128GB**: $799 or $50 off for members
– **13-inch M4 iPad Air 256GB**: $899 or $50 off for members
– **13-inch M4 iPad Air 512GB**: $1,099 or $50 off for members
– **13-inch M4 iPad Air 1TB**: $1,299 or $50 off for members
These offers are accessible to all consumers, with additional savings for Best Buy Plus and Total members.
### Pre-Order Offers on M5 MacBook Air and M5 Pro MacBook Pro
Apple has also unveiled the M5 MacBook Air and M5 Pro MacBook Pro, both open for pre-order. The M5 MacBook Air provides heightened performance and storage selections, with the base model starting at **$1,499**. Nevertheless, the M4 MacBook Air remains available at a more affordable price, appealing to budget-minded shoppers.
– **15-inch M4 MacBook Air 24GB/512GB**: $1,299 (Reg. $1,599)
– **15-inch M5 MacBook Air 24GB/512GB**: $1,499 (This configuration is not sold by Amazon)
– **15-inch M5 MacBook Air 24GB/1TB**: $1,699
The M5 variants feature upgraded specifications, including accelerated SSD performance and enhanced wireless capabilities.
### Discounts on Apple Watch Series 11
Beyond the new MacBook models, all Apple Watch Series 11 variants are currently **$100 off**, rendering them more budget-friendly during the pre-order phase. This discount applies to numerous case colors and band styles, offering consumers an extensive selection at competitive prices.
### Conclusion
With the introduction of the M4 iPad Air, M5 MacBook Air, and M5 Pro MacBook Pro, Apple is presenting exciting discounts that address various consumer preferences. Whether you seek a high-performance laptop or a versatile tablet, these items offer significant savings, particularly for those inclined to trade in older devices. As the tech environment continues to transform, these offers provide an excellent chance for consumers to enhance their gadgets without overspending.
# The Debut of the MacBook Neo: A Transformational Moment for Apple
Apple has officially unveiled the highly awaited budget-friendly MacBook, the **MacBook Neo**, with a starting price of only **$599**. This latest model is projected to greatly influence the sales of both the MacBook Air and iPad, as it provides a persuasive option for buyers in search of an economical laptop.
## The MacBook Neo: Specifications and Cost
The MacBook Neo is crafted to attract a diverse array of users, especially those who may find the MacBook Air too pricey. Although it includes certain trade-offs, it is positioned as a fantastic bargain for numerous consumers. The pricing strategy stands out, as it matches the most optimistic projections, making it reachable for a wider audience.
## Effect on MacBook Air Sales
It seems likely that the Neo will take away some customers from the MacBook Air. However, the larger issue might be its impact on iPad sales. The Neo’s price point and features could lure users who previously chose an iPad, particularly those who mainly use their devices for activities typically associated with laptops.
## Use Cases Favoring iPads
In spite of the strengths of the MacBook Neo, there are particular scenarios where an iPad remains the better option. Activities like drawing, photo editing that heavily depends on brush techniques, taking handwritten notes, marking up PDFs, and eBook reading are domains where the iPad shines. Moreover, for media viewing and casual web surfing, the iPad’s design can feel more intuitive.
## The iPad as a Laptop Alternative
Numerous users have effectively leveraged an iPad with a keyboard as a laptop alternative. Traditionally, a basic model iPad paired with a Bluetooth keyboard has been more budget-friendly than the most affordable MacBook Air. This has resulted in suggestions for choosing iPads over MacBooks for less tech-savvy users who generally engage with one application at a time.
## The Transition with Apple Silicon
The advent of Apple Silicon Macs transformed the landscape markedly. With the MacBook Air presenting features akin to those of the iPad, such as instant sleep/wake capabilities and remarkable battery longevity, many users started to favor the MacBook over the iPad. The economic efficiency of the MacBook Air compared to the iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard further reinforced this shift.
## The Neo’s Competitive Advantage
The MacBook Neo offers a direct option to the 13-inch iPad Air with Magic Keyboard. While the Neo launches at $599, the matching iPad configuration can exceed $1,200, making the Neo a significantly more enticing choice for those seeking a laptop-like experience. Even more affordable options, such as combining a basic iPad with a third-party keyboard, may not deliver the same user satisfaction as the Neo.
## Conclusion
The MacBook Neo is set to shake up the market, potentially influencing both MacBook Air and iPad sales. For those who predominantly desire a laptop experience, the Neo presents a more unified hardware and software solution compared to the iPad. As the market continues to change, it will be captivating to observe how consumers react to this new product and whether the iPad can retain its significance in an environment where the MacBook Neo is offered at such an appealing price point.
**Silo Season 3 and 4: What We Know So Far**
Silo, the highly praised science fiction series on Apple TV, is poised to come back for its third season later this year, with thrilling news about its fourth season as well. Based on the beloved trilogy of novels by Hugh Howey, Silo has enchanted viewers with its captivating plot and intricate characters.
### Completion of Filming for Final Seasons
Apple TV has announced that both the third and fourth seasons of Silo have wrapped up filming. This news hints at a potentially swift release for these concluding seasons. The second season wrapped up in early 2025, and fans can look forward to season 3 debuting in the fall of 2026, resulting in a break of just under two years between seasons.
### Anticipated Release Schedule
Since season 4 is already filmed, audiences might see it launch within a year following season 3, perhaps even sooner. This fast-paced release timeline is a delightful surprise for fans eager to witness how the narrative progresses.
### Narrative Structure of the Final Seasons
The initial two seasons of Silo adapted the plot from the first book in Howey’s trilogy. However, creator and showrunner Graham Yost has suggested that the final two seasons will entwine events from the second and third books, instead of following the original chronological sequence strictly. This method promises to provide a vibrant and captivating viewing experience as the series nears its finale.
### Availability
Fans can catch up on the first two seasons of Silo on Apple TV, which is accessible for a subscription cost of $12.99 per month. There are also options to subscribe at a reduced rate through the Apple One bundle.
As excitement grows for the forthcoming seasons, Silo continues to distinguish itself as one of Apple TV’s premier sci-fi offerings, alongside other successes like Severance and Pluribus. With its distinctive storytelling and fascinating characters, Silo is set to make a significant impact as it approaches its exhilarating conclusion.
**Is Parallels Virtualization Software Compatible with MacBook Neo?**
As of March 5, 2024, the compatibility of Parallels virtualization software with the MacBook Neo is still unclear. The company has not officially verified whether this software will be compatible with the new device.
Parallels Desktop is a widely used tool that enables users to operate virtualized operating systems, such as Windows, on Mac devices. Nevertheless, the developers have stated that they are performing thorough testing before making any definitive statements regarding compatibility with the MacBook Neo.
The main issue regarding compatibility relates to the MacBook Neo’s A18 Pro chip. This ARM-based chip resembles Apple’s M-series chips, yet it is not from the same family and may not provide the required hardware support for virtualization. Parallels Desktop functions as a local Mac hypervisor, meaning it runs virtual machines straight on the Mac’s hardware, utilizing macOS virtualization APIs that are intricately connected to the host chip’s architecture.
Although M-series chips offer strong hardware virtualization support for ARM-based virtual machines, the Parallels Engineering team has yet to confirm whether the A18 Pro chip has comparable capabilities. This ambiguity raises concerns about the effectiveness of running virtual machines on the MacBook Neo.
Another consideration is the memory setup of the MacBook Neo. With only 8GB of RAM, performance may be affected when operating virtual machines, though this does not directly impact compatibility. Many current Macs have moved to a baseline of 16GB RAM, but the MacBook Neo’s price point at $599 makes it appealing for budget-minded consumers.
As new information emerges concerning virtualization on the MacBook Neo, updates will be shared. For those looking for the most up-to-date information, Parallels has an official support document that monitors compatibility status.
In summary, while the MacBook Neo offers an intriguing new choice in Apple’s range, its compatibility with Parallels Desktop is still under assessment, and users should remain alert for further announcements from the company.
The Galaxy S26 devices are set to receive a security-centric update just ahead of their wider release.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series has officially launched today, and if you’re acquiring one of the latest devices, you will likely encounter a software update promptly upon setting up your phone.
Samsung has commenced the rollout of a fresh One UI 8.5 update for the Galaxy S26 series in advance of its launch. This update was initially identified by Droid-Life and carries the build identifier AZC7. Its file size is approximately 550 MB, and if you’re anticipating the introduction of new features right away, there might be some disappointment.
The inaugural update for the Galaxy S26 series is principally focused on enhancing security patches. Samsung debuted the devices with the January security patch, and upon powering on our devices for the first time, we observed that the patch was already outdated by a month, despite the devices being released in late February.
The latest update does not escalate the security patch to March 2026, but rather updates the security patch level to February 2026.
It is somewhat unexpected that Samsung has yet to provide the March 2026 security patch for the devices. However, we anticipate that the company will soon return to its usual update schedule, either later this month or with the forthcoming monthly patch cycle.
Details regarding the specific issues addressed by the update remain unclear. Nevertheless, some preliminary <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/samsung-galaxy/ive-done-extensive-testing-on-the-galaxy-s26-ultras-8-bit-display-and-it-isnt-a-big-problem-but-it-could-be" data-url="https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/samsung-galaxy/ive-done-extensive-testing-on-the-galaxy-s26-ultras-8-bit-display-and-it-isnt-a-big-problem-but-it-could-be" data-hl-processed="none" data-mrf-recirculation="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/samsung-galaxy/ive-done-extensive-testing-on-the-galaxy-s26-ultras-8-bit-display-and-it-isnt-a
**OnePlus and Oppo Increase Smartphone Costs in China Due to Escalating Memory Expenses**
OnePlus and Oppo have revealed plans to boost smartphone prices in China effective March 16, 2026, attributed to escalating component expenses. All OnePlus devices will experience price hikes, while Oppo will primarily increase prices for its budget and mid-tier products. The price adjustments are presently confined to China, although global markets may experience similar increases in the future.
This move comes on the heels of Samsung’s recent price adjustment for the Galaxy S26 series. Both firms pointed to rising expenses of essential mobile phone components as the cause for the price changes. Currently, Oppo’s flagship Find and Reno series, along with the Oppo Pad collection, remain unaffected.
OnePlus has verified that it is not raising prices in the U.S. at this time, but did not dismiss potential future increases. Oppo does not market its phones directly in the U.S., but its affiliated brand OnePlus provides several options there. Should the company adopt a similar approach globally, price hikes for models like the OnePlus 15R and OnePlus 13 could be anticipated.
Smartphone prices are projected to increase this year as the market persists in its slowdown. Analysts express concerns that global smartphone shipments might dip below figures witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is yet to be determined which other brands may implement comparable price hikes.
The pan-European VC firm has held its first close at â¬70M for Fund III, backed by Germanyâs KfW, Spainâs SETT, and a network of family offices, with a mandate to find European companies building on the AI wave. Samaipata, the pan-European venture capital firm founded in Madrid in 2016, has launched its third fund with […]
This story continues at The Next Web
# iOS 26: Upgrades to the Messages Application
iOS 26 brings substantial modifications to the Messages application, boosting user interaction with innovative features and enhancements. Among the key new additions are sophisticated group chat functionalities, tools for spam prevention, and a significant overhaul of the search capability, powered by Apple Intelligence.
## Upgraded Group Chat Functionalities
The newest version of iOS has transformed group chats, simplifying the management of discussions with numerous participants. These improvements facilitate better organization and engagement within group messages, addressing the needs of users who frequently partake in group conversations.
## Tools for Spam Prevention
To tackle unwanted messages, iOS 26 now features updated spam prevention tools. These tools aid in filtering out uninvited messages, allowing users to concentrate on vital conversations without the interruptions caused by spam.
## Enhanced Search Capability
A prominent feature in iOS 26 is the upgraded search function within the Messages app. This enhancement is essential for users who depend on the app for communication and often need to access past conversations. With the option to search using natural language, users can now input queries like “pictures of mom from our June beach trip,” and the app will provide relevant results based on the context of the search.
### Natural Language Processing
The search function now incorporates natural language processing, enabling users to locate messages more intuitively. For example, typing “sand” will generate results pertinent to the beach or ocean, simplifying the process of finding specific content within extensive message histories.
## Powered by Apple Intelligence
The revamped search experience is fueled by Apple Intelligence, utilizing large language models (LLMs) to enhance user interactions across multiple applications, including Photos, Music, and TV. However, this enhanced search feature is only accessible on devices that support Apple Intelligence, such as the iPhone 17 series, iPhone 16 series, and select models from earlier generations.
### Supported Devices
– iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
– iPhone 17
– iPhone 17e
– iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max
– iPhone 16 and 16 Plus
– iPhone 16e
– iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
– iPhone Air
Users do not have to enable any special settings to utilize the upgraded search; it is readily available on compatible devices.
## Conclusion
The enhancements in iOS 26 greatly advance the Messages app, especially with the introduction of sophisticated search capabilities and upgraded group chat functionalities. These alterations aim to streamline communication and facilitate users in managing their messaging experiences. As users become accustomed to these new features, feedback on their effectiveness and usability will be crucial in informing future updates.
