After a prolonged wait, Apple has finally released its suite of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, Apple Intelligence, for iPhone—though only for a select group.

Apple Intelligence, introduced in June, is now available to certain iPhone owners worldwide as of Monday. Those with eligible devices can access the tools by updating to the latest iPhone operating system.

To gain access, users must update to iOS 18.1 and then request to join a waitlist. Apple indicates that users should be able to activate Apple Intelligence “within a few hours” of joining the waitlist, though wait times may vary.

The new AI features include notification summaries, tools to help users compose messages, and a fresh new interface for Siri.

However, they are limited to the latest devices, specifically iPhone 16 models and the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

Apple Intelligence is also compatible with the latest Mac computers and iPad tablets using Apple’s newest chips. Yet, some of these features have been available on other popular devices for some time.

Apple CEO Tim Cook described the launch of Apple Intelligence as “a new era” for Apple products.

This announcement follows Apple’s recent offer to pay ethical hackers up to $1 million (£770,000) to find vulnerabilities in its AI software.

Monday’s iOS 18.1 update includes the first wave of AI tools previewed at Apple’s summer developer conference.

Additional features, such as generating images and emojis from text prompts, are expected later this year.

Similar features have already been introduced by competitors like Google and Samsung.

Their AI tools include real-time conversation translation, automatic note organization, and visual search by circling items on-screen.

Initially launched for its newest models, Samsung expanded its Galaxy AI features to include S22 devices from 2022.

In February, the South Korean tech giant announced plans to extend Galaxy AI to more than 100 million users by the end of 2024.

Apple’s new Clean Up tool, which allows users to remove unwanted objects or people from images, follows Google’s release of a similar tool, Magic Eraser.

In an October interview, Mr. Cook commented on Apple’s approach, saying the company was “perfectly fine with not being first” and adding that “it takes a while to get it really great.”

Bethesda and MachineGames are taking on the iconic Indiana Jones franchise with a high-budget adaptation that looks as good as it plays.

Indiana Jones might not hold the same cultural status as Star Wars or The Lord of the Rings, but his legacy has had a lasting impact on video game history.

From Tomb Raider to Uncharted, countless games featuring ancient temples and hidden treasures owe a debt to Dr. Henry Jones, Jr.

Although the Lego adaptations have been entertaining, a truly great action title based on his adventures has been elusive.

However, the point-and-click LucasArts games from the early ’90s, especially Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis (1992), remain fan favorites, often considered more enjoyable than recent films.

Now, after spending around three hours with MachineGames’ latest project, The Great Circle, it’s safe to say that the long-standing Indiana Jones game “curse” has finally been broken.

The Great Circle stands as both a faithful adaptation of the film series and a strong game in its own right.

The Great Circle embodies the signature style of MachineGames, a developer known for its story-rich first-person shooters with small open-world environments.

In these settings, players can interact with characters, complete side quests, and take on missions, as seen in titles like The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay and The Darkness.

Their work on the Wolfenstein games follows a similar structure, and The Great Circle is no different. In the three segments we experienced, the game opens with a thrilling scene where Indy catches an intruder stealing an artifact at Marshall College.

The setting captures the film’s atmosphere beautifully, from the familiar look of the college to Troy Baker’s impressive portrayal of Indiana Jones, whose voice work, though not a perfect mimic of Harrison Ford, quickly immerses players in the role.

Despite initial concerns about The Great Circle being a first-person game, MachineGames’ expertise shines, and the experience feels natural.

Certain actions, like climbing, switch to a third-person perspective, and numerous cutscenes add a cinematic touch, ensuring it doesn’t fall into the realm of simple arcade gameplay.

The first section acts as a tutorial, guiding players through combat basics, which are straightforward but engaging.

The whip, iconic to Indy, functions as a grappling hook, while combat involves picking up nearby objects, from bottles to frying pans, to fight off enemies, including Nazis. Classic sound effects, like the iconic Lucasfilm punch, add to the nostalgic thrill.

The second part of the demo takes place in Vatican City, where Indy meets a priest ally while evading fascist guards.

Stealth plays a significant role here, with players encouraged to knock out or avoid enemies.

The game’s stealth mechanics require players to move bodies and carefully choose their targets, adding complexity to the approach.

Going through desks and drawers reveals items for skill upgrades—some skill points are linked to books Indy finds, including one allowing a quick recovery if Indy’s hat is replaced after being knocked down. Other upgrades enhance health, power, and melee moves, adding depth to gameplay.

Each area includes optional side quests and hidden secrets. In the Vatican, Indy’s camera works like the scanner in Metroid Prime, allowing players to photograph important areas and gather clues.

This tool becomes especially useful in the third section, set in Egypt. In this expansive open-world area around a Nazi excavation site near the Sphinx, Indy can roam freely in disguise, engaging in side quests and forming alliances.

As he searches for ancient Egyptian stelae, Indy’s adventures echo the feel of Raiders of the Lost Ark without overloading on nostalgic callbacks.

Visually, The Great Circle is stunning and brimming with small touches that make it clear no expense was spared in development.

Classic Indiana Jones elements, like shadows cast on walls and creepy critters, add authenticity to the adventure. Fans and newcomers alike are likely to enjoy the gameplay, but the success of the puzzle mechanics remains to be seen.

While not as intricate as Fate of Atlantis, the puzzles in The Great Circle demand more thought than typical blockbuster titles, avoiding excessive guidance and ensuring players are challenged.

MachineGames has a stellar track record, and The Great Circle feels like a promising evolution of their style.

Although the franchise’s reputation took a hit with the latest film, The Great Circle could redeem Indiana Jones in the gaming world and, potentially, set a new standard for faithful cinematic adaptations, challenging even Alien: Isolation for the title of most authentic movie adaptation.

Speculation about a Nintendo Switch 2 announcement remains high, with many fans convinced the reveal could happen this month. Rumors are also circulating about a port of a major third-party open-world game potentially coming to the new console.

With November just around the corner, it seems likely that predictions for a Switch 2 revealed in October might be off the mark.

Recently, leaker PH Brazil suggested a 2024 announcement is still on the cards, narrowing it down to either Monday or Tuesday of this week. However, this seems based more on informed guesses than confirmed insider information.

Numerous smaller sources are also suggesting a reveal this week, but there’s no solid evidence. The most notable event scheduled is a Nintendo investors meeting on Tuesday, November 5, which historically has sometimes included major announcements.

The practical timing for a Switch 2 reveal might be January or February of next year, as a holiday season announcement could risk discouraging holiday sales of the existing Nintendo Switch.

However, one could argue that those who have waited almost eight years to buy a Switch might not follow game news closely enough to be deterred by a Switch 2 announcement.

Over the weekend, social media has been buzzing with these rumors, although prominent insiders have been cautious.

Jeff Grubb commented on Twitter that he’s “living the ‘We’ll get it when we get it’ life,” while Nate the Hate pointed out that while the timing “would make sense,” no one has claimed to know for sure.

Nintendo has promised to reveal the new console before the end of March 2025, although the announcement might be brief—possibly just a name or a vague teaser image.

Adding fuel to the rumor fire, there’s also speculation about a “Definitive Edition” of Elden Ring for the Switch 2, slated for a late 2025 release.

This rumor originated with Nash Weedle, who claims that Virtuos, the studio behind Metal Gear Delta, may handle the port. Since Elden Ring was available on Xbox One and PlayStation 4, a Switch 2 port could be feasible even with only a modest power boost from the current Switch model.

Virtuos previously ported Dark Souls: Remastered to the original Switch, which could support the plausibility of the rumor or simply be a reason it was created.

The release window for the Switch 2 remains officially unconfirmed, with most rumors pointing to late spring or autumn of next year but leaving open the possibility of a later launch in 2026.

We’ll likely find out soon enough if this week brings any concrete news, but for now, fans will have to wait to see if these rumors come to fruition.

It was reported Friday that Apple has tested an app designed to help individuals with prediabetes manage their diet and make healthier lifestyle choices.

They are potentially positioning the company as a competitor to established glucose monitoring firms like Abbott and DexCom.

Earlier this year, Apple conducted a trial with several employees diagnosed with prediabetes.

Sources familiar with the initiative suggest that this project aligns with Apple’s broader efforts to incorporate blood sugar-related features into its health offerings.

Although the tech giant reportedly has no immediate plans to release the app, it may integrate this technology into future health products.

Apple has also been working for over a decade on a noninvasive glucose monitor, which could significantly impact diabetes management.

In 2022, shares of DexCom and Abbott came under pressure as Apple’s advancements in developing a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device signaled increased competition within the health-tech industry.

Apple’s highly anticipated hearing health features for the AirPods Pro 2 were released today via a firmware update.

While you can update your AirPods Pro now to access these features, they won’t be usable until October 28, when iOS 18.1 is officially launched.

This hearing health update introduces three key features: a hearing test, hearing aid functionality, and active hearing protection. All features are free to use and compatible with both iPhone and iPad, provided they’re running iOS 18.1.

The first feature enables at-home hearing assessment, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to diagnose potential hearing loss.

At a hearing health briefing, Apple highlighted that millions of Americans unknowingly live with hearing loss, often misinterpreting it as only complete deafness, though hearing loss varies widely in degree.

Regular checkups are vital to monitor and understand one’s hearing health over time.

Conducted in the iOS Health app, the hearing test takes around five minutes and involves responding to a series of tones by tapping on your screen.

Upon completion, you receive individual scores for each ear along with an interpretation, such as “Your test indicates moderate hearing loss.”

These results are stored in the Health app, allowing you to track changes over time, and can be downloaded to share with a healthcare provider.

The second feature turns your AirPods Pro into hearing aids, amplifying certain frequencies for clearer and more vibrant sound. They also make real-time intensity adjustments based on your environment.

Although designed to aid those with hearing loss, this feature can benefit anyone by enhancing the sound quality, making it useful for healthy listeners who simply want better audio on their AirPods.

The third feature protects your ears in loud environments. In settings that reach up to 110 dBA, such as a fitness class (100 dBA) or lawn mowing (90 dBA), the hearing protection feature reduces the sound level at a rate of 48,000 times per second to alleviate strain on your ears.

This protective function works across all listening modes, with the silicone ear tips providing additional noise reduction.

If you’re eager to get a jump on selecting the right Samsung Galaxy S25 model, you can now consider potential color options, as shades for the upcoming Galaxy S25 lineup have been leaked.

Well-known leaker Ross Young posted on X that the Samsung Galaxy S25 will likely be available in Moon Night Blue, Silver Shadow, Sparkling Blue, and Sparkling Green.

The Galaxy S25 Plus is expected to include the same palette plus an additional Midnight Black option. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Ultra may be offered in Titanium Black, Titanium Blue, Titanium Gray, and a new Titanium Silver shade.

It’s worth mentioning that even if these colors turn out to be accurate, Samsung typically offers additional exclusive shades on its online store.

Also, recent leaks for the S25 Ultra suggest slightly different color options, mentioning Black, Green, Blue, and Titanium as possibilities.

For comparison, the current Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus are sold in shades of Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow, Onyx Black, and Marble Gray, with online exclusives like Sapphire Blue, Jade Green, and Sandstone Orange.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s palette includes Titanium Gray, Titanium Black, Titanium Violet, and Titanium Yellow, with online-exclusive shades in Titanium Blue, Green, and Orange. This would make Titanium Silver the only entirely new shade for the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

In addition to color options, another leak for details screen sizes: the Galaxy S25 is expected to have a 6.16-inch display, the Galaxy S25 Plus a 6.66-inch display, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra a 6.86-inch screen.

This aligns with previous rumors, adding weight to the claims, but there’s a twist—the Galaxy S25 series may use the same M13 display panels as its predecessors.

According to Ross Young, Samsung’s choice to retain the M13 panel could mean missed potential upgrades, as the M14 panel offers 20-30% better efficiency and a longer lifespan by 10-20%.

The iPhone 16 Pro models already use the M14 panel, so sticking with M13 may mean Samsung’s Galaxy S25 lineup could lag behind Apple’s displays in terms of efficiency and durability.

While all leaks should be taken with caution, we’re likely to get confirmation on these details soon, as the Galaxy S25 line is expected to launch in January or February.

OnePlus has fully revealed OxygenOS 15 as the Android 15 update for its supported

OnePlus announced that the Beta program for the OnePlus 12 will launch on October 30, but clarified that this date does not mark the beginning of the stable release, as previously reported.

Unlike last year, when OnePlus chose to avoid extensive AI features in favor of refining Android 14 to match its flagship hardware, the BBK-owned brand is now embracing AI with Android 15 and OxygenOS 15. This announcement includes many marketing terms, like “Parallel Processing.”

Parallel Processing enhances the fluidity of animations during rapid app-switching. This addresses situations where users open and close multiple apps back-to-back, as seen in videos demonstrating this.

OnePlus has reworked the animation pipeline so that quick app transitions appear smoother.

Additionally, OxygenOS 15 is reportedly up to 20% smaller than its predecessor. To achieve this, OnePlus removed various “redundant” features, freeing up considerable space.

AI Features in OxygenOS 15

OnePlus is introducing a range of AI-powered camera features. AI Detail Boost, integrated directly into the gallery, automatically identifies and enhances pixelated or blurry images with a single tap, even allowing for upscaling to 4K.

Combined with AI Unblur, this feature provides image clarity similar to the Pixel’s Photo Unblur function. AI Reflection Eraser can eliminate glass reflections from photos without distorting them, and this tool works for various surfaces, not just glass.

Intelligent Search is an on-device tool that enables users to search across system apps, such as Settings, Files, and Notes, for specific files. For example, users can search for “how much did I pay for my hotel stay last month?” and retrieve relevant information quickly.

The Circle to Search feature is also debuting with OxygenOS 15. Powered by Google Lens, it enables contextual searches for anything on the screen by long-pressing the gesture navbar. The update also introduces Theft Protection for added security.

Pass Scan is a key component of OxygenOS 15, allowing users to scan boarding passes, transit tickets, or images from the gallery to save in Google Wallet for easy access later.

Another addition is AI Notes, which uses advanced AI to organize and refine notes. Whether jotting down ideas or drafting reports, AI Notes can summarize key points, adjust tone and formality, and correct grammar for clarity.

The AI Toolbox 2.0 now includes AI Reply, a tool similar to Android’s Smart Reply, providing pre-generated responses. For more in-depth replies, users can use the sidebar to access detailed options.

Updated UI and Interface in OxygenOS 15

OxygenOS 15 also brings several UI enhancements aimed at refining user interaction and improving the experience.

The Shelf Cards feature now offers a broader color palette and more card sizes (such as 1×2, 2×2, and 4×4), allowing users more customization options on their home screen. Popular apps like Zomato and Blinkit are integrated into the Shelf.

Other new UI animations include shimmering effects during interactions such as charging, app installations, or unlocking the device, adding a subtle visual appeal to these actions. For example, when charging with a Super VOOC charger, shimmering effects highlight the charging speed.

The OnePlus OneTake feature is designed to make transitions between the Always-On Display (AOD), lock screen, and main screen smoother and more seamless, providing a natural navigation experience.

The “Depth” option allows users to adjust wallpapers so that the subject in a photo stands out prominently.

Open Canvas, previously only available on the OnePlus Open, is now available for slab-style phones. This multitasking feature allows users to run multiple apps in split-screen mode without shrinking window sizes, making it easier to multitask without feeling restricted.

The update also includes a new “Share with iPhone” app, designed to streamline file sharing between a OnePlus device and an iPhone.

This function requires the “O+ Connect” app on iOS and works similarly to Quick Share, with some additional steps.

OnePlus has confirmed that the OxygenOS 15 Beta rollout will start on October 30 for the OnePlus 12, with details on additional supported devices expected in the coming weeks and months.

World of Warcraft is now several months into its War Within expansion, while World of Warcraft Classic is five months into its Cataclysm era.

As always, Blizzard is working hard to keep players engaged, and their latest effort includes a special new subscription offer.

To encourage long-term gameplay, Blizzard has unveiled an enticing deal for those who opt for a 12-month subscription to World of Warcraft.

This offer includes a variety of exclusive mounts for both World of Warcraft and Cataclysm Classic, a new pet to accompany players on their journey, and additional items yet to be revealed.

While these bonus items don’t significantly impact gameplay, they may serve as a tempting incentive for returning players and newcomers during The War Within and Cataclysm Classic eras.

World of Warcraft Offers Multiple Bonuses with a 12-month Subscription

The highlight of the current 12-month subscription offer is four unique mounts, three of which are for use in World of Warcraft, and one for use in World of Warcraft Classic. Here’s a breakdown of the mounts included:

• Startouched Furline (World of Warcraft): A large, feline mount that “flies” by running through the air, its glowing blue tail and paws lighting the sky.
• Gigantic Grrloc (World of Warcraft): A ground mount similar to the Gargantuan Grrloc from a previous offer, but in a striking red color.
• Charming Courier (World of Warcraft): A majestic, glowing blue owl that soars gracefully through the skies.
• Lava Drake (World of Warcraft Classic): A coveted flying mount reminiscent of the highly sought-after drakes from the early days of the game.

Back in the early days of World of Warcraft, players had to invest hours of gameplay and reputation grinding to obtain a Drake mount.

Similarly, while Drake mounts are now easier to get in World of Warcraft Classic, the best ones are still valued for their impressive appearance.

Classic players looking for a stunning Drake should consider the Lava Drake included in this offer.

Each mount also features unique animations to enhance the experience.

A New Pet and More to Come

In addition to the four mounts, the offer includes the Swoopy owl pet for World of Warcraft Classic.

Swoopy is a mini version of the Charming Courier mount, with a few distinct features to make it unique. The pet was previously included in a 6-month subscription offer earlier this year.

Blizzard has also teased two more bonus items that will be revealed and added to the accounts of annual subscribers during the Lunar New Year festival in 2025.

Based on the silhouettes in the subscription offer’s promotional image, these items appear to be a Lunar New Year Drake flying mount for World of Warcraft and a Lunar New Year Drake pet for World of Warcraft Classic.

This 12-month subscription offer is a great opportunity for players to expand their collection of mounts and pets while enjoying the latest expansions in both World of Warcraft and Cataclysm Classic.

I’m excited for the discussions we’ll have next week as we begin comparing our hearing health scores. According to my Apple AirPods Pro 2 hearing test, I have a 6-decibel loss in my left ear and a 12-decibel loss in my right.

These numbers might not mean much right now, but when the software becomes available next week in the US and Canada, you’ll likely be comparing hearing scores with family and friends after a quick test.

Apple provided me with early access to its new hearing health software for the AirPods Pro 2, which transforms the earbuds into clinical-grade hearing aids after a hearing test on an iPhone or iPad.

The software also includes features to protect against loud noises, enabled by default. Apple says this update will be rolled out next week as part of iOS 18.

Hearing loss is becoming increasingly common in the US, with estimates suggesting that 44.1 million American adults experience some degree of hearing loss.

More than half could benefit from using a hearing aid, but research shows that most people affected haven’t tried one yet.

With Apple’s new FDA-authorized software, this two-year-old product now offers anyone with AirPods an instant hearing test and hearing aid.

If the test is that easy to take, it may lead to conversations about hearing loss, much like how people discuss their eyesight prescriptions, potentially helping open up the dialogue about hearing issues when shared with others.

Last week, I started using the new features, which I look through further in the video above. The software also includes updated “Hearing Protection,” designed to shield your ears from prolonged exposure to loud sounds.

During my exploration, I gained a deeper understanding of hearing loss, current technological solutions, and how Apple’s test compares to a professional audiogram.

How the AirPods Hearing Test Works

After updating your device, you’ll find a new section in your AirPods settings for hearing health, where you can take a hearing test.

The test takes around 10 minutes and requires a very quiet environment, as the AirPods will pause if any outside noise is detected. I even noticed distant church bells causing interruptions. Once the noise stops, the test resumes.

The test begins by checking the ear tips’ seal to ensure a proper fit. It then involves tapping the screen whenever you hear a beep. Some of the tones are faint and require focus to catch.

Once the test is complete, your results are saved in the Health app, where they can be shared as a PDF. If needed, you can turn on Hearing Aid Mode, which amplifies specific frequencies that your test shows need boosting.

This mode is an enhanced version of AirPods’ Transparency Mode, amplifying external sounds as well as media and call audio.

You can adjust the amplification and balance via detailed controls. When Hearing Aid Mode is activated, your phone’s volume controls also change, allowing you to manage the volume of external sounds and media separately.

A new shortcut button, resembling an ear, appears in the Control Center for quick access to these settings.

Testing with Others

If you pass your AirPods to someone else to test their hearing, the app will display their results alongside yours.

The settings allow you to choose which result to apply to the hearing aid software, but don’t forget to switch it back before using the AirPods again, as using someone else’s hearing profile could harm your ears.

Professional Audiogram vs. Apple’s Test

To see how Apple’s hearing test compares to a professional one, I visited Columbia University Irving Medical Center. After an ear inspection, I took a standard beep test in a soundproof room.

While more controlled and detailed than Apple’s test, the results were strikingly similar, with both tests indicating difficulty in hearing high frequencies.

Apple allows you to upload professional audiogram results into the Health app, which will then adjust your AirPods’ settings accordingly.

You can scan a paper audiogram using your iPhone camera, and the app will graph the results, applying them to your hearing aid settings.

Conversation Boost and Hearing Aid Comparisons

Though my hearing loss was minimal, I used the hearing aid mode in various scenarios to better understand its capabilities.

A feature called “Conversation Boost” amplifies voices in front of you, which I tested in a noisy bar. It significantly improved my ability to hear my companion despite the background noise.

While AirPods are cheaper than traditional hearing aids—retailing for $250 compared to over-the-counter hearing aids that can range from $1,000 to $1,700—they have a shorter battery life of 6 hours, making them unsuitable as a full-day replacement.

During my visit to Columbia, Dr. Justin Golub from the Otolaryngology Department mentioned that while Apple’s $250 price point is affordable, the limited battery life may make AirPods more of an entry-level option for specific situations rather than a complete hearing aid substitute.

Real-World Insights from a Hearing Aid User

To get a better sense of how AirPods compare to dedicated hearing aids, I spoke with Nancy, the mother of a colleague, who has been using hearing aids for a decade.

She found the AirPods promising for music listening but didn’t think they would be practical for daily use due to the need for frequent recharging.

Nonetheless, she acknowledged that adopting hearing aids earlier in her life could have improved her quality of life and business performance.

AirPods Could Start the Hearing Loss Conversation

With this update, AirPods could be a helpful tool to start conversations about hearing loss, particularly with older family members who may be resistant to using hearing aids.

By offering a quick and easy test, Apple might help break down some of the barriers that prevent people from acknowledging their hearing issues.

Updated Hearing Protection Features

The AirPods Pro 2 now have more advanced hearing protection software that manages sustained loud noises more effectively, preserving sound details while lowering exposure levels.

This feature is useful for protecting your hearing in environments like concerts, but it may not offer adequate protection against sudden, loud sounds like fireworks or gunfire.

Apple claims the software can protect against sounds as loud as 110 decibels, though for extremely loud events, traditional earplugs might still be the safer option.

It’s ironic that while AirPods can contribute to hearing loss when used at high volumes, Apple is now positioning them as a solution to prevent and manage hearing loss.

New reports suggest that Samsung may equip most of its Galaxy S25 series with its own “low yield” Exynos processor, rather than the expected Snapdragon or Dimensity chips.

A post by industry insider Sawyer Galox on X reveals that Samsung plans to use the Exynos 2500 in both the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Plus models.

However, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is still anticipated to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor.

It remains unclear whether this decision applies globally or is specific to certain regions. For instance, when the Galaxy S24 series launched, markets like the USA, Canada, and a few other countries received the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip in their Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus models.

Other regions were given the reportedly inferior Exynos 2400. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, on the other hand, came with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in all markets.

This latest rumor contradicts earlier reports that suggested Samsung would go with an all-Snapdragon lineup, following concerns over the low yields of the 3nm GAA process used in the Exynos 2500 production.

Some industry analysts remain skeptical about Samsung’s ability to manufacture a sufficient quantity of Exynos 2500 chips due to these production challenges.

Previously, there was speculation that Samsung might consider using MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 chip in the Galaxy S25 series.

As October draws to a close, Samsung has yet to officially announce the Exynos 2500, which is unusual given that the Exynos 2400 was revealed on October 5 last year.

Since Samsung traditionally launches its Galaxy S series in January, this delay raises questions about whether the company is running out of time or if the rumor itself is inaccurate.

In 2022, Google introduced a more private media picker with Android 13, and later extended this feature to Android 4.4+ devices through Google Play Services.

Many apps adopted this new media picker, allowing users to select specific pictures and videos to share, granting only limited access to their media files.

However, not all Android apps have implemented the media picker, despite Google’s recommendations. Now, Google is taking a more assertive approach, enforcing a Play Store policy change that mandates app adoption of the media picker.

In October 2023, the company notified developers that starting in mid-2024, it would begin cracking down on apps unnecessarily requesting access to the READ_MEDIA_IMAGES and READ_MEDIA_VIDEO permissions to access media files.

By early 2025, only apps whose primary functions involve handling photos and videos—such as gallery apps or image editing software—will be permitted to use these permissions.

According to Google’s support page, examples of “one-time or infrequent use of photos or video files” include uploading a profile picture, an image for a playlist, or a photo of a check for banking purposes.

Such apps should not request READ_MEDIA_IMAGES or READ_MEDIA_VIDEO permissions and are required to use the media picker for a safer and more streamlined user experience.

At Google’s I/O 2024 event, the company outlined its plans to implement these policy changes starting in August 2024, but that deadline was missed.

However, the crackdown began on September 18, 2024, giving developers whose apps use these media permissions until October 31, 2024, to submit a declaration form confirming that their app qualifies for such permissions.

Developers also have the option to request an extension to meet compliance. If granted, they will have until January 22, 2025, to comply with the new rules.

Failure to submit the necessary declaration by the end of October will prevent developers from updating their apps.

If they still fail to comply by the extended deadline, their app will be removed from the Google Play Store. Only private and enterprise management apps are exempt from this policy.

While this policy shift represents a positive move toward better privacy and security, the Android file picker itself leaves much to be desired.

The current picker lacks features like search or filtering, which would significantly improve the user experience. Google may need to address these shortcomings as it pushes developers to adopt the tool.

Smartphones have become an essential part of everyday life for many Americans, serving a range of purposes from communication and education to entertainment.

As of early 2024, the Pew Research Center reports that 97% of Americans own a smartphone. For millions of Americans with hearing loss, there’s now encouraging news regarding these devices.

On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved new regulations requiring that all mobile handsets, including smartphones, must be compatible with hearing aids.

This will ensure that individuals with hearing loss have access to the same mobile phone models as everyone else.

“Hearing loss is a significant issue,” said FCC chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel in a statement, highlighting that over 48 million Americans experience some degree of hearing difficulty, especially older adults and veterans.

“It’s likely that someone you know is affected by hearing loss,” she added.

Efforts to improve hearing aid accessibility have seen progress over the years. In 2022, hearing aids became available for purchase over the counter without a prescription following a pivotal decision by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Furthermore, at Apple’s September event, the company revealed that people with mild to moderate hearing loss would be able to use its popular AirPods 2 earbuds as hearing aids.

Under the new FCC rules, following a transition period, Americans with hearing loss will have the freedom to choose from the full array of mobile handsets available in the market, regardless of the technologies, features, or price points.

The exact date for the end of the transition period has yet to be specified.

Additionally, the FCC introduced a Bluetooth coupling requirement, encouraging manufacturers to move away from proprietary standards.

This means that mobile phones and hearing aids—including over-the-counter options and earbuds—must be compatible with one another.

The new regulations also mandate that all mobile handsets sold in the U.S. meet specific volume-control standards, allowing users to increase volume without causing distortion.

To ensure transparency, companies will be required to clearly indicate on their websites and point-of-sale labels whether a handset is hearing-aid compatible, whether it meets telecoil or Bluetooth coupling standards, and how high the handset’s volume can be raised while still adhering to volume control requirements.

This announcement builds on the FCC’s 2016 plan to enhance access to mobile wireless handsets that are compatible with hearing aids.

Software developed by UK-based company Datel, which enabled infinite boosts in a racing game, has been deemed not to infringe EU copyright law, according to judges in Luxembourg. This ruling is considered significant for the gaming industry.

The European Court of Justice stated that third-party add-ons for Sony PlayStation games that provide players with additional options do not violate EU copyright law.

The court’s decision came against the backdrop of a case involving the video game giant, which is pivotal to a modding ecosystem worth hundreds of millions.

“The Directive on the legal protection of computer programs does not permit the holder of that protection to prevent a third party from marketing software that merely alters variables temporarily transferred to working memory,” the judges explained in their statement.

They further noted, “The directive protects only the intellectual creation as reflected in the text of the computer program’s source code and object code.”

Datel’s software allowed players to gain infinite boosts in the racing game MotorStorm and to control the console using a motion sensor.

The judges in Luxembourg were asked to determine whether this infringed EU copyright laws established in 2009, given that Datel’s add-ons do not modify source code but only change variables in working memory.

Sony contended that Datel’s software “latches on … like a parasite” to the PlayStation game.

However, in a non-binding opinion provided to the EU court in April, Advocate General Maciej Szpunar stated that there was nothing illegal about utilizing a copyrighted work in a manner contrary to the creator’s intentions.

He illustrated his point by comparing it to a reader skipping to the end of a detective novel to find out the killer’s identity, despite that potentially ruining the author’s suspenseful narrative.

Critics have accused Sony of overreaching in its attempts to regulate how others modify or “mod” its products, a practice that is foundational to large segments of the gaming ecosystem.

Gaming activist Ross Scott raised a rhetorical question: “In how many other industries would this be acceptable behavior?”

He likened modifying PlayStation games to adding highlights to a book or changing the wheels on a car, arguing that allowing users to cheat in a single-player game constitutes a “victimless crime.”

Scott is also the organizer of a separate EU petition aimed at preventing game companies from discontinuing support for online-only games, thereby depriving customers of their products.

This petition was initiated after Ubisoft, a French gaming company, ceased support for The Crew, an online-only racing game with approximately 12 million players.

he petition has already garnered over 370,000 signatures, although Scott acknowledges that this number is insufficient to compel action from the European Commission.

Scott warned that a broader interpretation of copyright law akin to Sony’s stance “could endanger lots of software on a wider scale.”

He noted, “If you were to eliminate every game that traces its origins to modding, it would amount to hundreds of millions of dollars,” referencing popular titles like Fortnite, which evolved from earlier games.

NASA is offering a £2.3 million prize to anyone who can help solve a persistent problem for astronauts: how to manage waste in space.

The LunaRecycle Challenge, now open for participation, aims to enhance the sustainability of long-term space missions by finding solutions for dealing with various types of waste, such as food packaging and worn-out clothing.

Amy Kaminski from NASA explained the importance of the challenge, saying, “Operating sustainably is a key consideration for NASA as we make discoveries and conduct research both in space and on Earth.

With this challenge, we’re looking for innovative approaches to waste management on the Moon and hope to apply the lessons learned back here on Earth for everyone’s benefit.”

The LunaRecycle Challenge consists of two competition tracks: the prototype build track and the digital twin track.

The prototype build track focuses on the design and development of hardware and systems that can recycle one or more types of solid waste on the lunar surface.

In contrast, the digital twin track involves creating a virtual replica of a complete recycling system for solid waste on the Moon, which can also be used to produce end products.

Participants can enter either or both tracks, with each offering its own share of the prize money.

Kim Krome, the challenge manager at NASA, expressed excitement about the initiative, saying, “NASA’s LunaRecycle Challenge will contribute to addressing technological needs in advanced manufacturing and habitats.

We’re excited to see the innovative solutions our global competitors come up with, and we hope this challenge will serve as a positive step toward bringing humanity closer to worlds beyond our own.”

NASA reiterated its commitment to sustainability, stating that as future human space missions are prepared, waste management must be considered.

The agency emphasized the need to minimize waste, as well as to develop methods for storing, processing, and recycling it in space so that little or no waste would need to be brought back to Earth.

A study published on arXiv highlights Apple’s assessment of various leading language models, including those from OpenAI, Meta, and other major developers, focusing on their ability to perform mathematical reasoning tasks.

The results show that even minor changes in how questions are phrased can lead to significant variations in the models’ performance, raising concerns about their reliability in tasks requiring logical consistency.

Apple underscores a persistent issue with language models: their dependence on pattern matching rather than true logical reasoning.

In several tests, the researchers illustrated how adding irrelevant information to a question—details that should not impact the mathematical result—caused the models to produce drastically different answers.

One example from the study involved a basic math question asking how many kiwis a person gathered over a series of days.

When irrelevant details, such as the size of some of the kiwis, were introduced, models like OpenAI’s o1 and Meta’s Llama incorrectly modified the final total, despite these details having no relevance to the solution.

The researchers noted:

“We found no evidence of formal reasoning in language models. Their behavior is better explained by sophisticated pattern matching—so fragile, in fact, that changing names can alter results by ~10%.”

This fragility in reasoning led the researchers to conclude that language models do not use real logic to solve problems but instead rely on complex pattern recognition learned during their training.

They discovered that “simply changing names can alter results,” which raises concerns about the future of AI in applications requiring consistent and reliable reasoning in real-world situations.

According to the study, all tested models, ranging from smaller open-source models like Llama to proprietary ones like OpenAI’s GPT-4o, experienced significant performance drops when presented with seemingly insignificant variations in the input data.

Apple suggests that in order to achieve more accurate decision-making and problem-solving abilities, AI might need to combine neural networks with traditional, symbol-based reasoning, a concept known as neurosymbolic AI.

In the ongoing debate between Google Maps and Apple Maps, Google’s navigation tool has just introduced a feature that brings it in line with Apple’s offering.

Google is partnering with SpotHero, a digital parking reservation service, to integrate SpotHero directly into Google Maps.

This new feature allows users to reserve parking spots within Google Maps and Google Search through a new “Book Online” button.

Although a soft launch occurred in April, the feature became widely available to all users as of October 8.

Apple Maps fans may find this familiar, as Apple integrated a similar SpotHero feature into its app back in early 2023.

To access SpotHero’s service on Google Maps, simply open the app and search for parking near your intended destination. If parking is available in the area, the “Book Online” button will appear.

When you tap the “Book Online” button, you’ll be directed to the SpotHero website to reserve a parking spot.

The process is seamless, as it’s all managed within Google Maps, eliminating the need to switch between the app and a web browser.

SpotHero allows users to reserve parking spaces in advance, with options to filter by date and time. The service also supports finding wheelchair-accessible parking.

The SpotHero integration fits well with Google Maps’ recent expansions over the summer, which included helping users find EV charging stations, even harder-to-locate ones.

Additionally, after your event, you can use Google Maps to remember where you parked.

SpotHero is currently available in 300 cities across the United States and Canada. However, availability may vary, particularly in smaller towns or cities.

SpotHero claims to serve over 10 million users across North America and takes a commission of 15% to 35%, depending on various factors and agreements with its “parking partners.”

Meta’s Threads app seems to be working on a new feature similar to community groups, possibly named “Loops.”

This feature has the potential to significantly improve the platform’s social interaction, allowing users to engage with others who share common interests.

Threads, initially launched as a text-based alternative to X (formerly Twitter), has been gradually incorporating features from its sister platform, Instagram.

However, “Loops” would stand out as a unique feature since Instagram currently does not offer a dedicated community group option.

The first signs of “Loops” were discovered by Chris Messina, an early Threads adopter, who found references in the app’s code about joining, leaving, and renaming communities.

Alessandro Paluzzi, a well-known tipster and reverse engineer, shared a preview of the possible user interface, which showed a “Loops” shortcut within the post composer and hinted at the use of tags for discoverability.

Although specific details about “Loops” are still scarce, it’s evident that Threads is looking for ways to create deeper connections and foster community building within the app. This could draw in new users and boost engagement on the platform.

The introduction of “Loops” might be a significant differentiator for Threads in the competitive social media environment.

As the feature moves through its development and testing stages, it will be interesting to observe how it influences user interaction and community creation on the platform.

Whoa, this was definitely an unexpected surprise to wake up to! During a recent livestream from 343 Industries, the team officially announced that Halo Infinite will be getting a third-person mode this November!

That’s right—three years after the game’s original release, a major new feature like third-person gameplay is being added to Infinite, which is quite surprising, especially since many thought substantial updates were mostly behind us at this point.

Nevertheless, the team shared a work-in-progress clip of the new mode in action, which you can check out below.

Based on the nature of the clip and 343’s history of focusing on multiplayer updates for Halo Infinite, it’s likely this feature will be limited to multiplayer and won’t extend to the campaign.

This makes sense considering the immersive, first-person perspective is core to stepping into the shoes of Master Chief in the story mode.

Regardless, it’s an exciting addition to the multiplayer experience that no one saw coming!

Back in July, the team released the ‘Operation Fleetcom’ update, continuing to deliver new content for Halo Infinite even though the game no longer follows the traditional seasonal update model.

Third-person mode is set to arrive in November 2024, bringing a fresh new way to experience Halo’s multiplayer.

Just last month, a study revealed that ChatGPT, unsurprisingly, is the most popular AI tool, at least when it comes to app downloads.

What was surprising, however, was the absence of some big names in AI, such as Google’s Gemini, from that list.

Now, a new study from the creative subscription service Superside has also examined this area but with a different focus.

Instead of app downloads, this study looked at the number of searches people make for specific AI tools.

This method provides insight into the AIs that people are interested in, even if they aren’t necessarily using them.

Interestingly, despite using different metrics, OpenAI’s ChatGPT still dominates the AI space, receiving nearly 25 million searches from U.S. citizens every month.

In second place is Google’s Gemini, which racks up 1.5 million searches per month. That creates a massive gap of 23.5 million searches between ChatGPT and Gemini.

However, the substantial number of searches for Gemini could signal a growing interest, despite its earlier setbacks this year.

Notably, its image generator was shut down less than a month after its launch due to issues related to how the model rendered people’s race and failed basic coding tasks.

One possible explanation for this rising interest in Gemini could be its inclusion in Google’s highly anticipated, AI-focused Pixel 9 phone lineup.

However, the data in this study is current as of August 8, roughly a month before the Pixel 9 phones were officially launched.

The growing interest in Gemini also occurred before it was made available to all Android devices.

Had the study been conducted later, it’s likely that Gemini would have shown an even higher search volume.

While people are becoming more comfortable with AI tools and integrating them into their daily lives, the research indicates that users have clear preferences when it comes to specific models.

Familiar names in the AI space, such as Character.ai, Claude, and Suno, didn’t even make the top 15 most-searched-for AIs.

The total number of searches dropped significantly after the top two, with Microsoft’s Copilot coming in third place, seeing 368,000 searches per month.

Perplexity and Brave Search rounded out the top five. The remaining names in the top 10 were Phind, Algolia, You, YouChat, and KOMO.