This $160 cellular smartwatch with a camera aims to be an Apple Watch for kids
While some parents treat their kids to an Apple Watch, the Pinwheel Watch aims to offer an interesting alternative. The $160 cellular smartwatch combines strong parental controls with a kid-friendly AI chatbot. Unlike the real thing, the Pinwheel includes a camera, with the company promising that video calling will be coming later this year … more…

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Apple vows to ‘clarify’ AI summaries after spate of fake news alerts
Macworld Following a litany of serious errors and numerous complaints, Apple has announced that it will make changes to the way its AI news summaries are presented to users. In December, the BBC complained when Apple Intelligence auto-summarized one of its articles as part of a notification and completely altered its meaning, falsely informing readers that the alleged killer Luigi Mangione had shot himself. The rest of the summary is accurate, but the first clause is wholly false.BBC “BBC News is the most trusted news media in the world,” a BBC spokesperson said at the time. “It is essential to us that our audiences can trust any information or journalism published in our name and that includes notifications.” But Apple seemingly did not respond to the complaint and more errors followed. In January the company’s AI summarized a BBC article about the World Darts Championship to say that Luke Littler had won the competition, when it hadn’t even started. (Funnily enough Littler did go on to become the youngest ever winner, but not until later.) It also incorrectly claimed Rafael Nadal had come out as gay when he had not, again presenting this information as if it came from the BBC. While the BBC appears to be the main sufferer of Apple Intelligence’s inaccuracies, a New York Times alert was reportedly twisted to suggest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been arrested; he had not. Apple AI notification summaries continue to be so so so bad— Ken Schwencke (@schwanksta.com) 2024-11-21T19:22:27.650Z Apple has not apologised for the errors, nor has it even explicitly admitted that the AI got these things wrong. But the company has this week acknowledged that Apple Intelligence’s summaries can be improved, and promised that an imminent software update will do so. “Apple Intelligence features are in beta and we are continuously making improvements with the help of user feedback,” the company said. “A software update in the coming weeks will further clarify when the text being displayed is summarization provided by Apple Intelligence. We encourage users to report a concern if they view an unexpected notification summary.” At the moment, the notifications are presented as if they come directly from the news source. At the top they say BBC News (or NYTimes, or whatever), with the official app logo on the left; nowhere does it say that the text has been autogenerated by Apple Intelligence rather than being provided by the app. It would appear that Apple is promising only to label the text more informatively, rather than to make it more accurate… although one would hope that work on the latter aspect is ongoing as a matter of routine. For more on this story, and the limitations of AI more generally, read the Macalope’s latest column, Apple Intelligence didn’t write this headline.

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AI Dominates 2025 Cybersecurity Predictions
Experts predict new threats, expanded attack surfaces, and the critical need for secure and responsible AI adoption as it reshapes cybersecurity strategies in 2025. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.

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Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 projector review: Beautiful hardware, amazing image quality
The Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 offers cinematic-level picture quality in a consumer-friendly and incredibly well-engineered package.Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2Anyone wanting to put together a home cinema has to consider whether they want a projector or a large television. Most go for the latter, since a projector has inherent issues associated with home use.For a start, you're not going to necessarily get the same level of picture quality that you get at a movie theater with a home projector. Part of it is light management in the environment, but nearly all of it is shelling out for a good-enough projector in the first place. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iPhone 16 launch quarter saw record shipments and ASP, says Counterpoint
We already knew that Apple’s fiscal Q4 (calendar Q3) quarter set a new revenue record, but were lacking some details. A new report says that the income reflected record iPhone shipments, and the highest ever average selling price (ASP) achieved for the iPhone line-up. Counterpoint Research shared the data from its latest Market Monitor report … more…

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Dell mocked at its own press launch for copying Apple’s naming convention
Dell was mocked at its own press launch for copying Apple’s iPhone naming convention for its PCs. Both laptop and desktop PCs are now divided into three tiers, whose names are taken straight from the iPhone line-up: Dell, Dell Pro, and Dell Pro Max. Despite claiming it did this purely for simplicity, and not to copy Apple, Dell actually managed to make its PC line-up even less comprehensible than before … more…

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Indonesia wants more than $1 billion from Apple to lift iPhone ban, welcomes Huawei with open arms
Apple is in negotiations with an increasingly demanding Indonesia to get its iPhone 16 ban lifted, while Huawei plans to shortly launch its smartphone in the country.Tim Cook (right) with photographer Sofyan Pratama in Indonesia in April 2024 — image credit: AppleThe ban on sales of the iPhone 16 in Indonesia originally followed Apple's failure to meet its commitments to the country. Firms have to either source an unfeasibly large 40% of components from the country, or invest in development within the region, which is what Apple had committed to do.Based on previous reports, it appears that Apple's shortfall was around $10 million, and the company did then offer Indonesia that amount to basically make good. It was a token and the Indonesian government rejected it, making Apple up its offer to $100 million worth of investment. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Report: Apple News app may finally expand to more countries
The News app may finally be expanding its international reach. Since 2019, the app has been exclusively available in the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia. More than five years on, according to the Financial Times, Apple is finally looking to add new supported countries. Apple monetizes News app through a combination of display advertising and the News+ premium subscription. more…

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Dude, you’re getting an iPhone… um MacBook… er Dell Pro Max!
Macworld At the Consumer Electronics Show that’s currently going on in Las Vegas, Dell made a major announcement about its laptops. [I know what you’re thinking: Whoa whoa whoa, WTF? This is Macworld! Why is this Loyola guy writing about Dell? Where’s his latest screed about how the Mac rulez? Stick with me for a minute. Please.] Dell is undergoing a major rebranding effort, dropping the XPS, Inspiron, and Latitude brands that customers have come to love. (Okay, maybe not love, more like recognize.) The new names for its laptops? Hold on to your hats. They are (drumroll, please): Dell. Dell Pro. Dell Pro Max. [Hold on–did you catch that last one, Dell Pro Max? I want to make sure, because if you’re like me and hate Macworld’s page design, then you know that we place an ad insert after the fourth paragraph in each and every news article, much to the editors’ chagrin. So single-word paragraphs like “Dell Pro Max” can get lost in our layout.] Now, those names–especially the Dell Pro and Dell Pro Max–sound familiar, don’t they? If only social media (and by “social media,” I mean BlueSky) can clue me in… 11/10 headline. no notes.*DELL UNVEILS NEW APPLE-LIKE NAMES FOR ITS PERSONAL COMPUTERS— George Pearkes (@peark.es) 2025-01-06T19:57:10.896Z Can't believe Dell is killing off the XPS brand… and replacing it with Apple's silly words instead! https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/6/24325799/dell-pro-max-premium-plus-ces-laptop-pc-rebrand-announcement— Sean Hollister (@seanhollister.bsky.social) 2025-01-06T20:48:40.787029Z This is the dumbest naming strategy I’ve ever seen in my life. Way to take the worst things from Apple and somehow make them even more confusing. This is not an improvement, Dell! via https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/6/24325799/dell-pro-max-premium-plus-ces-laptop-pc-rebrand-announcement— Christina Warren (@filmgirl.bsky.social) 2025-01-06T20:51:24.548939Z Hey now, hold on George, Sean, and Christina! According to PCWorld, Dell’s new names have nothing to do with Apple. When asked about copying Apple’s names, “Dell executives dismissed the concern, indicating that these are universal terms that consumers are already familiar with.” Umm, why are they familiar terms? Maybe because Apple uses them? Perhaps? But wait! The Dell naming goes one step further, providing that Dell isn’t copying Apple! Says PCWorld: Under each tier, computers will also be split up into three more sub-categories. Base is, well, the base model…Plus is a step above that… Premium is the top-end model in each tier… So that means Dell’s top-of-the-line laptop will be referred to as the Dell Pro Max (Premium), which is a step above the Dell Pro Max (Plus), which is a step above the Dell Pro Max (Base), which is a step above the Dell Pro (Premium), which is…better than XPS, Inspiron, and Latitude? Anyway, for as long as I’ve been covering Apple and tech in general, there are many things you can count on, and one of those things is that companies copy each other and deny that they are doing so. And another thing you can count on is that PC fanboys will deny that Dell is copying Apple even though it clearly is. Those are sure bets and if I could put money on them, I would.

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Apple @ Work Podcast: AI and education
Apple @ Work is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the only solution that integrates in a single professional-grade platform all the solutions necessary to seamlessly and automatically deploy, manage & protect Apple devices at work. Over 45,000 organizations trust Mosyle to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. In this episode of Apple @ Work, I talk with Jose Moreno from Neulight about using AI tools in K-12 education. more…

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Apple Intelligence didn’t write this headline
Macworld Today the Macalope comes not to bury AI but to praise it. Okay, just a little, but still. Faithful readers of the horny one’s ribald rants might get the sense from them that the Macalope thinks AI should be hurled into the dustbin of history and taken to the garbage dump of the ages to later be burned in the incinerator of perdition. He is here to assure you that his view on AI is far more nuanced than that. Well, more nuanced. Somewhat. A little more nuanced. There’s definitely a measurable quantity of nuance to be found. Depending on the precision of the instruments used to do the measuring. The Macalope has not read the standards memos published by the National Board of Nuance and he’s currently unfamiliar with the tools being used in the nuance measuring industry. They probably have AI in them. Let’s describe the Macalope’s philosophy on AI as something that works great in certain instances and has great potential that’s being aggressively misused and over-applied. Despite the potential, there continue to be problems. Like when Apple Intelligence is making up headlines of fake news and passing them around as real notifications. Look, it’s no big deal, all it did was say that a boxer that lost a bout won and that a former professional tennis player came out as gay when… uh, they had not at all come out as gay in any way. As if the disinformation age could get any worse, we now have machines churning out random, entirely wrong information on events that it had a 50/50 chance of getting right. The boxing one. The sexuality one, that’s complicated. Well, maybe there are draws in boxing. There definitely are in sexuality. [wink] IDG (The Macalope doesn’t know what that means, either.) Whatever the case, we don’t need to worry. Apple is on it! According to the BBC, Apple is “working on a software change to ‘further clarify’ when the notifications are summaries that have been generated by the Apple Intelligence system.” “This person won a boxing match. (Disclaimer: Apple Intelligence has no idea who won this match, honestly. It’s so tired.)” Fantastic. Problem solved. Tim Cook loves summaries, by the way. Or so he keeps saying. Not sure which ones he’s reading. Probably not these. The thing is, while AI does not seem good at these tasks, there are still things it really is good at. They just happen to be defined tasks performed on defined data sets. And how’s someone supposed to get rich off of that? AI is quite good at providing suggested solutions for technical problems. Ask it for code snippets or how to fix computer problems and it will usually come back with something helpful. Probably still best not to just cut and paste if you’re working on nuclear reactor software, but it’s definitely good enough for web work. Heck, AI has already helped at least one member of the Macalope’s family fix a computer problem without his intervention. If he can get out of the “business” of being free technical support for certain family member, so much the better. So, is AI without merit? Quite the contrary. It’s incredibly useful… in certain, defined instances. But it should be being implemented more judiciously and not being summarily shoved into everything. Your faucet, for example, does not need AI. To let you know how crazy that is, the Macalope just typed “ai faucet” into DuckDuckGo and was 100 percent sure he’d get a hit without having looked previously. Also, just gonna throw it out there based on the second search he did: can someone hack these AI-powered caddies sometime soon? The Macalope really needs to see the video of golfers being chased across the fairway by them. Preferably set to “Yakety Sax”. TIA. To highlight one of the problems with AI, these are billed as AI-powered “golf carts”, but that’s not what they are. You ride in golf carts. Because these just carry your clubs, they’re replacements for caddies, not carts. If caddies were unionized, “AI-powered scabs” would be more correct than “AI-powered golf carts”. So much of AI revolves around how to put someone out of a job. It’s also just easy to make fun of AI. When the fruit is so low and so wonderfully ripe, what’s a mythical beast to do? Okay, okay. The Macalope was going to say nice things about AI today. He does see great potential in AI long-term. The problem is less AI than it is the people trying to ram it into everything to make a buck. When it becomes clear what is going to work and what isn’t–basically when the technology becomes as boring as touch screens and tapping to pay for something–maybe we can enjoy it more.

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Apple releases iOS 18.2.1, iPadOS 18.2.1 updates, focuses on bug fixes
Sometimes it’s best to wait for the bug fix release after a major software update. Apple on Monday released its iOS 18.2.1 and iPadOS 18.2.1 software updates for its mobile platforms. The updates offer non-specific bug fixes and don’t seem to focus on specific security fixes for the time being. As always, the updates can […] Source

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PreEvent introduces Isaac, looks to offer non-invasive blood glucose monitoring via breath analysis
This could definitely come in handy. Over at CES, PreEvent introduced Isaac, a non-invasive blood glucose monitoring device that offers diabetes management with real-time alerts via breath analysis. At CES 2025, PreEvnt, a subsidiary of Scosche Industries, unveiled Isaac, an innovative device designed to monitor blood glucose levels without finger pricks. The small device, clip-on […] Source

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Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for less than pizza night
Macworld Okay, Mac users, we can admit there are some advantages to having a PC, right? Like those Windows-only apps and games. Instead of being eternally jealous, we’re getting Windows 11 Pro at one of its lowest prices ever: $20 (reg. $199)—this week only. It’s the perfect time to dip our toes into the world of PC gaming or try out other Windows-exclusive software. How does it all work? With a little help from Boot Camp (if you have an Intel-based Mac) or a virtual machine like Parallels Desktop, you can run Windows alongside macOS. Then, you can finally download Red Dead Redemption 2 and other games. Windows 11 Pro’s DirectX 12 Ultimate gaming graphics pick up any slack your Mac might have. This is also your chance to try Windows OS without buying a PC. You might be pleasantly surprised by the sleek interface, multitasking features, and the AI assistant, Windows Copilot. You only have a limited time to download Windows 11 Pro to your Mac for $20 (reg. $199). No coupon is needed to get this price.   Microsoft Windows 11 Pro – $19.97 Get It Here StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Own Microsoft Office forever — no strings, no fees, no fuss
Macworld Tired of software subscriptions slowly draining your wallet every month? Let’s cut the recurring payments and bring back some simplicity. Whether you’re a small business owner crunching numbers or a student racing through a term paper, there’s one tool that’s likely on your “must-have” list: Microsoft Office. This deal on a Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business lifetime license is on sale for $159.97 (reg. $249), meaning you pay once and own it forever — no fine print, no hidden fees. This edition is compatible with both Mac and PC, making it perfect for households or offices with mixed devices. Designed with performance and usability in mind, Office 2024 offers a sleek, modern interface and improved features across the board. You’ll get the classic suite of apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote to handle everything from detailed spreadsheets to polished presentations. Unlike subscription-based models, this package gives you peace of mind knowing your productivity tools are ready whenever you are, even offline. Whether you’re creating a sleek resume or managing email overload, these trusted apps are built to get the job done efficiently. Ditch the subscription cycle and invest in tools that work as hard as you do — no strings attached. Regularly $249, get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 for Mac and PC for $159.97 for a limited time.   Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC Lifetime License – $159.97 See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Apple will update notification summaries to clearly indicate AI use
Apple will improve notification summaries with a software update to "further clarify" when Apple Intelligence is used to generate headlines. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Plugable debuts 5 Display Dock, 10-port USB-C Charger, and DisplayLink Pro Quad Display Adapter at CES 2025
There are three new cutting-edge docking stations from Plugable, adding more displays and ports to your desk than ever before.Plugable unveils new docks at CES. Image source: PlugableEven as Apple adds more ports to its laptops and desktops, it is never quite enough. Thankfully, companies like Plugable offer ways to push past external display limits or pack way more charging ports into a tiny space.Plugable revealed three new products during CES 2025 — the 5 Display Dock, 10-port USB-C Charger, and DisplayLink Pro Quad Display Adapter. Each of these products will help users cut cable clutter and improve their workspace. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Eureka J15 Max Ultra robot cleaner can now see water on wet floors
The Eureka J15 Max Ultra is a robot vacuum cleaner that is capable of detecting transparent wet messes on floors, and then adapting to it.Eureka J15 Max Ultra - Image credit: EurekaLaunched at CES, the Eureka J15 Max Ultra is an advanced robot vacuum cleaner that offers many features to please homeowners. The feature we're most interested in helps combat wet messes.The onboard IntelliView AI 2.0 system uses infrared cameras and an FHD vision sensor in tandem to see two different views of the floor. Using algorithms trained to identify differences in surface reflections and texture, it is capable of detecting liquids, including transparent droplets on a floor. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Anker announces impressive charging tech at CES 2025 including solar umbrella
Anker comes prepared for CES 2025 with lots of new accessories, from powerful chargers to speakers to solar beach umbrellas.Anker had multiple CES announcements from many of its sub-brandsThe Consumer Electronics Show is underway yet again for 2025 and all the big tech accessory makers are present as always. Anker is known for its charging and power solutions, and it has packed its booth with new products.Starting out in the world of chargers, the Anker Charger (140W) with display has an integrated collapsible plug that connects into the wall. An outward-facing display gives real-time charging information. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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First-ever detachable 3-in-1 robot vacuum rules over your mess
Eufy says its award-winning new Robot Vacuum 3-in-1 E20 is the first to successfully integrate robot vacuum, stick vacuum and handheld vacuum. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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