Apple has released iOS 18.2, urging iPhone users to update due to 21 critical security fixes, including vulnerabilities in the iPhone Kernel and WebKit. The update also addresses a significant flaw in the Passwords app, which previously used unencrypted HTTP. iOS 18.2 introduces new Apple Intelligence features, including ChatGPT integration with Siri. Users with compatible devices are advised to update immediately, as Apple has stopped allowing users to remain on iOS 17 securely.
Apple's iOS 18.2, touted as one of the biggest updates in the company's history, is set for release in the coming days. The update introduces Apple Intelligence to users in countries like South Africa, Australia, and the UK, and includes features like Visual Intelligence, Image Playground, and Genmoji. Enhancements to writing tools and new features for AirPods Pro 2, Mail, and Voice Memos are also part of the update. The release is expected around December 10 or 11.
Microsoft has issued a warning to 400 million Windows 10 users with incompatible hardware about upgrading to Windows 11. Users who proceed with the upgrade risk losing support and updates, as Windows 10 support ends in October 2025. Microsoft offers a $30 one-year support extension for Windows 10, but users may need to upgrade their hardware to continue receiving updates. The transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 has been slow, with many users hesitant to upgrade due to compatibility issues.
iPhone users are expressing dissatisfaction with the latest iOS 18.1.1 update, describing it as one of the worst updates due to significant changes in the Photos app and other features. Despite Apple's claim that the update includes important security fixes, users have criticized the new photo and video editing formats, the removal of 'favorites', and the overall navigation, urging others to research before updating. The update follows previous versions 18.1 and 18.01, which also faced criticism.
Apple has released iOS 18.2 public beta 3, which includes minor updates like a video scrubber in the Photos app showing milliseconds, centralized Camera Control settings, and the ability to set a default Contactless App. The focus is on performance improvements and bug fixes as the release candidate is expected soon. iOS 18.2 is anticipated for its new Apple Intelligence features, including Genmoji, ChatGPT integration in Siri, and Image Playground, alongside other enhancements like a redesigned Mail app and new Find My features.
Google has announced that the latest update for the Pixel Watch series, including models 1, 2, and 3, will be the last until March 2025. The November update resumes the Wear OS 5 rollout for earlier models and provides a security patch for the Pixel Watch 3. Google has not disclosed the reason for the delay in updates, leading to speculation about potential issues with Wear OS 5 or alignment with the Android 16 schedule. Users are advised to enjoy the current update as no further updates will be available for the next few months.
Google has resumed the rollout of the Wear OS 5 update for the Pixel Watch series, including the Pixel Watch 1, 2, and 3, after pausing due to issues that caused devices to brick or display blank screens. The November update, confirmed by Google and scheduled by Verizon, includes security patches and fixes for various bugs, such as watch face loading issues and Bluetooth connection problems. The update is identified by build number AW2A.241105.012.
Apple is set to release the iOS 18.2 update, featuring ChatGPT integration for Siri, on December 2nd. Currently available only to developers, this update will bring significant enhancements to Apple's AI capabilities, particularly for iPhone 15 Pro and newer models. The rollout is part of Apple's broader strategy to gradually introduce new features under its Apple Intelligence platform.
Microsoft has updated its Notepad app for Windows 11 with a new generative AI feature called Rewrite, which allows users to adjust the length, tone, and phrasing of text. This update, currently in preview for Windows Insiders, uses cloud processing and requires a Microsoft account. Additionally, the update promises significant improvements in app launch times, with some users experiencing over a 35% increase in speed.
Valve has released Steam's Game Recording feature to all users on Mac, PC, and Steam Deck, offering a native tool for recording gaming sessions with basic editing capabilities. The feature, which minimizes resource usage by leveraging NVIDIA and AMD GPUs, eliminates the need for third-party recording apps. It includes options for background recording, manual control, and replay with markers. Supported games like Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2 can utilize Timeline features, and third-party developers can integrate these via Valve's SDK. The feature is available on Windows 10/11 and MacOS 10.13 or 10.14.
Apple's iOS 18 will introduce new text effects in the Messages app, allowing users to animate individual words within a message, enhancing the current bubble and screen effects. This feature is expected to add a fun, rich text-like experience to iMessage.
Microsoft has announced that WordPad, the long-standing text editor introduced in Windows 95, will no longer be auto-installed on Windows 11 and will be removed in a future update. The company recommends Microsoft Word for rich text documents and Notepad for plain text, suggesting WordPad's redundancy. The decision may be influenced by WordPad's lack of recent updates, such as a dark mode, unlike Notepad which continues to receive new features. While the removal of WordPad may evoke nostalgia, Microsoft is directing users towards its other text editing applications.
Tesla is recalling over 1.6 million vehicles in China due to issues with Autopilot features and door locks, which can be fixed with a free over-the-air software update. The recall affects Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y vehicles and follows a similar recall in the U.S. where around 2 million cars were recalled for potentially confusing Autopilot features. Despite disagreeing with the findings, Tesla has agreed to resolve the issue through a software update.
Samsung's Galaxy A33 smartphone is now receiving the Android 14 update in additional countries across Asia and Europe, with firmware version A336BXXU7DWL1. The update includes new features such as a redesigned Quick Panel, new widgets, and a revamped Camera app, but still carries the November 2023 security patch. Users can update their devices through the Settings app or manually download and flash the firmware using a Windows computer and the Odin tool. The Galaxy A33, launched with Android 12, is expected to receive up to Android 16 as per Samsung's update policy.
