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The main camera has 10 manually selectable aperture stops
Unlikely to be available in the US or UK
Huawei has revealed the Mate X6, the latest addition to its Mate X line of booklet-style foldables, with a major focus on photography.
The phone comes equipped with a 50MP main camera with an impressive 10 physical aperture stops, allowing users to determine the depth of field and light intake of the camera manually. That’s a step up from even thebest camera phones– thinkSamsung Galaxy S24 UltraandiPhone 16 Pro– which almost always have a fixed aperture.
The camera system also features a 40MP ultra-wide camera and a 48MP telephoto camera with 4x optical zoom and a 5cm super macro mode.
As a folding phone, the Mate X6 boasts a 6.45-inch 1080 x 2440 external screen and a 7.93-inch 2240 x 2440 internal screen, both of which are OLED panels. A new multitasking feature allows users to run three apps simultaneously.
Huawei Mate X6 in Nebula Gray(Image credit: Huawei)
We’re still waiting for details on the internals of the new device, but we do know that the phone’s heat dissipation area has increased by 30% thanks to the use of new, cooler materials such as graphene.
However, even if we did have the internal specs of the Mate X6, it’s unlikely they’d be of much use – Huawei hasn’t sold phones in the US for yearsdue to a legislative ban, and the company is currently absent from the UK market.
This would make the Mate X6 the second especially innovative foldable released by Huawei in recent memory. TheMate XTtri-fold device, for instance, arrived in September 2024 and made huge waves with audiences and commentators despite only being available in China (that said, we’ll be publishing our own hands-on review of the device very soon).
The Huawei Mate X6 is available in three colors: Nebula Gray, Nebula Red, and Black, with the Nebula colors featuring a textured exterior. Regional availability beyond Europe – where the phone will begin shipping for €1,999 on January 6 – has yet to be confirmed.
For the latest official updates as we hear them, be sure to keep up with our dedicatedHuawei phonescoverage, as well as our more generalphonescoverage.
The Pixel 9 will be one of the first phones in line for the new feature
Android phones are getting a new Motion Cues feature
The feature should help combat motion sickness when reading in cars
iPhones recently got a similar feature in iOS 18
If you were paying attention to theiOS 18launch, you may have noticed a new Vehicle Motion Cues feature that promises to help to combat car sickness. There’s now an Android equivalent on the way – and we just got a better idea of how it’s going to work.
The folks over atAndroid Policedid some digging into theGoogle PlayServices code on Android, discovering that the featureGoogleis planning – called, apparently, Motion Cues – is almost ready to be rolled out.
With a few tweaks, the Android Police team was able to get the feature working: You get a simpleMotion Cuestoggle switch, plus anAuto-enable when Drivingoption that has the feature kick in whenever your phone thinks you’re in a car.
As on iOS, the feature puts small black dots at the edge of the screen, which then move to match the motion of the vehicle you’re in. The idea is to remove the disconnect between your body feeling movement and your eyes seeing something fixed and stationary.
The hidden screens enabled by Android Police(Image credit: Android Police)
Google hasn’t said anything officially yet, so we don’t know when this feature is going to be pushed out – we might not see it untilAndroid 16arrives around mid-2025, though it could also be part of an Android 15 update. The feature wasfirst spotted last month.
When it does turn up, you’ll be able to activate it through the Quick Settings panel, Android Police reports – so with a quick one-finger or two-finger swipe down from the top of the screen you can turn it on and try and ward off any nausea.
Here’s howApple describesits own feature: “With Vehicle Motion Cues, animated dots on the edges of the screen represent changes in vehicle motion to help reduce sensory conflict without interfering with the main content.”
That “sensory conflict” happens when there’s a disconnect between what you see and what you feel, and Motion Cues should help – not just in cars, but in other places where you might get motion sickness (on a boat, for example).
Another Samsung Galaxy Watch is getting the Wear OS 5 treatment
One UI 6 Watch is rolling out to the Galaxy Watch 4 range
It comes with new AI fitness features, watch faces, and more
After a slow, gradual rollout of Wear OS 5 to its Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 5 models,Samsunghas confirmed that the Galaxy Watch 4 is now also receiving the free upgrade, as One UI 6 Watch rolls out to users.
It’s a major milestone for Samsung, as its entire Wear OS smartwatch range now supports the latest software, despite a fairly clunky and disjointed rollout.
Samsung has confirmedthat it’s now rolling out the One UI 6 Watch (Samsung’s skin for Wear OS 5) upgrade for its Galaxy Watch 4 range. So what’s new in the One UI 6 upgrade for 2024?
As with the Wear OS 5 updates for the Galaxy Watch 5 and 6, the new software brings a host of upgrades, tweaks, and improvements.
Galaxy Watch 4 owners will get new watch faces and visual improvements to the interface, with a new default font, buttons, and toggles. Tile graphics have also been upgraded to make things look better.
Under the hood, new health metrics and improvements bring Samsung’s AI-powered energy score, showing you your physical and mental condition based on your sleep and exercise, with advice to help you stay on top of your wellbeing.
There are also more detailed sleep insights, custom workout routines, and the new double-pinch gesture to make navigation easier.
There’s also a new power-saving mode that limits some health features and extends battery life.
First released in August 2021, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 marked the return of Wear OS to the Galaxy Watch lineup, but it’s possible that this year will be the last major software update the aging model gets.
Apple Intelligence has released the most exciting update yet, iOS 18.2 will appear on the best iphones.
The new update brings a whole host of Apple Intelligence features, including toChatGPTintegration with Siri, Genmoji, Image Playground, and Visual Intelligence to the iPhone. It also adds language support for other regions such as the UK and Australia, officially launching Apple’s AI in those countries.
We’ve got a lot to talk about and a lot to think about as we take you through the biggest iOS launch of the year, where Apple Intelligence is taking a big step toward becoming the most important part of the iPhone user experience.
iOS 18.2: Everything you need to know at a glance
iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 arrive on eligible devices today: The next major Apple Intelligence update is here, bringing some of the most-anticipated Apple AI features to devices.
Genmoji: Apple’s AI-generated emojis are set to be one of the most popular new additions to the iPhone, allowing you to send any emoji you can think of to friends and family, at the tap of a button.
Image Playground: Apple’s AI image generator lets you create images in multiple styles simply from a text input. There is a new standalone app, as well as ways to access from within apps like Notes and Messages.
ChatGPT: You can now use ChatGPT directly from within Siri, allowing you to ask OpenAI’s chatbot difficult prompts that Apple’s voice assistant might not have the answer to.
Visual Intelligence: An iPhone 16-exclusive Apple Intelligence feature that lets you snap a photo of anything and searching for more information via Google or ChatGPT. This feature is tied to Camera Control.
Mail overhaul: The Mail app now has categories and uses Apple Intelligence to determine if an email is important enough to prioritize.
Apple Intelligence now in the UK: iOS 18.2 adds localized English support for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK, giving even more users around the world powerful new ways to use their iPhone, iPad, and Mac
If you’ve updated and are wondering where you find the ChatGPT integration for Siri, you’ve come to the right place. After updating to iOS 18.2 on an iPhone, you’ll want to head over to Settings and then select “Apple Intelligence & Siri” if you’re using United States English on the device.
Apple packs a lot into this menu, but you’ll scroll down to Extensions and then select “ChatGPT” – it should be the only option. Within there, right at the top, you turn on “Use ChatGPT,” and further down, you will have the option to sign into your ChatGPT account if you have one, but this isn’t required.
You’ll find that when you ask Siri for something that the personal assistant deems best answered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, it will ask if you want to use ChatGPT. This is deafult and pretty transparent, it’s also a neat way to see what Siri’s new powers are. If you prefer not to confirm that each time, you can deselect the “Confirm ChatGPT Requests” option here, but know it’s on by default.
(Image credit: Apple)
2.12 December 2024 at 4:09 am
Greg Joswiak, Apple’s SVP of Marketing, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share one of his Image Playground creations. “The Joswiak pups look good all drawn up by Image Playground, don’t you think?” the post reads, and we’d concur that they look pretty darn cute.
If you’re curious where to find Image Playground, it’ll appear as a new app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac after you install iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia. It’s a unique icon, basically a furry white cat with a holographic purple hue for an icon. But much like other text-to-image generators, your ask is Image Playground’s command, and there are even some preset options.
Genmoji, more Writing Tools, Image Playground, ChatGPT integration, and Visual Intelligence for iPhone 16! New Apple Intelligence features are here! The Joswiak pups look good all drawn up by Image Playground, don’t you think? pic.twitter.com/obbX6QknizDecember 11, 2024
Apple’s CEO Tim Cook also celebrated the launch of Apple Intelligence’s next set of features on X, but didn’t share an Image Playground.
New Apple Intelligence features for iPhone, iPad, and Mac are here: Image Playground and Genmoji, more dynamic Writing Tools, integration to ChatGPT, and Visual Intelligence for iPhone 16! It’s personal, integrated, and built to protect user privacy at every step.December 11, 2024
3.12 December 2024 at 2:35 am
iOS 18.2 rollout is starting
(Image credit: Apple)
If you’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of iOS 18.2 – maybe to create custom emojis with Genmoji or to get a supercharged answer from Siri courtesy of ChatGPT – it’s beginning to hit eligible devices, at least on the East Coast of the United States here in New Jersey.
On an iPhone 16, the update comes in at 7.83 GB, which is pretty sizeable, especially for a dot software upgrade. As we’ve listed below, iOS 18.2 ushers in the next set of Apple Intelligence features, including Genmoji, Image Playground, ChatGPT integration, and enhanced writing tools.
Of course, the first step to getting any of these new features is to download and install the latest version, then opt in to Apple Intelligence. While there is no waitlist for these image generation tools, your Apple device will need to download the specific models for Genmoji and Image Playground. It’s best to be on Wi-Fi for that to be quicker, but once set, you can get to generating.
4.12 December 2024 at 12:38 am
(Image credit: Apple)
If you need a reminder on what devices are compatible with Apple Intelligence, here’s what you need to own:
I thought iOS 18.2 was supposed to be released already today 😕 pic.twitter.com/BpnYLAzPxvDecember 11, 2024
Still no sign of the iOS 18.2 update, and some users on X are getting frustrated. I expect the new operating systems to arrive in the next few hours, so just remain patient as it’s definitely going to launch today.
I can’t wait to see what everyone thinks of iOS 18.2, as I was incredibly impressed with just how feature-rich it was when I installed the developer beta last month. iOS 18.2 is what iOS 18 should’ve been, but we’ve just had to wait a few months to get it.
6.12 December 2024 at 12:19 am
(Image credit: Apple)
So… These are some Genmojis of me with my Frenchie, Kermit. As a huge fan of the Muppets and frogs, I also decided to make one of a French bulldog next to a frog. I’ve been using the Genmojis of me with my dog since I first created them about a month ago, who doesn’t want a custom emoji with their pet?
I’m surprised at how good a job Apple Intelligence did with these, I’m a bald man with a beard so it’s easy to recreate my likeness in emoji form, but even then it still manages to look like me. Good job Apple.
7.11 December 2024 at 11:58 pm
(Image credit: Apple)
I noticed a weird issue with the ChatGPT extension that might impact some of you installing iOS 18.2 today.
If you used our workaround to access Apple Intelligence early in the UK, when you decide to change your language back from US English to UK English,you might notice ChatGPT disappear.
If this happens all you need to do is change the region of your iPhone too and ChatGPT should reappear. This issue left me scratching my head for weeks, so I’m glad I managed to find the reason why and share it with you all.
8.11 December 2024 at 11:53 pm
(Image credit: Apple)
Are you keeping up? My hands are trying to.
If you’re in the UK, Australia, or one of the other countries I mentioned below, today is the first day you can use Apple Intelligence without needing a workaround.
So not only are you getting access to everything I listed below as part of iOS 18.2 but you’re also getting Writing Tools, Clean Up, a Siri redesign, Notification summaries, and other Apple Intelligence benefits sprinkled throughout your iPhone’s operating system.
It might seem like there’s too much getting added all at once, but don’t worry Apple wants you to use Apple Intelligence when you need it, so expect to see the features pop up naturally throughout iOS rather than you having to look for them.
That has to be everything right? Nope, iOS 18.2 brings a massive overhaul to the Mail app using Apple Intelligence to create Categories that help you determine just how important an email actually is.
I’ve found this update to Mail genuinely useful and have actually reverted back to using Mail over the Gmail app for the first time in ages. Not only do you get Apple Intelligence summaries built-in, but AI will also decide if an email is important and prioritize it over everything else in your inbox.
If you don’t like the way it works, you can always revert back to a more traditional Mail layout.
10.11 December 2024 at 11:43 pm
(Image credit: Apple)
There’s also Image Wand, which allows you to circle anything you’ve drawn in the Notes app and use Apple Intelligence to turn it into an AI generated image.
I could see Image Wand being incredibly useful for students, who want to bring their drawings to live alongside lecture notes or other study info.
It’s also a great tool to show to kids, allowing them to see magic as basic drawings become full images right in front of their very own eyes.
Image Wand is very cool, and I actually think it might end up being more useful than Image Playground, just because of how you access it.
11.11 December 2024 at 11:38 pm
And another one…
(Image credit: Apple)
Yep that’s right there’s even more new Apple Intelligence additions as part of iOS 18.2. Genmoji isn’t the only image generator built into iOS now, Apple also added a new app called Image Playground.
Image Playground is Apple’s attempt at the best AI image generator, and it can be used throughout your iPhone’s operating system. Simply choose your prompt, choose your art style, and watch as Apple Intelligence creates some image magic.
If you don’t use AI image generators like MidJourney, I don’t expect you to get much use out of Image Playground. That said, it’s a nice to have and it’s very simple to use. Who says no to extra features, right?
12.11 December 2024 at 11:32 pm
(Image credit: Apple)
The features keep on coming. iOS 18.2 adds ChatGPT to Siri, allowing you to ask OpenAI’s chatbot anything you want, when Siri doesn’t quite cut it.
The ChatGPT extension can be accessed at any time through Siri by simply asking a question or using Type to Siri. If Siri can’t answer the specific prompt, it will give you the option to access ChatGPT.
There’s a couple of settings that allow you to bypass the request so you don’t need to approve access to ChatGPT every time you want to use it, but Apple has included an option that requires your approval every single time – just to be extra cautious.
ChatGPT as part of iOS is a massive update and one that I think many Apple users never really expected to see. It’s quite incredible to think that we now have access to one of the world’s best AI chatbots directly from Siri, and best of all, it works seamlessly.
13.11 December 2024 at 11:28 pm
(Image credit: Apple)
Next up, Visual Intelligence.
This new Apple Intelligence feature in iOS 18.2 is exclusive to thebest iPhones, specifically the iPhone 16 lineup. It’s similar to Google Lens, but built by Apple and directly tied into the new Camera Control on the latest iPhones.
Simply hold down on Camera Control, then take a photo of anything and either ask ChatGPT for more information or search for information with Google. I think the fact that you can launch Visual Intelligence whenever you want makes it a very compelling feature and one that many might fall in love with.
14.11 December 2024 at 11:23 pm
(Image credit: Future / Apple)
Let’s go through each of the big new Apple Intelligence features coming to iPhone with iOS 18.2, starting with my personal favorite, Genmoji.
I’ve been using Genmoji for a few weeks now and I think it’s the best Apple Intelligence feature to get started with, purely because it’s so much fun!
I’ve had a blast creating emojis of a frog on a skateboard, a frog driving a car, and even a frog playing the drums. My favorite way to use Genmoji, however, is by creating emojis based on my photos alongside my French Bulldog, Kermit.
Honestly, I think most of my friends are starting to block my number because Genmoji is becoming my sole means of communication. Maybe I should try and tone it down. But where’s the fun in that?
Genmoji is an absolute blast and I advise anyone installing iOS 18.2 to give it a try.
15.11 December 2024 at 11:18 pm
Apple Intelligence has arrived (in some countries)
Oh, and if you’re in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, or the UK, you can now access Apple Intelligence without any workarounds.
That’s right, Apple Intelligence is now officially out in more countries worldwide with support for localized languages. Apple says additional languages, including Chinese, English (India), English (Singapore), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese will be coming throughout the year, with an initial set arriving in a software update in April.
16.11 December 2024 at 11:13 pm
(Image credit: Apple)
Where shall we start?iOS 18.2 is rolling out today alongside iPadOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2. The new update brings Genmoji, Apple’s generative AI emojis, to iPhone and iPad (sorry Mac users you’ll need to wait a little longer), as well as major upgrades to Siri that allow you to ask ChatGPT directly from your favorite voice assistant.
If that wasn’t enough, there’s also an AI image generator called Image Playground, as well as Visual Intelligence, an exclusive iPhone 16 feature.
It can all get a bit overwhelming, considering just how much is launching as part of iOS 18.2, but fret not, I’ve been using Apple Intelligence for months and I’ve got you covered.
It might be hard to believe, but we’re just 14 days away from Christmas. The holiday season is here, and I’d bet you’re already spinning your favorite Christmas songs on your preferred music service, like Spotify orAppleMusic, but there is a change in the wind with how your next favorite holiday song might be recorded.
Alongsidereleasing iOS 18.2 for the iPhone, Apple is dropping a major update for Voice Memos, which Michael Bublé thinks is “going to change the way we make music, forever.” Voice Memos has long been used to record tracks, jam sessions, and even ideas for songs by artists, but now the app supports layered Voice Memos recording.
This allows you to layer a vocal recording on top of an existing instrument-based track, all with just your iPhone. However, you will need a new one, specifically aniPhone 16 ProoriPhone 16 Pro Maxwith an A18 Pro chip inside. With just that one device, you can play the existing instrumental backing track out of your iPhone’s speakers and use the onboard microphones to record your vocals in real time.
In fact, that’s how Michael Bublé, Carly Pearce, and producer Greg Wells recorded vocals for their new Christmas song,Maybe This Christmas, on an iPhone 16 Pro within Voice Memos. After recording, and during the process, the A18 Pro chip isolates just the vocals by using AI and ML models – likely similar to what Apple uses within Logic Pro for separating instruments, but the big difference is that this is for everyone, free on the top of the line iPhone.
Apple even released a bit of a behind-the-scenes story with Pearce, Wells, and Bublé alongside announcing that layered Voice Memos were rolling out. You can see a bit of the process, including the recording on the iPhone, but also thoughts on the broader impact. Bublé is bullish on it and says, “If an artist has a moment of inspiration, being unencumbered by the traditional studio experience becomes the advantage, not the limitation.”
After completing a layered recording within Voice Memos, the result is two tracks – one with vocals and one with instruments, that will sync across your Apple devices within the app or that can be exported to another tool like Logic Pro for additional mixing or recordings. And thanks to a fresh update for Apple’s pro-mixing tool for the Mac and iPad, you can also easily send that base instrumental layer to Voice Memos.
So, say inspiration strikes, and you write down lyrics in notes. Ask your band for the base track; they can record it in Logic and send it to you, and you can layer down sweet, soulful vocals on your iPhone. It’s pretty nuts.
Of course, if you’d rather listen to the new holiday song,“Maybe This Christmas” is streaming now on Apple Music, mixed with Spatial Audio. Assuming you’ve updated to iOS 18.2, you’ll see this new feature within Voice Memos alongside some major new Apple Intelligence features like Genmoji and Image Playground.
And as far as Christmas tracks, I’m still spinningBruce Springsteen’s ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’… who knows, maybe he and E Street will rerecord with Voice Memos and include the historic Clarence Clemons saxophone solo.
The long-rumored iPhone SE 4 could launch soon, according to new rumors
LG Innotek has reportedly began production of camera modules for the new phone, which normally occurs three months before launch
The new SE is also tipped to borrow the display from the iPhone 13
The long-rumorediPhone SE 4may be right around the corner and pack a previously unexpected camera upgrade, if a new crop of rumors are to be believed.
According to Korean news outletETNEWS(viaGoogleTranslate),LGInnotek will supply both the rear single-lens camera module and front-facing selfie camera for the upcoming phone, and make use of previously used components to keep costs down.
The new SE having just one rear camera would be nothing new, but the report also suggests that this rear snapper will be a 48MP lens, in line with the main camera on theiPhone 14 Promodels and the entireiPhone 15andiPhone 16lineups. Should the report prove correct about the use of previously used components, this would likely be the exact same camera as found on these earlier phones.
We had previously expected the rumored new iPhone SE to ship with a 12MP single-lens rear camera, in line with the current third-generation model. However, the ETNEWS report suggests the new iPhone SE will feature the same 12MP selfie camera as the current model.
AsBGRnotes, a prior report from Korean news outletAju Newssuggests that LG typically supplies camera modules for phones around three months before release.
This would suggest a release date of March 2025 for the iPhone SE 4, which fits with the previous releases in the series, all of which were unveiled in March or April of their respective years.
The report also corroborates prior rumors concerning the display the iPhone SE 4 could ship with by suggesting the new phone will borrow the 6.1-inch LTPSOLEDpanel from the iPhone 13. This probably means a resolution of 1170 x 2532 and a refresh rate of 60Hz – pleasantly sharp, though most budget phones come with a 90Hz or even 120Hz refresh rate these days.
Applehas reportedly divided its orders for the new display between LG Innotek and Chinese manufacturer BOE, and the use of a previously-developed panel tracks with the component cost-cutting strategy suggested by ETNEWS.
Incidentally, the use of this display would almost definitely result in an iPhone 14-style form factor for the new phone, as has been previously suggested.
Apple has yet to reveal any official information about the iPhone SE 4, and likely won’t until the phone is ready for release.
Hype for the iPhone SE 4 is heating up, and for good reason – if these types of rumors continue, we could be looking at one of thebest cheap phones(and more importantly best-value phones) Apple has ever produced.
Apple’s mobile camera systems are famous for their quality and point-and-shoot reliability, so fitting the cheapest phone in the lineup with a modernized 48MP camera would be a pro-consumer move by any measure.
For most people, this would offer more than enough photography capability – I mean,how many people really use their phone’s ultra-wide camera anyway?
And even I, as a notedlover of ridiculously large phone camera systems, reckon I’d be happy with a single 48MP snapper in most situations.
As well as the iPhone 13’s display, we expect to see the iPhone SE 4 ship with essentially identical specs to the iPhone 16, in order to supportApple Intelligence.
Think about it – a compact AI phone with a great camera looped into the Apple ecosystem, likely for less than $500? This coming year could see the iPhone SE become a real competitor, rather than just a blast of nostalgia.
As great as modern technology is, sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming. Smartphones today are capable of virtually endless tasks and are light-years better than mobile gadgets from a decade or two ago. Still, it’s hard not to have some nostalgia for “retro” devices like the Palm Pilot, the first Motorola Razr, or your trusty old iPod.
While doomscrolling X the other night, I saw that Quinn Nelson of Snazzy Labs hadposted a short videoabout an iPhone app called “My Classic – Retro Console” that promises to turn your iPhone into an iPod Classic. It’s a very silly idea, but at a one-time price of $3, it was cheap enough that I decided to try it for myself. After living with myiPhone 16transformed into an old-school iPod for about a day, I’m absolutely obsessed with it.
Using my iPhone like an iPod in 2024
So, what’s it like having an app turn your iPhone into an iPod? Honestly, it’s kind of amazing. The interface is almost identical to what you would see on an iPod Classic or an iPod Nano. The home screen shows options for shuffling your songs, browsing your music, seeing what’s currently playing, and a few app settings (plus an option to tip the developer).
You navigate the menu by using the virtual scroll wheel, which vibrates and clicks to mimic the feel of an actual iPod scroll wheel shockingly well. It feels fantastic for browsing artists and albums, but the real magic happens when you open the Cover Flow view, which looks just as incredible in 2024 as it did in 2007.
All of the music content in the app is pulled from your Apple Music library, including your saved albums and playlists. If you select the Shuffle Songs option, it starts playing a shuffle playlist from all the songs saved in your Apple Music library.
Objectively, this is nothing more than another interface for the Apple Music app. If you play a song from the My Classic app and switch to Apple Music, you’ll see it playing there, too. It’s not adding any new features. If anything, it’s a more limited way of interacting with Apple Music. You can’t search for songs or find music not already saved in your library.
However, that’s also why the app is so charming. Not only is the interface and iPod Classic UI executed so perfectly, but being forced to interact with my music in a simpler way has been so refreshing.
It makes me focus more on my music library without being distracted by new releases or other recommended playlists. I’ve found myself listening to saved albums I’ve not played in months because, in the regular Apple Music app, I typically listen to recommended playlists or new albums. I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but my music selections using My Classic have been different.
Want to use this app to turn your iPhone into an old-school iPod? Thankfully, it’s easy to do and only costs $3. TheMy Classic appinitially presents itself as a Game Boy simulator, but it takes just a couple of taps to activate the iPod interface. Here’s what you need to do:
Open the App Store on your iPhone and search for My Classic – Retro Console.
Pay for the app and wait for it to download.
Select theSettingbutton.
SelectDevice.
SelectMy Classic.
A wonderful blast of tech nostalgia
In addition to the incredible execution of the My Classic app and the way it makes you listen to music, there’s also an undeniable nostalgia factor at play here.
I grew up with a 3rd-generation iPod Nano. I received it as a Christmas gift one year from my parents, and for many years later (until I lost it), that iPod Nano was a gadget I used nearly every single day. The interface of the My Classic app is exactly like the one used on my old Nano, so using the application has felt like teleporting back in time. It has brought back memories of me sitting at the computer with my cousin and syncing songs from our iTunes accounts to our respective iPods. Or playingThe Sims Bowling on car rides to school. Not to mention discovering artists like Green Day and Switchfoot for the first time.
My iPod Nano went through a lot with me, and being able to bring back that experience to my iPhone is really something special. Maybe I’m feeling particularly nostalgic because of the holiday season, but this is one of the coolest mobile apps I’ve used this year — and one I think I’ll keep on my iPhone for a while to come.
Take a look back at what piqued your interest the most in 2024.
(Image credit: Google)
What you need to know
Google highlighted its “Year in 2024” data for what users searched for the most in Search and AI.
Circle to Search and Lens were used to “identify items,” shop, and translate items and users were the most curious about Benson Boone’s song “Beautiful Things.”
The top trending search in 2024 was Copa America while the most searched for movie was Disney’s Inside Out 2.
As the year winds down, Google is taking a look back at what users searched for the most across multiple categories.
In aKeyword post, the company highlighted various top trending searches for various user interests, like AI. Google highlighted what users searched for the most in since the arrival of Circle to Search, as well as Google Lens. The post states users used both tools to translate, shop, and “identify items” in 2024.
Moreover, the company adds that users usually combined a search with “how to use” when searching for an item visually.
Google Maps was tossed in, as the post states users looked up information about the Las Vegas Sphere and Italy’s Arena di Verona this year.
Circle to Searchlaunched earlier this year alongside the Galaxy S24 series and the Pixel 8 before hitting other phones. Additionally,Google Lensgrabbed some nifty upgrades like the ability for users to record videos.
Speaking of AI and Search, in Google’s main “Year in Search” overview, the company highlighted what songs users hummed to its engine the most.
Google’s main “Year in Search” overview for 2024 continues with the top pieces of news for 2024. According to Google, its data shows that people searched for (in order) the U.S. Election, Excessive Heat, Olympics, Hurricane Milton, and 台風 気象 情報 台風 第 10 号 (Typhoon No. 10 around Japan) the most this year.
When it came to “People,” Google states the top trending searches were Donald Trump, Catherine the Princess of Wales, Kamala Harris, Imane Khelif, and Joe Biden.
In “Sports,” the New York Yankees took the top spot, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Inter Miami CF, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, and the Boston Celtics. And, lastly, in “Gaming,” the top trending searches were for Connections, Palworld, Infinite Craft, Sprunki, and Helldivers 2.
In November, Google detailed itstop apps and gamesvia the Play Store for 2024. Partiful took the award for the “Best App of 2024” due to its reinvention of event planning. For mobile gaming, AFK Journey won “Best Game” while Max took the cake for “Best Multi-device App.”
Other worthy mentions include Hoyoverse’s Honkai: Star Rail for “Best Ongoing Game,” PBS Kids Video for “Best for Cars,” and Dragon Rider by Taran Matharu for “Favorite Fantasy” book in 2024.
Overall Winner and Mammals Category Winner — ‘Stuck Squirrel’ by Milko Marchetti | 2024 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards
The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards winners were announced today at the competition’s Awards Night at the Oxo Gallery in London. Photographer Milko Marchetti is this year’s overall winner, thanks to his excellent and hilarious image of a red squirrel stuck in a tree, aptly named “Stuck Squirrel.”
Marchetti bested a record number of photographers this year, as the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards received over 9,000 images, the highest total in its decade of existence.
The competition says the final selection was challenging this year, with only a few points separating the top five entries. Ultimately, Marchetti’s hilarious image won out.
“I have taken many, many photographs of squirrels, in many situations over the years in Italy, but this one struck me as really funny and such a strange position, because it is that exact moment when the squirrel is detaching its back legs from the trunk to enter its hide,” the photographer says. “Whenever I show this image at the nature seminars at my local photography club, the audience always explode with raucous laughter, so I had to enter it!”
For his victory, Marchetti receives a once-in-a-lifetime safari in the Masai Mara, Kenya, with Alex Walker’s Serian, plus a unique handmade trophy from the Wonder Workshop in Tanzania. Marchetti also gets a new photography bag from Think Tank.
When Marchetti received a call from Tom Sullam, co-founder of the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards alongside Paul Joynson-Hicks, Marchetti says he shouted, “Wow,” over and over while jumping for joy.
“Looking at the beautiful finalists’ photos, I would never have thought I would be the chosen one. What can I say — I am so, so happy,” the winning photographer adds.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Milko Marchetti’s outstanding achievement in the Nikon Comedy Photography Awards 2024. His image, ‘Stuck Squirrel,’ brilliantly captures the playful and unpredictable moments that make nature so enchanting,” says Stefan Maier, General Manager of Marketing at Nikon Europe. “This year’s competition received a record number of entries, each one a testament to the power of photography in evoking emotion. We look forward to continuing to inspire the next generation of wildlife photographers through these wonderful awards.”
Alongside Marchetti’s overall winning photo, the judges selected additional category winners, plus special award winners. All these winning images are featured below.
Insect Category Winner — ‘Mantis Flamenca’ by Jose Miguel Gallego Molina | 2024 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards
Reptile Category Winner — ‘Frog in a Balloon’ by Eberhard Ehmke | 2024 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards
Bird Category Winner — ‘Whiskered Tern Crash On Landing’ by Damyan Petkov | 2024 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards
Fish and Other Aquatic Animals Category Winner — ‘Unexpected Role Swap’ by Przemyslaw Jakubczyk | 2024 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards
People’s Choice Winner — ‘Shake, Ruffle, Rattle, and Roll’ by Tapani Linnanmäki | 2024 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards
The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards winners will be on exhibit at the Oxo Gallery in London from December 11-15 and arefeatured on the competition’s website.
Get the most out of T-Mobile’s 5G network with these phones.
The fact that many of the best T-Mobile phones also happen to be some of the best Android phones you can find in general, isn’t exactly surprising, as excellent device compatibility is one of the biggest advantages the ‘Un-carrier’ enjoys over its rivals. However, this also means that finding the right smartphone for your needs can often be quite a difficult task, whether you’re a new T-Mobile customer or have been one for years. Fret not, as we’ve done the hard work and rounded up some of the finest options to make things a bit easier for you.
Arguably the most important thing to ensure while picking an Android phone for yourself is to make sure that it offers all the features you need, at a price that fits your budget. If money is no object and you simply want the best, we have no qualms recommending the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, our overall top pick. It’s a fully loaded flagship that offers just about everything (and then some) you could possibly think of and will serve you well for years to come.
As an alternative, you can also consider the Google Pixel 9 which has incredible cameras, a laundry list of AI-based tools, and more, at a price that’s fairly reasonable for a device of its class. Of course, not everyone can (or wants to) shell out a fortune for a phone, and that’s where affordable options such as the OnePlus Nord N30 5G come into the picture. Sure, it’s a little old at this point and won’t get much in terms of software updates—but you do get goodies like stereo speakers, blazing fast wired charging, and even a 3.5mm audio port—all at an unbeatable price.
Battery & Charging:5,000mAh, 45W wired and 15W wireless charging
Reasons to buy
+Top-of-the-line hardware +Versatile camera system +Titanium frame is sturdier and lightweight +Seven years of OS and security updates +Full S Pen stylus support
Reasons to avoid
-Extremely expensive -AI features require cloud-based processing
Packed with more powerhouse features than you’re probably ever going to use, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is hands down the best Android phone you can use with T-Mobile’s network right now. It sports a gorgeous 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED panel that now comes with an anti-reflective coating for an even better viewing experience. Of course, you also get full support for the integrated S Pen stylus.
The smartphone is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, complete with 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of internal storage. It also features a versatile quad-lens camera system that offers everything from pro-mode photography to 8K video recording. Other notable additions include an IP68 certification, NFC, and a solid 5,000mAh battery with fast wired and wireless charging support. Oh, and did we mention the seven years of OS and security updates?
Battery & Charging:4,492mAh, 18W wired and 7.5W wireless charging
Reasons to buy
+Comfortable design +Flagship-level camera +120Hz AMOLED display +Seven years of Pixel updates +Great AI features
Reasons to avoid
-Charging should be faster -Display is awful for PWM-sensitive users
TheGoogle Pixel 8arefines Google’s budget formula even further with better features and upgraded hardware. It’s a lot lighter than the Pixel 7a, and coupled with the more rounded design, feels more comfortable to hold. The Pixel 8a gets Google’s ‘Actua’ display which is now brighter and supports a 120Hz refresh rate. We also finally get a 256GB storage option for the first time. The big upgrade of course is the Tensor G3 SoC, which is also found in the premium Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. The rear 64MP and 13MP cameras continue to deliver stellar performance, as expected from a Pixel smartphone.
Since this is a Pixel, you can also look forward to top-tier software support. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that Google has gone out of its way to transform the Pixel 8a into a premium mid-range smartphone. There are even a few (relatively) premium features such as an IP67 certification and 7.5W wireless charging included in the mix.
Battery & Charging:4,000mAh, 25W wired and 15W wireless charging
Reasons to buy
+Refined, squared-off design +Compact enough for one-handed use +Seven years of OS and security updates +Great camera performance +Lots of color options to choose from
Reasons to avoid
-Still comes with 8GB of RAM -Galaxy AI features won’t be free forever
Comparing theSamsung Galaxy S24 vs. S23, you’ll find that it’s a (relatively) minor upgrade over the last-gen model. That said, the new smartphone has a lot of goodies and is an easy recommendation for anyone who wants a top-tier device that can be used with one hand. The Galaxy S24 has a refined design with flat edges that give it a squared-off look. You get a slightly bigger 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED panel, but due to even slimmer bezels, the phone’s overall physical footprint has largely stayed unchanged compared to its predecessor.
The phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and comes with 8GB of RAM and up to 25GB of onboard storage. You get a triple-lens camera setup at the back that excels at capturing both photos and videos. Available in a range of funky colors, the Galaxy S24 is backed by a 4,000mAh battery having both wired and wireless charging support.
Battery & Charging:4,700mAh, 27W wired and 15W wireless charging
Reasons to buy
+Premium design and solid build quality +Bright and vibrant 120Hz display +Full of AI-powered features +Seven years of OS and security updates +IP68 rating for dust and water resistance
Reasons to avoid
-No telephoto sensor -Gemini Live will cost extra
Although it does cost a $100 more than the previous-gen model, the Google Pixel 9 packs in quite a few improvements that make it an excellent value flagship. Sporting a squared-off design, the new smartphone is powered by Google’s Tensor G4 SoC and comes with 12GB of RAM. The software experience continues to be top-of-the-line, filled with a wide range of AI-based enhancements. You get Android 14 out of the box, along with a promise of up to seven years of OS and security updates.
The Google Pixel 9 features a dual-lens primary camera system, comprising a 50MP wide-angle sensor and a 48MP ultrawide module. the setup is capable of producing some truly amazing photos, and there are a lot of AI-powered tools (e.g., Magic Editor) to play with. You get all the modern connectivity and I/O options, and the smartphone is backed by a 4,700mAh battery with both wired and wireless charging support.
Best mid-ranger
5. Samsung Galaxy A54
Best mid-ranger
Specifications
Display:6.4-inch Super AMOLED, 1080×2340 pixels resolution
Chipset / SoC:Exynos 1380
RAM:6GB/8GB
Storage:128GB/256GB, with microSD expansion
Cameras:50MP + 12MP + 5MP (rear), 32MP (front)
OS:Android 13 (preinstalled)
Battery & Charging:5,000mAh, 25W wired charging
Reasons to buy
+Vivid, 120Hz display +Decent camera quality +Great value for money +Four years of OS and five years of security updates +Full support for Galaxy ecosystem
Reasons to avoid
-Uninspiring gaming performance -Plastic build feels a bit cheap
Picking up right where its predecessor left off, theSamsung Galaxy A54delivers rock-solid everyday performance and a number of thoughtful features, all at a very reasonable price. The mid-range smartphone features a big 5,000mAh battery, a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, and will get four years of major OS updates as well as five years of security updates. This makes it a future-proof smartphone, even when you consider the fact that it’s a bit dated at this point.
On top of that, the Samsung Galaxy A54 doesn’t miss out on support for the Galaxy ecosystem either. You get an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, an in-display fingerprint sensor, 25W wired charging, NFC, stereo speakers, and much more.
Battery & Charging:4,400mAh, 25W wired and 15W wireless charging
Reasons to buy
+Ideal for split-screen multitasking +Full support for Samsung’s S Pen stylus +Top-of-the-line hardware specifications +Seven years of OS and security updates +IP48 rating for improved ingress protection
Reasons to avoid
-Camera hardware isn’t anything new -Extremely expensive
Easily one of thebest foldable phonesavailable out there, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is an ultra-premium smartphone that can do it all. It sports a 7.6-inch folding Dynamic AMOLED display that makes split-screen multitasking a sheer delight. It’s complemented by an outer 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel that’s just as great. The smartphone is backed by an IP48 rating for better ingress protection and is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC and 12GB of RAM, so everything works as it should.
Being a full-featured flagship, theSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 6comes with a triple-lens primary camera system. It’s comprised of a 50MP wide-angle unit, a 10MP telephoto module (with 3x optical zoom), and a 12MP ultrawide sensor. It runs Samsung’s One UI 6.1.1 (based on Android 14) out of the box and just like all of the company’s other high-end phones, will receive up to seven years of major OS and security updates. It is backed by a 4,400mAh battery with both wired and wireless charging support.
Battery & Charging:5,400mAh, 80W wired and 50W wireless charging
Reasons to buy
+Top-of-the-line performance with improved heat dissipation +Outstanding camera quality +Four years of OS and five years of security updates +Super-fast charging speeds +Premium design
Reasons to avoid
-Curved display won’t be to everyone’s liking -Somewhat glitchy software experience
With the OnePlus 12, the company seems to have gotten its mojo back. Sure, it’s not without its flaws, but there’s a lot to like here. The phone’s 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display is, quite literally, one of its biggest highlights, as it can hit an astounding peak brightness of 4,500 nits. Not just that, ‘Aqua Touch’ technology allows the screen to register touch input even when it’s wet.
Powered by Qualcomm’s top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen SoC and up to 16GB of RAM, theOnePlus 12excels at handling demanding tasks like heavy gaming. It also has an improved cooling system for better thermal efficiency. The phone comes with up to 512GB of internal storage and has an excellent triple-lens rear camera system. You get amazing battery life too, and the 5,400mAh battery can be charged at super-fast speeds.
