Tag: Apple Watch

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Apple may be eyeing titanium iPhone, iPad, and MacBook, according to recent patents

A new patent granted to Apple shines a light on the possibility of the company developing a titanium iPhone, iPad and MacBook. Apple has dipped a toe in titanium designs in the past, with the Apple Watch being the proven test ground.

The patent was first filed on September 26th, 2019, and was granted on May 24th, 2022. The filing describes an application related “ to an enclosure for a portable electronic device.” As it continues, the patent outlines a textured surface for titanium parts. “The enclosure includes a titanium substrate having a textured surface that includes randomly distributed peaks separated from each other by valleys,” the document reads.

The patent also goes on to describe the challenges a titanium casing for an iPhone or iPad may hold. It states that portable devices require “a high amount of strength and stiffness to protect “ the internal components. Aluminum and other materials make up the body of most current devices under Apple’s catalogue. These devices must also feature “an attractive surface finish.” As such, there will be a need to implement new techniques to obtain those finishes of certain metals ie: titanium.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard of a possible titanium iPhone. Last year, there was word that the iPhone 14 may feature a titanium chassis. If true, the iPhone 14 would be more durable, albeit likely more expensive.

As with any Apple patent, there’s no guarantee that a titanium iPhone, iPad, or MacBook will hit the market. Given that a titanium Apple Watch is available, it does make sense that Apple may try to broaden that line. Though, as noted above, certain design challenges loom over this possibility.

Source: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Via: 9to5Mac

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Apple Watch Series 6 is $130 off on Amazon

The 2020-released Apple Watch Series 6 is currently on sale at Amazon.

Regularly available for $529.99, the 40mm GPS variant of the smartwatch is currently available for $399.99, marking a $130 or 25 percent discount.

It’s worth noting that only the 40mm GPS variant in the Product(RED) colourway is currently discounted.

The 2020-released smartwatch runs on Apple’s S6 chipset and features a 1.78-inch Always-on Retina LTPO OLED 448 x 368 pixel resolution display with all the features we’ve grown to love, including SpO2 detection, ECG, sleep data, fitness tracking and more.

In his review of the Apple Watch Series 6, MobileSyrup managing editor Patrick O’Rourke gave the smartwatch an 8/10 rating.

Follow the link below to purchase the Apple Watch 40mm GPS variant in the Product(RED) from Amazon for $399.99.


Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS, 40mm) - Product(RED) - Aluminum Case with Product(RED) - Sport Band


Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS, 40mm) – Product(RED) – Aluminum Case with Product(RED) – Sport Band

$399.99


Buy Now

MobileSyrup utilizes affiliate partnerships. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, though we may earn a commission on purchases made via these links that helps fund the journalism provided free on our website.
05/20/2022 12:03 am GMT

Source: Amazon

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Apple adds Live Captions across its products as part of accessibility update

As a lead into Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Apple is announcing new features to better help with accessibility across its products. As such, a transcribed audio feature dubbed Live Captions is arriving on a number of Apple platforms.

Ahead of May 19, a day recognizing the importance of accessibility, Apple details its new Live Captions feature. Arriving on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, the feature transcribes audio in real-time and displays subtitles on the screen. Live Captions can also caption sounds around the user to follow conversations in the real world.

Apple states that users can adjust the size and positioning of the caption box when it is active. There are different font sizes available as well for those who prefer or require larger fonts to read.

The devices auto-generate captions. When using Live Captions in tandem with FaceTime, the feature can distinguish between speakers and attribute icons and names beside those speaking. When using Live Captions on a Mac, users can type a response and have it spoken out loud in real-time for others.

At launch, Apple’s Live Captions will be available in English in Canada and the U.S.

On top of Live Captions, Apple is also introducing new accessibility options and tools. The Magnifier app is getting an update. Apple is adding a new Door Detection feature, which assists those who are visually impaired in locating and identifying doors. The feature heavily utilizes the iPhone’s LiDAR and camera. This feature can also read icons and text on doors to better help the user. Apple claims the feature can assist with telling the user whether the door is a push or pull and whether it is open or closed.

Assistive Touch is making its way to Apple’s wearables. Apple Watch users can benefit from using the device without interacting with it. For instance, the feature can provide Quick Actions based on hand gestures and finger movements. For example, a user can double pinch their index and thumb to answer a call or take a photo.

However, for those unable to use hand gestures, Apple is introducing a feature that it’s calling ‘Apple Watch Mirroring.’ This feature uses AirPlay and the hardware to carry preset voice or switch control preferences from their iPhone to the Apple Watch. This means head-tracking and Made For iPhone switches can be used to interact with Apple Watch.

Last but not least is Buddy Controller. This beneficial accessibility option enables two controllers to control a single player. This is exceptionally helpful for those with disabilities to play games with friends or family members. Apple confirms that Buddy Controller supports game controllers like the Xbox Wireless Controller, DualShock 4, and more across iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV.

Apple’s commitment to supporting accessibility doesn’t stop here. Future updates include on-demand American Sign Language interpreters expanding to Apple Store and Support in Canada. Plus, new guide options in Maps and more.

All the features above are expected to arrive later this year.

Source: Engadget

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Mayo Clinic-developed algorithm allows the Apple Watch to detect weak heart pumps

Mayo Clinic is developing an algorithm that leverages the Apple Watch’s electrocardiograms (ECG) to detect if a person’s heart is not pumping blood optimally, as reported by StatNews.

The study, which was presented at the annual Heart Rhythm Society conference in San Francisco on Sunday, May 1st found that the algorithm correctly diagnosed weak heart pumps in a small number of individuals from the study.

Researchers from Mayo Clinic updated a regular 12-lead ECG algorithm to interpret the Apple Watch’s single lead ECG data. “This demonstrates that you can design studies to explore the utility of single-lead (EKG) from devices like Apple Watch for clinical problems, and the researchers need to be commended for that. This should be viewed as a first step, but by no means is it ready for prime time,” said Collin Stultz, a cardiologist at Mass General Brigham in Boston.

The clinic is currently working to polish the algorithm by working on a one million-person research that will test various cardiac function algorithms. Its purpose is to detect heart problems in people in earlier stages and prevent the said problem from aggravating.

“If you’re a person who has high blood pressure and diabetes and you’re over 60, you may have a weak heart pump and not know it,” said Paul Friedman, the head of the study. “You may not be going to your doctor too often, but a watch you buy at the store could tell you there’s an important signal that needs to be screened.”

Source: StatNews

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Apple Watch Series 8 could feature body temperature measurement

It’s no secret that Apple’s smartwatch line has remained pretty stagnant for the last few generations.

However, that could soon change — at least as far as its sensors are concerned — if a new report from often-reliable KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is accurate. According to Kuo, the Apple Watch Series 8 could feature a built-in body temperature sensor if it’s able to “meet Apple’s high requirements before mass production.”

Kuo says that the Series 7 was supposed to feature a body temperature sensor but “failed to qualify before entering [the] EVT stage last year.” According to Kuo, body temperature measurement is difficult to add to a wearable because “skin temperature quickly varies depending on outside environments.”

Kuo’s report backs up reports sourced from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, stating that Apple’s next-gen Apple Watch will feature a body temperature sensor.

Beyond the above leak, not much is known about the Apple Watch Series 8 or watchOS 8. Apple’s next-gen Apple Watch is expected to release this coming fall, likely during a September or October hardware event.

Source: @mingchikuo Via: AppleInsider

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Apple surpasses Wall Street estimates with $97 billion in revenue in Q2 2022

Apple has revealed that it earned $97.3 billion USD (roughly $124.6 billion CAD) and a net quarterly profit of $25 billion USD (about $32 billion CAD) in Q2 2022, an increase of nine percent year-over-year.

Breaking revenue down by category, the iPhone led the way with $97.28 billion USD (roughly $124 billion CAD) and a five percent increase year-over-year. Services revenue, which includes platforms like Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Arcade and more, hit $19.82 billion (roughly $25.3 billion CAD) and an increase of 17.5 percent year-over-year. The company also confirmed that it now has 825 million subscribers across all of its various subscription platforms.

On the other hand, Mac revenue hit $10.44 billion USD (approximately 13.3 billion CAD) and iPad revenue landed at $7.65 billion USD (about $9.7 billion CAD), spurred by the release of its M1-powered Mac Studio and iPad Air. This is an increase of 14 percent year-over-year and a decrease of 2.2 percent year-over-year, respectively. Finally, Apple’s ‘Other Products’ category, which includes products like accessories and the Apple Watch, hit $19.82 billion USD (about 25.3 billion CAD), a 17 percent increase year-over-year. Overall, the tech giant surpassed Wall Street earnings estimates in most categories, with Services and Other Products being the two notable exceptions.

“We are very pleased with our record business results for the March quarter, as we set an all-time revenue record for Services and March quarter revenue records for iPhone, Mac, and Wearables, Home and Accessories. Continued strong customer demand for our products helped us achieve an all-time high for our installed base of active devices,” said Luca Maestri, Apple’s CFO, in a recent press release.

In its earnings report, the company also confirmed that it has authorized an increase of $90 billion USD (about $115.3 billion CAD) for its stock buyback program. The tech giant is not issuing earnings guidance for its next financial quarter ending in June.

Source: Apple 

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Apple launches repair program for Apple Watch Series 6 blank screen issue

Apple has launched a new service program for Apple Watch Series 6 smartwatches suffering from blank screen problems. The tech giant says that affected Series 6 owners can request a free repair directly through Apple or an authorized repair provider.

According to Apple, only a small number of 40mm Apple Watch Series 6 models suffer from this issue, which turns the wearable’s display blank permanently. Series 6 smartwatches affected by the issue were manufactured between April and September 2021.

If you want to check if your Series 6 is eligible for a repair, you can enter its serial number on Apple’s website. Apple says that the program covers the Series 6 for two years after the purchase of the smartwatch. The 44mm Apple Watch Series 6 is not affected by this issue.

For more on the Apple Watch Series 6, check out my review of the smartwatch from back in 2020.

Source: Apple Via: 9to5Mac

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Apple launches Apple Watch Series 6 repair program, addressing blank screen issue

Apple is launching its new repair program for the Apple Watch Series 6. This comes as a way to service those experiencing an issue where the watch displays a permanent blank screen.

The iPhone maker confirms that a “very small percentage” of 40mm Apple Watch Series 6 devices exhibit an issue where the screen goes blank. Apple states that these devices were manufactured between April 2021 and September 2021.

As a result, the company is opening a service program to repair any affected device. Those experiencing issues with their Apple Watch Series 6 are able to see if their device is eligible for the program on Apple’s website.

If eligible Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider provides free service to the device. To do so, the user needs to be examined. Users can either go into an Authorized Service Provider or make an appointment at an Apple Store. Alternatively, the device can be sent to an Apple Repair Centre.

The repair program covers eligible models for two years following the first retail sale of the device. However, the worldwide Apple program does not extend the standard warranty of the device.

Note that the issues don’t appear to be widespread. It appears as though this is an uncommon issue. Nonetheless, it’s good to see Apple addressing the issue for those experiencing a problem with their Apple Watch Series 6.

Source: Apple Via: MacRumors

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Apple Fitness+ let’s you dance to BTS for International Dance Day

Apple Fitness+ is letting you dance with BTS.

The BTS collaboration is part of the company’s content package for International Dance Day on April 29th. This means starting next week new workouts led by Fitness Plus trainer Ben Allen offer choreography from several BTS music videos.

Some of the songs include Butter (feat. Megan Thee Stallion), Dynamite, Boy With Luv (feat. Halsey), DNA, MIC Drop (Steve Aoki Remix), Permission to Dance, and Life Goes On.

Other artists will also be available as part of this update, including Queen and ABBA.

On International Dance Day, Apple Watch users will be encouraged to find some time to dance and get a limited-edition award and animated stickers for Messages for completing any dance workout of 20 minutes or more. Fitness+ will also feature a selection of dance workouts to help subscribers get more awards, including six 20-minute workouts across Latin Grooves, Upbeat Anthems, Throwback Hits and Hip-Hop/R&B playlists.

Fitness+ is also introducing a new workout collection on April 25th to get subscribers dancing any day of the year. “Get into a Groove with Dance,” starts off with three 20-minute workouts from each of the Fitness+ dance trainers.

Apple Fitness+ costs $12.99 per month or $99.99 per year, and all Apple Watch users can try Fitness+ free for one month in Canada.

Image credit: Apple

Source: Apple

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Apple Watch blood pressure tracking features reportedly delayed to 2024

Rumours regarding the Apple Watch featuring a blood-pressure monitoring feature have been swirling since before the wearable was even released, and it appears those eagerly anticipating the functionality will be forced to wait a little longer.

Several reports from last year indicated that blood-pressure monitoring could arrive alongside the Apple Watch Series 7 last fall, but those rumours didn’t turn out to be accurate. Now, a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests blood-pressure monitoring might not make its way to Apple’s wearable until 2024.

Bloomberg says that Apple is experiencing difficulties with the monitor’s accuracy. The report goes on to say that the Apple Watch won’t be capable of recording specific blood-pressure readings and that instead, will alert users about hypertension and suggest contacting their doctor.

Like blood-pressure tracking functionality, rumours surrounding blood sugar monitoring and the Apple Watch have been circulating for years. Gurman says that this feature is likely still several years away and that there’s currently no rumour regarding its target release date.

Apple’s upcoming watchOS 9 update is expected to feature refreshed older Watch Faces, expanded women’s health functionality, and a better low-power mode.

Source: Bloomberg