News

Ultimate Guide to Updating Your AirPods: How to Easily Install the Latest Firmware Version 6A321

Apple has recently released a new firmware update for the third-generation AirPods, upgrading them to version 6A321 from the previous 6A317 firmware. This update, like many of Apple’s firmware updates for AirPods, primarily focuses on “bug fixes and other improvements” although specific details about the changes or new features are not typically disclosed by Apple.

To update the firmware of your AirPods, they must be connected to an iOS device. The update process is generally automatic and occurs over-the-air while the AirPods are connected to the iOS device. For successful installation, it’s recommended to put the AirPods in their case, connect them to a power source, and then pair them with an iOS device or Mac. This should initiate the firmware update.

If you want to check the firmware version of your AirPods or AirPods Pro, the process is straightforward. First, connect your AirPods to your iOS device. Then open the Settings app, tap General, and go to About. Here, select AirPods, and you’ll see the firmware version next to the relevant entry.

While Apple doesn’t provide detailed information on the specific enhancements or new features in each firmware update, some past updates have included significant improvements. For instance, a previous update (versions 6A300/6A301) introduced features like Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Personalized Volume, and press to mute/unmute on calls for various AirPods models, along with improvements to the Automatic Switching experience across Apple devices.

For the latest update, users might expect similar subtle improvements in performance and usability, even if they’re not explicitly listed. As with any firmware update, it’s generally advisable to keep your devices up-to-date to ensure the best performance and access to any new features or bug fixes that have been implemented.

iPhone 16’s Revolutionary Capture Button: Apple’s Latest Innovation in Smartphone Photography

In an evolution of its iconic design, Apple is set to revolutionize its iPhone 16 models with the introduction of a “Capture Button” a concept that was first hinted at in September and later confirmed by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in December. This novel feature builds on Apple’s legacy of integrating innovative technology into its devices, a tradition tracing back to the first iPhone’s groundbreaking touchscreen interface.

The Information has recently unveiled more specifics about the Capture Button. Unlike traditional capacitive buttons, this one will be mechanical, offering a tactile experience. It’s designed to be multifunctional: users can zoom by swiping, focus with a gentle press, and start recording with a firmer push.

Strategically positioned below the Power button on the right side of the iPhone, this placement not only facilitates easy access when the phone is held horizontally but also signifies a slight design shift. The current mmWave antenna on the U.S. models will relocate to accommodate this new feature.

Apple’s decision to add the Capture Button echoes its ongoing commitment to enhancing the iPhone’s capabilities as a camera, particularly for horizontal video recording. This aligns with the trend initiated with the iPhone 4, which substantially upgraded the camera system, making Apple a key player in the mobile photography revolution.

While the iPhone 16’s final design remains under wraps, with potential changes to the button’s function and design, the introduction of the Capture Button marks another milestone in Apple’s journey of technological innovation. It’s a testament to how the company continues to shape and respond to user needs, ever since the first iPhone redefined what a smartphone could be.

Apple Vision Pro Launch: Revolutionary Spatial Computing Experience Arrives February 2

Apple’s Vision Pro headset, a pioneering device in the realm of spatial computing, is set to revolutionize the way users interact with technology. This device, which will be available starting February 2, embodies a blend of high-tech features and user-focused design, reflecting Apple’s commitment to innovation.

The Vision Pro headset is notable for its advanced micro-OLED technology, which enables it to deliver ultra-high-resolution displays. Each display packs 23 million pixels, promising unprecedented visual clarity and detail. This cutting-edge visual experience is complemented by an advanced Spatial Audio system, immersing users in a rich auditory environment.

One of the most groundbreaking features of the Vision Pro is its high-performance eye tracking system. This system employs high-speed cameras and a series of LEDs to create an intuitive, responsive input method based on the user’s eye movements. Furthermore, the headset introduces EyeSight, a feature designed to maintain a sense of connection between the wearer and their surroundings. When someone approaches a Vision Pro user, the headset appears transparent, allowing for eye contact and interaction while still displaying content to the wearer.

Privacy and security are central to the Vision Pro’s design. It includes a new authentication system called Optic ID, which uses iris recognition to unlock the device and authenticate payments with Apple Pay. Importantly, eye tracking data remains private, not being shared with Apple or third-party applications.

Accessibility is also a key aspect of the Vision Pro, with the visionOS operating system incorporating features like VoiceOver, Zoom, and Voice Control. These features allow users to interact with the device using their eyes, hands, voice, or a combination of these inputs, ensuring a wide range of users can comfortably use the device.

Environmentally, the Vision Pro aligns with Apple’s sustainability goals. It incorporates recycled materials in its construction, including rare earth elements and aluminum, and is designed to meet Apple’s standards for energy efficiency.

The Apple Vision Pro is priced at $3,499 in the U.S. for the base model with 256GB of storage. It will be available for pre-order starting January 19. Alongside the headset, Apple offers ZEISS Optical Inserts for both readers and prescription lenses, providing additional customization options for users.

In summary, the Apple Vision Pro represents a significant leap forward in spatial computing, merging high-tech features with a user-centric approach. Its innovative design and features are set to redefine personal computing experiences.

Apple Releases iOS 10.2

Apple released iOS 10.2 yesterday to the public, making this the second major release of iOS 10 since it launched on 13th September 2016.

The update is free and will be distributed over the air to those devices capable of supporting it. It can also be downloaded and installed via iTunes.

TV App

The update introduces some new features.

These include a new ‘TV’ app (US only at launch) which is Apple’s TV guide and aims to simplify your television experience. Other updates include:

Get recommendations for new movies and TV shows in Watch Now.
Access your iTunes purchases and rentals.
Use Up Next to see the movies and shows you’re currently watching and pick up where you left off

Single Sign-On

Apple also released their Single Sign-On feature which allows cable subscribers to sign in once with their cable sign in details and have access to al of the live content across various apps and multiple devices. From launch Singe Sign-On is available for CenturyLink Prism, DirecTV, Dish, GVTC, GTA, Hawaiian Telcom, Hotwire, Metrocast, Service Electric and Sling TV.

Emoji

Emoji’s also received an update with new emoji’s. Clown Face, Face Palm, Selfie, Fox, Owl, Bacon, Avocado, Croissant, Medals and new Profession’s and many more – in fact there are more than a hundred new emoji’s.

Photos

There were a number of updates to the Photos app, such as improved stabilisation and faster frame rates for Live Photos. There has been an improvement of the recognition of similar faces in the photo album.

Design

iOS 10.2 also includes some design updates and improvements, namely to the Music app where the Repeat and Shuffle buttons have been revamped and can be easily found by swiping up on the Now Playing screen. There are new wallpapers as well as new ‘Celebrate’ and ‘Send With Love’ Screen Effects in Messages app.

Bug Fixes

Fixes an issue where Memories might generate a memory from photos of screenshots, whiteboards or receipts
Fixes an issue where the camera would stay zoomed in after switching back from the Camera Roll on iPhone 7 Plus
Fixes an issue that caused the Move sheet to persist after filing a Mail message
Addresses an issue with long press activating copy and paste in Mail
Fixes an issue in which the wrong message would be selected after deleting a Mail conversation
Fixes an issue where the braille table could switch unexpectedly with VoiceOver
Fixes an issue where sometimes Siri enhanced voices were unavailable to VoiceOver
Fixes an issue where VoiceOver users could not re-order items in lists
Fixes an issue where Switch Control was sometimes unable to delete Voicemails
Adds notification support for HomeKit accessories including window coverings, occupancy, motion, door/window, smoke, carbon monoxide, and water leak sensors
Adds notification support for HomeKit accessories when software updates are available to HomeKit accessories
Improves Bluetooth performance and connectivity with 3rd party accessories
Fixes an issue that could cause FaceTime participants to appear out of focus
Fixes an issue that could cause FaceTime calls to appear with incorrect aspect ratio and orientation
Fixes an issue that prevented some Visual Voicemail from completing playback
Fixes a Safari Reader issue that could cause articles to open as empty pages
Fixes an issue that could cause Safari to quit unexpectedly after marking an item as read in Reading List

The security contents of iOS 10.2 can be found HERE.

Why Apple Eliminated the 3.5mm Headphone Jack

It didn’t come as a surprise on the 7th September 2016 when Apple announced that it was removing the 3.5mm headphone jack from the new iPhone 7. It was a long awaited rumor but that hasn’t stopped a widespread internet backlash.

Not Able to Charge

The main complaint was the inability to charge the phone whilst listening to lightening or 3.5mm headphone jack headphones. Following the announcement this is still a concern for many. Apples Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, Phil Schiller doesn’t believe this is an issue and says you can buy the lightening dock that allows you to listen to music whilst charging.

Looking at the picture below from the Apple Store, this doesn’t solve it Phil, what if I have lightening headphones? That solution puts you in no better position unless you have 3.5mm headphone jack headphones. Not to mention it’s a £39 ($49) solution to something that could surely be solved with a Lightening to 3.5mm headphone jack/lightening charging port combo.

Death of the 3.5mm Headphone Jack

Despite these issues, the reasoning for removing the 3.5mm headphone jack itself is a valid one. The 3.5mm headphone jack first came to service with the Sony EFM-117J radio which was released in 1964 and became very popular with the release of the Walkman in 1979. That’s a whopping 52years old! It’s an old single use technology that takes up valuable room in an iPhone enclosure whilst we, as customers, demand better battery life, waterproofing and better speakers. Why sacrifice all those benefits including cost for a port that serves a single function?

The Future of Audio and Other Connectors

There is a lot of focus on the iPhone 7 and lack of headphone jack, I’m sure others will now follow Apple since they have been brave enough to go out in front.

An interesting thing to consider is what the Airlines will do in response. Consumers will rapidly adopt wireless headphones and lightening enabled ones. So far there is not lightening to 3.5mm headphone jack adaptor. Will the airlines install lightening ports, go wireless or provide lightening to 3.5mm flight adaptors to avoid customer disappointment?

I don’t think this will be the end to port removal, the lightening connector will be next. With the proliferation of wireless charging and wireless headphones this will be another port that Apple can remove to reduce costs, decrease complexity, increase case space and increase waterproof capabilities.

Apple has always been at the forefront of change, whether that’s removal of the floppy drive or DVD drive, they have always been one or two steps ahead of where we know we want to be. Long may that continue!