This week Apple stole the show with WWDC, its annual developers conference where it shows off the next generation of its various operating systems.
It usually includes a hardware version or two, but this year we got something better; Apple finally revealed its AI plans. Sorry, not Artificial Intelligence, Apple Intelligence (we hate to admit the name is cool).
We were also treated to a surprise reveal of the Galaxy Watch and a new, smaller 4K camera. So, in case you missed it, let's catch you up on the biggest tech news from the last seven days.
7. Apple's intelligence entered the scene
As we expected from WWDC 2024, Apple announced a host of improvements to its various operating systems, outlining new features for iOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and the rest. But the most important topic of the event's keynote was, of course, Apple Intelligence.
Apple's answer to AI will make Siri smarter, so it will better understand the context of your requests and be able to use images, calendar events, messages and other information from the app to provide detailed answers to your queries in a matter of seconds. seconds. Plus, if you get stuck, you can always ask ChatGPT-4o; If you give him permission, of course.
Apple Intelligence can also proofread your writing, summarize long documents, and generate custom emojis. Additionally, Apple has put privacy at the forefront by saying that its off-device models run on private servers, and any data shared with these servers is encrypted and cannot be accessed by Apple in any way, and your data only exists on the servers for the short time the AI needs it for that specific request.
6. iOS18 features were revealed
Apple unveiled iOS 18 at WWDC 2024, and when it fully launches later this year, it will bring with it a host of updates. In fact, it looks like iOS 18 will be the biggest update to the iPhone operating system in years, with changes to core native apps.
The Mail app, for example, will be able to categorize your emails more logically and provide quick-read summaries of them. The Photos app has been overhauled to filter photos by themes and screenshots. The Messages app will allow users to react to text messages using any emoji and have the option to schedule messages; the latter could be a game-changer for people with nocturnal epiphanies.
Other changes will include the option to rearrange app and widget icons at the bottom and side of the screen and activate a new dark mode for app icons. Control Center will allow you to separate widgets into different function groups, such as Media and Home.
In short, iOS 18 will deliver a smarter, sleeker, and more customizable iPhone experience, and will likely arrive in time for the iPhone 16.
5. Apple set global release dates for Vision Pro
Since its launch in the US, the big question we've all been asking is when will the Vision Pro launch in other parts of the world? Well, we finally have an answer. If you're in China, Japan, or Singapore, it will launch on June 28, 2024, and two weeks later on July 12, Vision Pro will arrive in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
When it does, it will cost £3,499 / AU$5,999, which is more expensive than we expected based on exchange rates (we think it might be closer to £2,800 / $5,300), but it was never going to be the cheapest release from Apple given its US pricing.
Later in the year, the technology will receive visionOS 2, which will come with mixed reality updates, space photography versions of its flat snapshots, and a new train travel mode.
4. Demo of great free AirPods updates for iOS 18
As part of WWDC, Apple announced a quintet of new features coming to select AirPods models with iOS 18. Full disclosure: None of them will blow your mind, but they represent interesting and useful quality of life improvements, although three of them They will only come to AirPods Pro 2 for the moment, while one will also come to AirPods 3 and AirPods Max, and the other should benefit all AirPods.
The most interesting is Voice Isolation, which uses the audio calculation skills that make the AirPods Pro 2's active noise cancellation so effective at eliminating wind and any other loud noise around you while you talk.
The second is improved Siri interactions. If you have AirPods Pro 2, you can respond to Siri silently by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no. Great, right? Next up is Spatial Audio in games, and this particular benefit is coming to the AirPods 3, AirPods Max, original AirPods Pro, and AirPods Pro 2.
Then, there's lower latency connectivity, which Apple says should “significantly reduce audio latency,” so another big upgrade for gamers, and by using AirPods Pro 2 with iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple says you'll get “The best wireless audio latency Apple has ever offered for mobile gaming.”
Finally, better voice quality in games is coming, although it's another one just for the AirPods Pro 2. Basically, they'll soon support 16-bit/48kHz audio, so your voice should sound more natural and people should be able to discern . your sweet tones more clearly.
3. Samsung Galaxy Watch FE revealed
After leak after leak, the Galaxy Watch FE is finally out ahead of its rumored unveiling at Unpacked in a couple of weeks. It looks like the 40mm smartwatch will offer features from recent premium smartwatches, like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, at a much more affordable price.
It looks like a Galaxy Watch 4, but it includes a sapphire crystal display and Samsung's latest wellness tools, including advanced running analysis and a body composition tool that estimates the amount of fat, muscle and bone in your body, and our tests suggest so. It's pretty accurate.
When it launches in a few weeks, it will be priced at $199.99 for the Bluetooth-only model and $249.99 for the LTE version (around £160/£200 and $300/AU$380 respectively).
2. Fitbit fans mourned the loss of another popular feature
In what is becoming a familiar story, Fitbit fans had to absorb more bad news this week following the removal of the platform's popular web dashboard feature. The reason for the change? Fitbit (and its owner Google) wants people to exclusively use the smartphone app.
However, that hasn't gone so well, as the web dashboard offers benefits like easier data entry and features like personalized meal plans. While Fitbits still have their charms, this discontinuation means some Fitbit owners are looking to jump ship to rival brands in our guide to the best fitness trackers, including Garmin, Xiaomi and Apple. And we can't blame them entirely.
1. Insta360 Go 3S became the smallest 4K camera in the world
Versatility is the name of the game with Insta360's Go series of small action cameras, and in the new Go 3S, many fans got what they wanted most: 4K video. It is the latest model in the range and the smallest 4K camera in the world, approximately the size of a pack of gum.
We've reviewed the fully waterproof camera and it's super fun for all ages. It has a convenient magnetic mount and a generous selection of accessories. Simply put, you can take photos from angles that would otherwise be impossible with other cameras: place it underwater, clip it to your clothing, throw it on a magnetic surface – you'll record crisp 4K video of the action.
Pair it with the GoPro-style Action Pod and you get a foldable touchscreen for easy remote control and viewing. Alternatively, you can use the Insta360 app. If you want to have a little fun with a video camera, the Go 3S could now be your best option.
