The Morning After: Apple launches its long-awaited Journal app

Apple is now rolling out iOS 17.2 to all compatible devices, as well as iPadOS 17.2 and macOS 14.2 Sonoma. The biggest addition in all those is the introduction, finally, of the long-teased Journal app.

Journal differs from third-party apps like Day One by offering journaling suggestions based on your iPhone activity. That can range from photos taken through to locations reached on maps or even what you’re listening to. Your device might also suggest creating a journal entry after things like workouts or a finished podcast episode. Apple’s hope with the app is to help “iPhone users reflect and practice gratitude through journaling.” So, thank you, Apple, for the iOS update.

— Mat Smith

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The biggest stories you might have missed

The best white elephant gift ideas

Beeper Mini is back, promising iMessage access on Android if you sign in with an Apple ID

How a social engineering hack turned these Facebook pages into a dumping ground for spam

The best fast chargers

Apple tvOS 17.2 has a redesigned TV experience and no iTunes Movies or TV Shows apps

TimeSplitters studio Free Radical Design has shut down

The best iPad for you

How to pick the best from a confusing lineup.

TMA
Engadget

Just in time for that OS update. Between the 10th-generation iPad, the iPad Air and the M2 iPad Pro, Apple sells three tablets with roughly 11-inch screens and broadly similar designs, but there are key differences in internal components and accessory support. We can, though, pick a certain iPad that’s best for most of you.

One warning: Apple will likely introduce new iPads early next year. The company did not release any new tablets in 2023, but Bloomberg reports Apple plans to update its entire lineup throughout 2024.

Continue reading.

The ultra-customizable Arc browser is now available on Windows in beta

Invites have already started going out to Windows users from the waitlist.

Arc, a formerly Mac-only internet browser from The Browser Company, is coming to Windows. In a post on X, the company today announced its first Windows beta invites are already hitting inboxes. Its unique features include the ability to customize (or vandalize) any website. There’s also a sidebar for your bookmarks and tabs. It’s still a work in progress: We know features like Peek (which lets you preview a link before opening it in its own tab) and Little Arc (a lightweight browser window meant for quickly viewing something) are currently being ported across.

Continue reading.

How to get a refund for The Day Before, the game canned in just four days

The studio’s sudden closure remains suspicious.

TMA
The Day Before

The Day Before was a much-hyped (much-delayed) zombie shooter game that launched on Steam on December 7, only to be widely criticized for failing to deliver an MMO (massively multiplayer online) experience as advertised — not to mention the bugs and severe lack of originality. Four days later, Fntastic, the studio behind this controversial title, abruptly announced its closure as the $40 game “has failed financially,” despite having apparently sold over 200,000 copies before refunds. Fortunately, Steam offers a two-week refund window, so long as the game has only been played for less than two hours. Give that a try.

Continue reading.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-apple-launches-its-long-awaited-journal-app-121550393.html?src=rss

The Morning After: Apple launches its long-awaited Journal app

Apple is now rolling out iOS 17.2 to all compatible devices, as well as iPadOS 17.2 and macOS 14.2 Sonoma. The biggest addition in all those is the introduction, finally, of the long-teased Journal app.

Journal differs from third-party apps like Day One by offering journaling suggestions based on your iPhone activity. That can range from photos taken through to locations reached on maps or even what you’re listening to. Your device might also suggest creating a journal entry after things like workouts or a finished podcast episode. Apple’s hope with the app is to help “iPhone users reflect and practice gratitude through journaling.” So, thank you, Apple, for the iOS update.

— Mat Smith

​​You can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!​​

The biggest stories you might have missed

The best white elephant gift ideas

Beeper Mini is back, promising iMessage access on Android if you sign in with an Apple ID

How a social engineering hack turned these Facebook pages into a dumping ground for spam

The best fast chargers

Apple tvOS 17.2 has a redesigned TV experience and no iTunes Movies or TV Shows apps

TimeSplitters studio Free Radical Design has shut down

The best iPad for you

How to pick the best from a confusing lineup.

TMA
Engadget

Just in time for that OS update. Between the 10th-generation iPad, the iPad Air and the M2 iPad Pro, Apple sells three tablets with roughly 11-inch screens and broadly similar designs, but there are key differences in internal components and accessory support. We can, though, pick a certain iPad that’s best for most of you.

One warning: Apple will likely introduce new iPads early next year. The company did not release any new tablets in 2023, but Bloomberg reports Apple plans to update its entire lineup throughout 2024.

Continue reading.

The ultra-customizable Arc browser is now available on Windows in beta

Invites have already started going out to Windows users from the waitlist.

Arc, a formerly Mac-only internet browser from The Browser Company, is coming to Windows. In a post on X, the company today announced its first Windows beta invites are already hitting inboxes. Its unique features include the ability to customize (or vandalize) any website. There’s also a sidebar for your bookmarks and tabs. It’s still a work in progress: We know features like Peek (which lets you preview a link before opening it in its own tab) and Little Arc (a lightweight browser window meant for quickly viewing something) are currently being ported across.

Continue reading.

How to get a refund for The Day Before, the game canned in just four days

The studio’s sudden closure remains suspicious.

TMA
The Day Before

The Day Before was a much-hyped (much-delayed) zombie shooter game that launched on Steam on December 7, only to be widely criticized for failing to deliver an MMO (massively multiplayer online) experience as advertised — not to mention the bugs and severe lack of originality. Four days later, Fntastic, the studio behind this controversial title, abruptly announced its closure as the $40 game “has failed financially,” despite having apparently sold over 200,000 copies before refunds. Fortunately, Steam offers a two-week refund window, so long as the game has only been played for less than two hours. Give that a try.

Continue reading.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-apple-launches-its-long-awaited-journal-app-121550393.html?src=rss

Claude 2.1 writing prompts and techniques for fiction writers

Claude Ai prompt tips and tricks to improve your writing

The release of Claude 2.1 has caused some initial concern among writers, particularly due to difficulties in using established techniques from the previous version, Claude 2.0. Users have reported that Claude 2.1 seems less creative and more restrictive, often providing excuses for not generating the expected content. However, upon further investigation, it appears that the […]

The post Claude 2.1 writing prompts and techniques for fiction writers appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

What’s new in watchOS 10.2 (Video)

watchOS 10.2

Apple released watchOS 10.2 for the Apple Watch, they also released iOS 17.2 for the iPhone, iPadOS 17 for the iPad, and macOS Sonoma 14.2 for the Mac, all of these updates bring a range of new features to Apple devices. Now we get to find out what is included in the watchOS 10.2 software […]

The post What’s new in watchOS 10.2 (Video) appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

BeReal, which still exists, gets tags, private groups and a 2023 recap

BeReal is launching new features for its app, which won Apple’s 2022 iPhone App of the Year. The company tries to differentiate its platform by prompting spontaneous authenticity via randomly timed two-minute windows to take selfies. Now, it’s adding a feature similar to Apple’s Live Photos. In addition, invite-only groups, tags and 2023 recaps are on their way to the “Your friends for real” platform.

Behind the Scenes (BTS) is BeReal’s branding for its Live Photos-esque feature. Like Apple’s version, BTS captures a video for a few seconds before taking a static shot. After posting, your friends can long-press on the shot to see the short video clip. BTS is an opt-in feature, so nobody should be sucked into it unwillingly, and you can toggle it anytime.

Meanwhile, RealGroups are invite-only groups that will be available by the end of the year. In the new communities, group creators can manage the “Time to BeReal” notification (alerting you it’s time to say cheese), offering users a degree of control over the app’s core gimmick for the first time. RealGroups will also support private chat and private BeReals between group members. The company says its Live Photos clone and groups have been the platform’s “most community-requested features.”

Like Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music and various social platforms, BeReal will offer a 2023 recap. It sounds like it doesn’t stray far from the beaten path, with the company pegging it as “a custom experience that users can record and share anywhere they want,” alongside promotional hashtags.

Finally, the app’s new tagging feature lets you cc your friends to ensure they catch your daily selfies. There should be plenty of people to choose from, as BeReal says its platform now has over 25 million daily active users.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/bereal-which-still-exists-gets-tags-private-groups-and-a-2023-recap-120041785.html?src=rss

BeReal, which still exists, gets tags, private groups and a 2023 recap

BeReal is launching new features for its app, which won Apple’s 2022 iPhone App of the Year. The company tries to differentiate its platform by prompting spontaneous authenticity via randomly timed two-minute windows to take selfies. Now, it’s adding a feature similar to Apple’s Live Photos. In addition, invite-only groups, tags and 2023 recaps are on their way to the “Your friends for real” platform.

Behind the Scenes (BTS) is BeReal’s branding for its Live Photos-esque feature. Like Apple’s version, BTS captures a video for a few seconds before taking a static shot. After posting, your friends can long-press on the shot to see the short video clip. BTS is an opt-in feature, so nobody should be sucked into it unwillingly, and you can toggle it anytime.

Meanwhile, RealGroups are invite-only groups. In the new communities, group creators can manage the “Time to BeReal” notification (alerting you it’s time to say cheese), offering users a degree of control over the app’s core gimmick for the first time. RealGroups will also support private chat and private BeReals between group members. The company says its Live Photos clone and groups have been the platform’s “most community-requested features.”

Like Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music and various social platforms, BeReal will offer a 2023 recap. It sounds like it doesn’t stray far from the beaten path, with the company pegging it as “a custom experience that users can record and share anywhere they want,” alongside promotional hashtags.

Finally, the app’s new tagging feature lets you cc your friends to ensure they catch your daily selfies. There should be plenty of people to choose from, as BeReal says its platform now has over 25 million daily active users.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/bereal-which-still-exists-gets-tags-private-groups-and-a-2023-recap-120041785.html?src=rss

ErgoRead innovative reading light with warmer, fan, speaker and microphone

ErgoRead reading light

If you are searching for an innovative multifunctional reading light you might be interested in the ErgoRead. Relax while you read using the heated function. ErgoRead is not just a reading light, but a comprehensive gadget that offers heating and cooling features, Bluetooth connectivity, and a high-capacity battery. This all-in-one device is designed to enhance […]

The post ErgoRead innovative reading light with warmer, fan, speaker and microphone appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

VersaTool EDC multitool complete with bit storage

VersaTool EDC multitool

The VersaTool series is a new addition to the market of everyday carry (EDC) multitools and is available in both 29-in-1 and 36-in-1 models. Both of which are equipped with a multitude of driver bits and several other utility features. The multitools have been specifically designed to handle a wide array of tasks, ranging from […]

The post VersaTool EDC multitool complete with bit storage appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

Zyxel WBE660S WiFi 7 Access Point with 10GbE and cloud networking

WiFi 7 Access Point-Zyxel WBE660S

Zyxel Networks has this week launched its first WiFi 7 access point, the WBE660S WiFi 7 BE22000 Triple-Radio NebulaFlex Pro Access Point.  The WBE660S access point is a next-generation WiFi device that features a triple radio BE22000 architecture. This advanced architecture, coupled with a 320 MHz channel, enables the device to deliver speeds that are […]

The post Zyxel WBE660S WiFi 7 Access Point with 10GbE and cloud networking appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.

Apple Siri commands to access Health app data and log workouts

Siri Health app data and workout recording

Thanks to new updates released by Apple to its Siri personal assistant users can now easily access Health app data and log workouts using voice commands. With the release of watchOS 10.2, iOS 17.2, and iPadOS 17.2, Siri can now assist users in accessing and logging their Health app data on a range of Apple […]

The post Apple Siri commands to access Health app data and log workouts appeared first on Geeky Gadgets.