Tag Archives: Handheld & Connected Devices

Apple’s latest OS betas enable iPhone mirroring on Mac

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One of the more compelling features Apple showed off for macOS at Worldwide Developers Conference 2024 earlier this month is the ability to mirror your iPhone to your desktop. Brave souls who don't mind installing developer betas on their devices can now check that out for themselves, as it's available in the latest iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia builds.

The first public betas of both operating systems are expected to arrive in July, but it's unclear whether the feature will be available in those at the outset. Folks in the EU will also have to wait longer to try the feature as Apple is delaying the rollout of iPhone mirroring, Apple Intelligence and SharePlay Screen Sharing. The company has pinned the blame on potential Digital Markets Act compliance concerns and how that "could force us to compromise the integrity of our products in ways that risk user privacy and data security."

Still, if you can't wait to check this out and you have a developer account with Apple, you can install the betas now (bearing in mind the usual risks that come with beta versions of operating systems). If you do, you'll be able to control your iPhone from your Mac while the former remains locked and in StandBy mode. You'll also get notifications from your iOS apps on your desktop.

Naturally, you'll need to be signed into the same Apple Account on both devices for this to work. You'll need to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on too. 

The virtual iPhone will run at 60 fps. It will typically operate in vertical mode unless you launch a game that runs horizontally, in which case it will flip to its side. Mirroring is said to use about the same amount of battery life as physically using your iPhone. If you unlock your handset, the mirroring window on your Mac will close instantly.

Apple has some other iPhone mirroring features planned for the future, such as the ability to drag and drop files and other things between your phone and Mac. This is expected to include support for third-party apps.

Per the iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia developer beta release notes, there are some known issues when it comes to the iPhone mirroring feature. For instance, you may not be able to launch lock screen apps or use Universal Clipboard on your iPhone while it's enabled, but those are bugs Apple will be attempting to iron out. It's also worth noting that it won't be possible (at least at first) to mirror your iPhone while mirroring your mac on Apple Vision Pro.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apples-latest-os-betas-enable-iphone-mirroring-on-mac-133017417.html?src=rss

Apple’s iPhone 15 is up to $120 off at Woot right now

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Woot is selling iPhone 15 models for up to $120 off, with various configuration and color options. This discount makes the 128GB version just $680 and brings the 256GB model down to $800. Those are some good prices for one of Apple’s latest and greatest smartphones.

There are some caveats. This sale is just for the standard iPhone 15, so don’t go looking for Pro or Pro Max versions. These are brand-new smartphones, but they don’t come with official Apple packaging. Instead, you get a “sleek custom black box.” Finally, these handsets aren’t eligible for AppleCare, though they do ship with a one-year vendor warranty.

There’s also the ghost of Christmas future. It’s late June right now and Apple typically unveils new smartphones in September. This means that in a few short months, that iPhone 15 will likely get outshined by the iPhone 16. Still, modern updates tend to be iterative, so you probably won’t be missing that much, outside of Apple Intelligence integration.

On the upside, this is the iPhone 15. It’s one of the best smartphones money can buy. We gave the standard iPhone 13 the award for best budget-friendly smartphone, but the Woot deal brings the two models much closer in price. 

With that in mind, the 15 is a major step up in just about every way. It features a better chip, improved cameras, longer battery life and, at long last, USB-C integration. We called it "the most substantial update to the regular iPhone in years" in our official review. If you want a reliable and powerful smartphone that should keep on ticking for a few years, don’t sleep on this deal.

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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apples-iphone-15-is-up-to-120-off-at-woot-right-now-174040952.html?src=rss

Government workers are being told to immediately update their Pixel phones to patch a serious exploit

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The US government has issued a dire warning to employees with Pixel phones, mandating a security update by July 4, as originally reported by Forbes. This is due to a high-severity firmware vulnerability within the Android operating system that could open up devices to “limited, targeted exploitation.”

There’s already a patch for the zero-day exploit but it requires a visit to the settings app to make sure the device is up to date. Government employees who do not install the security update by July 4 must “discontinue use of the product.” It should go without saying that the rest of us should also heed these warnings, particularly those who connect to enterprise servers.

Google has remained mum as to the actual details of the vulnerability, but government involvement makes it seem a bit more serious than your average exploit. The federal mandate is directed exclusively at Pixel devices, but it looks like the exploit could extend to other Android phones. 

The folks behind GrapheneOS, an operating system based on Android, note that the vulnerability is not exclusive to Pixel phones. The organization says a fix will be part of any update to Android 15, which releases in August, but that it hasn’t been backported. So, if you opt not to update the OS, you likely won’t get the patch. It remains unclear if there are any other options for mitigation. We reached out to Google and will update this post when we know more.

The warning issued by the US government, as described in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, is also stingy with the details. The advisory simply states that “Android Pixel contains an unspecified vulnerability in the firmware that allows for privilege escalation.” GrapheneOS says the exploit fails to wipe the memory when running a firmware-based fastboot mode, which potentially allows nefarious actors to exploit the system “to get previous OS memory.”

To recap, update your Pixel Phone immediately via the settings app, while those with other Android phones should sit tight for now. It’s never wise to mess with these zero-day exploits and the involvement of the US government has certainly heightened the threat level a bit here.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/government-workers-are-being-told-to-immediately-update-their-pixel-phones-to-patch-a-serious-exploit-172155317.html?src=rss

A four-pack of Apple AirTags has dropped to $80

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The Apple AirTag is our pick for the best Bluetooth tracker for iPhone users and there’s some good news if you’ve been waiting for a solid deal before picking up a few of them. A four-pack of AirTags is currently on sale. You can snap up the bundle for $80. That’s a discount of $19 and it’s just $5 or so more than the lowest price we’ve ever seen for the four-pack.

One great thing about AirTags is that they’re integrated into Apple’s ecosystem right off the bat. It works with the Find My app on Apple devices, so you don’t need to download an additional app. Just pair it with your iPhone (a very straightforward process) and you’re good to go.

AirTags can tap into a vast network of connected devices thanks to the large number of iPhones that are out in the wild. So if you misplace an item that has an AirTag attached, all it takes is for someone with an iPhone to be close by and it will pop up in Find My. Also, once you move around 1,200 feet away from an AirTag, you’ll likely receive a left-behind alert, just to make sure you didn’t accidentally leave something behind. (You can turn off these alerts for certain trackers and set up exceptions for them at locations like your home and office.)

If you have an iPhone with an ultra-wide band (UWB) chip — an iPhone 11 or later, but not SE models — it can point you in the right direction of an AirTag with directional arrows and a distance meter when you’re within 25 feet. This is handy if you struggle to hear the chirp of an AirTag (it has the quietest ring of any tracker we’ve tested) or the disc is obscured from view.

The AirTag is fairly rugged thanks to its IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. It has a replaceable battery too, unlike some rival trackers.

On the downside, the audible ring only lasts for seven seconds when you press the play button, so you might miss it. There’s no built-in attachment point, so if you want to put an AirTag on your keys, for instance, you’ll need to buy an accessory.

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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/a-four-pack-of-apple-airtags-has-dropped-to-80-120026531.html?src=rss

The new Apple Pencil Pro is on sale for the first time since launch

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The Apple Pencil Pro is currently on sale for $119 on Amazon, or $10 lower than its original price. While that's not a massive discount, it's the first time the new iPad accessory has gone on sale since it came out in mid-May. If you've been looking to get the model as soon as possible, this is a great chance to at least get it at a lower price than usual. The Apple Pencil Pro comes equipped with a sensor that can recognize squeezes, which can bring up tool palettes, activate shortcuts and do other actions. A haptic engine then delivers tangible feedback to serve as confirmation for each gesture and action you perform. You can also change the orientation of the shaped pen and brush tool by rotating the barrel of the stylus. 

The Apple Pencil lineup can be a bit confusing, seeing as you now have four models to choose from that work with different iPad models. Apple's Pencil Pro works with latest iPads, namely the 11- and 13-inch iPad Air (M2), and the 11- and 13-inch iPad Pro (M4), so it's the one to get if you're also buying one of the company's newest tablets. To note, the new stylus retains the second-gen Pencil's shape and matte finish, though it's a bit lighter. And it still pairs and charges magnetically with compatible iPads. In addition, the new Apple Pencil works with the company's Find My network. If it's not attached to an iPad, and you misplace it, you can simply log into Apple's Find My and track it down.

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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-new-apple-pencil-pro-is-on-sale-for-the-first-time-since-launch-113052630.html?src=rss

Logitech Keys-To-Go 2 review: A super slim travel companion for almost any gadget

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When I’m traveling, a portable mouse is a must. However, I’ve never really felt the same way about keyboards, because most portable options are still too big or are saddled with some major compromises in the name of lightness. But with the Keys-To-Go 2, Logitech has managed to create a super sleek typing accessory that disappears into your bag and can be paired with almost any device you can think of.

Those who like traveling light can always opt for something like an iPad Pro or Surface Pro, which can be paired with their own dedicated detachable keyboards. The issue is that those devices aren’t really much smaller or lighter than an equivalent laptop. But with the Keys-To-Go 2 measuring just 7.8 ounces and a third of an inch at its thickest point, you get a truly pint-sized companion that’s perfect for pairing with smaller devices like an iPad Mini or my personal favorite, a foldable phone.

Obviously, a keyboard this thin doesn’t have a ton of space for fancy switches. But Logitech somehow found enough room for 1.1mm of key travel. When combined with rubber domes beneath the keys, you end up with a typing experience that’s not that far off from what you get on a modern MacBook. Granted, actuation is a bit softer and spongier, but on something this small, it’s understandable.

I also appreciate that despite its size, the Keys-To-Go 2 still features a full row of productivity shortcuts for stuff like volume, brightness, play/pause and even Logitech’s signature emoji key. That last one feels right at home when you're using the keyboard with a phone or tablet. You even get three Easy-Switch keys that allow you to change the keyboard’s Bluetooth connection between up to three devices with a single touch.

The Keys-To-Go 2 features a built-in cover that flips around to give the keyboard a more ergonomic angle while in use.
The Keys-To-Go 2 is available in three colors: lilac (seen here), pale gray and graphite.
Photo by Sam Rutherford

Speaking of connected devices, the Keys-To-Go 2 works with practically any gadget you might want to bring on a trip. It supports Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, iPadOS and even ChromeOS. Plus, there are two different layouts to choose from: a universal arrangement for all OSes (which is what I tested) and one that’s tailored for Apple devices. Finally, there’s a built-in cover that protects the keycaps while on the go, which also flips around 360 degrees to provide a slight angle for improved ergonomics when typing.

However, I wish Logitech had included some kind of onboard kickstand for propping up whatever device the keyboard is connected to. When I had a chance to talk to some of Logitech’s designers, they said they learned from customer surveys that most people who need a kickstand already have one attached to the case of their phone or tablet, which would make putting one on the Keys-To-Go 2 redundant. But as someone who loathes cases and doesn’t want to deal with a ton of addons, I think putting a stand in the keyboard would still be valuable.

One potential issue with the Keys-To-Go 2 is that it's powered by two non-rechargeable coin cell batteries that can only be accessed by removing two Torx screws.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Logitech claims the Keys-To-Go 2 offers up to 36 months of battery life, but real-world numbers will vary greatly depending on how much you use it. That’s because that figure is based on the expectation that you only use the keyboard for two hours a day, which isn’t a lot but makes sense for something that probably isn’t your primary work machine.

The potentially bigger issue is that the Keys-To-Go 2 relies on a pair of disposable coin-cell batteries instead of a rechargeable power pack. Furthermore, to access the batteries, you need to remove two Torx screws, which could be an issue if the keyboard dies while you’re traveling. In a perfect world, the Keys-To-Go 2 would also support charging via USB-C. But given its dimensions, finding room for any port may have been exceedingly difficult.

The Keys-To-Go 2 connects via Bluetooth and can switch between three pair devices with a single key press.
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Now I admit, the Keys-To-Go 2 is a rather niche device. Its replaceable batteries and lack of ports for charging or wired connectivity means it can’t really be your primary workhorse. And its thinness means typing isn’t as comfortable as on a traditional desktop alternative. But at the same time, Logitech’s latest travel accessory excels at being a lightweight travel companion. It’s super thin, super light and has a nifty cover to keep it protected while in transit. It works with multiple devices and OSes, and while relying on coin cells isn’t ideal, its battery life is long enough to make replacing them a relatively infrequent hassle. With two layouts (Apple and universal), multi-device connectivity and a price tag of just $80, the Keys-To-Go 2 feels like it’s hitting a Goldilocks zone for frequent travelers looking for something that’s just right for their next trip.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/logitech-keys-to-go-2-review-a-super-slim-travel-companion-for-almost-any-gadget-070150717.html?src=rss

Apple reportedly has plans for a thinner iPhone, MacBook Pro and Apple Watch

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Just how thin can a Macbook Pro get? We may soon find out. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s mission to make its thinnest product ever won’t stop at the iPad Pro — the company also has plans for a skinnier Macbook Pro, Apple Watch and, as The Information also reported last month, iPhone. According to Gurman, Apple is on the cusp of ushering in “a new class of Apple devices that should be the thinnest and lightest products in their categories across the whole tech industry.” Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also shared his belief that the new Apple Watch Series 10 will get a thinner chassis than its predecessor — plus a larger screen (45mm and 49mm, compared to 41mm and 45mm). 

Adding further fuel to the earlier iPhone rumors, Gurman says he too has been told the slimmed-down iPhone could come as early as 2025 with the introduction of the iPhone 17 line. There’s no timeline yet on the rest of the products named in the report. The upcoming thin iPhone is expected to be pricier than the current iPhone Pro Max, and have a screen sized somewhere between that of the Pro Max and the standard iPhone.

Update, June 17 2024, 5:26AM ET: This article has been updated to include analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's insight on the Apple Watch Series 10. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-reportedly-has-plans-for-a-thinner-iphone-macbook-pro-and-apple-watch-171137550.html?src=rss

The Google Pixel Tablet with charging speaker dock is $130 off right now

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The Google Pixel Tablet with charging speaker dock is $130 off right now via Woot. This is a discount of 26 percent and a record low for the tablet. That's a pretty good deal for a device that’s still under a year old.

It’s worth re-emphasizing that this sale is for the tablet and the charging speaker dock. It’s the latter accessory that was largely responsible for the positive review we gave the tablet last year. The dock lets the tablet double as a smart display. It charges the tablet quickly and provides a sturdy base for touch gestures. The speakers are also much louder than one would expect, given the size. The combination of a useful dashboard, an easy-to-read interface and impressive audio make it one heck of a smart display.

We were a bit cooler on the tablet itself, though it's perfectly serviceable. The nano-ceramic coating and glass-like backing makes it feel more expensive than it actually is and the low weight, at just over one pound, ensures you won’t cramp up while streaming the latest hit TV show. It is, however, slightly heavier than the iPad Air.

There’s also a neat little kickstand-hanger combo that lets you place the tablet just about anywhere. This is useful, for instance, when following a recipe in the kitchen. You can just hang it right on a cabinet knob. The 2,560 x 1,600 LCD panel isn’t as vibrant as a modern OLED, but it gets the job done.

The Pixel Tablet is the first of Google’s tablets to be a Chromecast receiver, so you can control it from your phone. This comes in especially handy when watching streaming apps, though it only works when docked.

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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-google-pixel-tablet-with-charging-speaker-dock-is-130-off-right-now-165101833.html?src=rss

Apple’s MacBook Air M3 hits a new low, plus the rest of the week’s best tech deals

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It might be too late to get a big tech gift to ship in time for Father's Day, but if you're looking to upgrade your own setup, you can still take advantage of a few sales that are still kicking ahead of the weekend. The 13- and 15-inch versions of Apple's latest MacBook Air are each down to all-time lows, for instance, as are both versions of the newest MacBook Pro. Beats' new Solo 4 headphones are $70 off, too, while Solo Stove has a sale on some of our favorite smokeless fire pits. Several other gadgets we recommend are also on sale, including Amazon's Echo Buds, the Backbone One mobile game controller and Lenovo's IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus. Here are the best tech deals from this week that you can still get today.

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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apples-macbook-air-m3-hits-a-new-low-plus-the-rest-of-the-weeks-best-tech-deals-160638174.html?src=rss

How Messages via Satellite will work on iOS 18 and how much it will cost

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Apple is slowly turning the iPhone into a fairly capable satellite communications device. It first rolled out Emergency SOS via Satellite on the iPhone 14 lineup. While you were previously limited to relying on the spacecraft for communications only when dialing emergency services, in iOS 18 this capability will apply to all situations where you're away from cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. I got to check out the updated experience at Apple Park, here's how it will work with iMessage or SMS messages.

When you’ve been disconnected from cellular or Wi-Fi for some time, an alert will appear to say you’ll need to hop on satellite communications to send messages. Tapping this notification brings up the new connection assistant, which contains all your satellite-powered tools, like Find My, roadside assistance and emergency SOS.

You can start a chat from this page or just go to the Messages app, where a prompt will appear in the Dynamic Island to instruct you on how to find an overhead satellite. You can also go to the Satellite option in Settings or in the Control Center to get set up when cellular or Wi-Fi signals aren’t available.

The connection experience here isn’t much different from before — you’ll be told what direction to point your iPhone, as well as suggestions to avoid obstructions. Once you’re linked, an indicator in the dynamic island shows a green check mark and it’ll continue to change colors and shapes if your connection begins to weaken.

To prevent networks getting congested with promotional SMS messages, Apple has made it so the person that’s off grid is the one who can initiate SMS chats over satellite. That is, except for people who are listed as your emergency contacts or your iCloud family members. Their messages will still come through when you’re on a satellite connection. Regardless of whether you’re using iMessage or SMS, you’ll only be able to send texts, emojis or tapback reactions. Compressing these into packages small enough to convey over satellite is already challenging, not to mention images and video.

In my demo on an iPhone that was tweaked so it couldn’t connect to Wi-Fi or cellular, I watched an Apple rep connect to an available satellite via the Dynamic Island’s interface, then send a text to another person. On the sender’s phone, the words “iMessage. Satellite” appeared above the blue bubble, and the same showed up on the recipient’s phone over the gray bubble. Read receipts aren’t supported over satellite, so I only saw the “delivered” and “sent” status labels under the bubbles.

It’s nice to see both SMS and iMessage supported over satellite, even if only the latter is end-to-end encrypted. Apple’s decision to include SMS is thoughtful, and though I’d like RCS to be covered as well, that platform’s messages are too large or complicated to compress effectively. They are, after all, going to satellite infrastructure over 800 miles away from Earth, and targeting spacecraft that are moving at 15,000 miles per hour.

The company still hasn’t shared details on the pricing for satellite connectivity and related features after its free trial is over, but for now, those with an iPhone 14 and newer will be able to use these features for free. Apple’s provision here is a little confusing at the moment, but basically you get two years of free satellite service from the time you purchase your new iPhone, and in November 2023 the company added another year to its free trial. In theory that’s a window of a total of three years, though it might depend on when you bought your iPhone, since Apple didn’t initially offer a two-year period.

iOS 18 is expected to come to iPhones this fall, and we'll undoubtedly find out more about Messages via Satellite before then. We'll update this article with more information as and when we get it.

Catch up here for all the news out of Apple's WWDC 2024.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/how-messages-via-satellite-will-work-on-ios-18-and-how-much-it-will-cost-130020976.html?src=rss