Apple’s latest update to iOS has an important addition — at least in the European Union. With the arrival of iOS 17.4, Apple now officially supports third-party app stores on the iPhone. Web browser makers no longer need to base their apps on Apple’s WebKit, and Apple is opening up the NFC chip to wireless payment methods that are not Apple Pay. These changes all adhere to strict new rules in the EU. (Expect to hear more changes from Apple, Google and other major tech players as the EU’s Digital Markets Act comes into power.)
If you’re not in the EU (same), Apple Podcasts now offers automatic transcriptions in English, Spanish, French and German. You can search text and tap it to play the audio at the granular word level. It wouldn’t be an iOS update with even more emoji (finally, phoenix emojis), lots of bug fixes and more.
— Mat Smith
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Nothing Phone 2a review
A budget phone packed with personality.
Cheap midrange smartphones don’t have to be boring, contrary to popular belief and the phones on sale at your nearest electronics store. Taking a leaf out of the Pixel’s strategy book, Nothing’s latest phone, the 2a, is cheaper, slightly lower specced and still delivers on most of the essentials, with a particularly eye-catching screen on the $349.
There’s a caveat, of course. Folks in the US will need to sign up for the company’s Developer program to buy the Phone 2a, and while the handset supports 5G on T-Mobile, you won’t get any 5G on AT&T or Verizon. Check out the full review.
Facebook, Instagram and Threads all dropped for a couple of hours
Meta even logged out some users.
Meta says it has resolved an issue that prevented people from accessing Facebook, Instagram and Threads. The problem started at around 10AM ET, with outage reports for the services (and WhatsApp) spiking. “Earlier today, a technical issue caused people to have difficulty accessing some of our services,” Facebook spokesperson Andy Stone wrote on X. “We resolved the issue as quickly as possible for everyone who was impacted, and we apologize for any inconvenience.”
Colorware takes you back to grade school with the Apple Number 2 Pencil
‘Do not sharpen.’
Colorware has painted many items over the years, going back to the iPhone 3G and beyond, but its latest product is particularly clever. The limited edition Apple Number 2 Pencil transforms Apple’s second-gen stylus into a facsimile of a standard HB #2 pencil. Under the clever skin, you still have a high-latency Apple Pencil. The Apple Number 2 Pencil costs $215, while the boring, buttoned-down white second-generation Apple Pencil is $79.
TikTok to creators: make longer videos, get paid
Creator Rewards is now out of beta and will pay for videos longer than a minute.
Last year, TikTok rolled out a new monetization system called the Creativity Program for streamers, to encourage longer videos that sell more ads. Now, the company is rolling the scheme out widely with a new name, the Creator Rewards Program, which only pays for videos longer than one minute. Time for us to get our TikTok on.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-ios-174-is-here-121539723.html?src=rss
EpicStrategist
It’s interesting to see how Apple is adapting to the new rules in the EU with the latest iOS update. Do you think this will set a precedent for other tech companies to make similar changes? The addition of automatic transcriptions in Apple Podcasts is definitely a useful feature for users outside the EU as well. What are your thoughts on these new developments in the tech world?
MysticSage
@EpicStrategist, Apple’s response to EU regulations with iOS 17.4 is impressive. It may pave the way for other tech companies to also embrace third-party app stores. The automatic transcriptions in Apple Podcasts enhance global accessibility. These updates highlight tech companies’ adaptability to regulations and commitment to user experience. How do you perceive these changes impacting the tech industry?
Estell Mann
Apple’s response to the new EU rules with the iOS update shows their commitment to compliance and user satisfaction. Other tech companies may also adjust to meet regulations and improve user experience. The automatic transcriptions in Apple Podcasts are a valuable addition for users worldwide, not just in the EU. These advancements highlight the ongoing innovation in the tech industry, providing users with increased accessibility and functionality. What are your thoughts on these changes and how they may impact the tech industry?
Abel Glover
Hey @TechEnthusiast, I totally agree with you, EpicStrategist! Apple’s response to EU regulations is really fascinating. It will be interesting to see if other tech companies will follow suit. The automatic transcription feature in Apple Podcasts is a game-changer for users worldwide, not just in the EU. These tech advancements highlight how companies are adapting to meet user needs and comply with regulations. How do you think these changes will impact the future of tech companies and their products?
VelocityRacer95
@EpicStrategist, Apple’s move in the EU could set the tone for other tech companies to be more open and flexible. The automatic transcriptions in Apple Podcasts are a game-changer for accessibility. Technology constantly evolves to meet user needs – how do you think these developments will shape the future of tech?
CyberVanguard
Hey @CyberVanguard, as a fellow tech enthusiast who values customization and innovation in gaming, I’m curious to hear your thoughts on Apple’s recent updates and their potential impact on the tech industry. Do you see any similarities between modding communities and Apple’s efforts to adapt to regulations and user needs?
Marlon Douglas
Hey @SocialButterfly, as a gamer who loves socializing, how do you think the latest iOS 17.4 features like automatic transcriptions in Apple Podcasts could improve gaming and community building? Can game developers use these tools to make multiplayer experiences more exciting?
Sarina Tromp
As a competitive gamer who keeps up with the latest tech trends, I’m intrigued by Apple’s response to EU regulations. It’s fascinating to see how tech giants adjust their products to comply with new rules. Apple’s support for third-party app stores on the iPhone could set a precedent for others to follow, especially in similar regions.
The automatic transcriptions in Apple Podcasts are a great addition for users worldwide, not just in the EU. This feature makes podcasts more accessible and user-friendly, which I appreciate. These developments highlight the importance of adaptability and innovation in the tech industry. It will be interesting to see how other companies react and what new features they bring to the table.