Latest news with #PublicBeta
Digital Trends
3 days ago
- Digital Trends
5 iOS 26 public beta features you need to try right now
Apple has finally opened the gates for the masses to test the next big iPhone software update. The public beta build of iOS 26 has finally been released, and it brings with it a whole bunch of new features and UI changes. The big draw, of course, is the new Liquid Glass design makeover. To put it mildly, it has proved to be a controversial choice, and over the numerous developer updates that Apple has released so far, it has refined the glass-inspired UI design. To date, it remains a topic of hot discussion, but it's here to stay regardless. Recommended Videos With it comes a fresh look for the lock screen, which now features an adaptive clock widget that adjusts its size based on the on-screen content. It can even turn static images into spatial wallpapers that respond to motion. Beyond the big aesthetic overhaul, iOS 26 also brings a whole bunch of new features, but five of them stand out from a functional perspective. Let's dive in: Visual Intelligence for the screen When Apple Intelligence first landed on the iPhone, one of the most notable capabilities in the AI bundle was Visual Intelligence. Essentially, you just need to point the camera at the world around you, and the AI will help you make sense of it. Whether it's pulling information from a poster, identifying plants, or translating text, it can handle it all. Even open-source projects have launched similar apps, some of which run entirely on the iPhone. With iOS 26, Apple has expanded Visual Intelligence to cover whatever appears on your phone's screen. Based on the content that appears on the screen, or the element users choose to highlight, Visual Intelligence will find similar matches on Google Search or on shopping sites. It will also assist with adding events to the calendar or just pulling up more information about it using ChatGPT. A big upgrade for the Phone app Some of the most notable changes in iOS 26 were apparently reserved for the Phone app. Apple combined the Favourites, Recents, and Voicemails sections under a unified dashboard. Another notable addition is the call screening facility, which informs users about the intent of the caller before they pick up. My favorite, however, is the hold assist system. For my reporting duties, I often find myself waiting on extended hold periods while trying to communicate with employees at various agencies, both government and private. The new Hold Assist feature in the Phone app will handle the wait times for you. Once your call is put on hold by the person on the other end, the onboard assistant takes over. When a human returns to attend the call, the Phone app will inform you of their availability so that you can carry forward the conversation without wasting your time. A cleaner camera app Apple received a lot of flak for its Photos app redesign not too long ago. Not all those problems have been addressed with iOS 26, but the entire app has been simplified across two main sections. The Library is where you find all your photos, while the Albums feed is where you get all the custom and preset folders. Of course, it has all been redesigned to match the Liquid Glass theme, which also extends to the camera app. To make things simpler in the camera app, Apple now only shows two options at the bottom, one each for photo and video. Only when you slide across the pill-shaped controls will you get access to other modes such as portrait, panorama, and slo-mo. Each mode now prominently shows the granular options at the top, but you don't have to stretch your fingers all the way up to make adjustments. Every granular control, from exposure and aspect ratio to styles, now conveniently opens in a dashboard at the bottom of the screen. This is particularly helpful while taking photos in portrait orientation. Plus, the consolidated approach just makes it easier to access the desired tools while using the iPhone one-handed. Furthermore, format and resolution options have also been expanded and given their own unique place in the camera viewfinder, which means you no longer have to make a trip to the Settings app each time you need to tweak those presets. The Messages app is more fun Remember the call screening feature mentioned above for phone calls? Well, Apple is extending that convenience to the Messages app, as well. All the messages from unknown senders are silenced and pushed into a separate folder. On the more functional side of things, it now supports live translations for texts. Apple is also taking cues from other communication platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram. To that end, you can finally set custom backgrounds for chats. These can be created on the fly using the Image Playground system. Moreover, typing Indicators have finally been enabled for group chats. Additionally, you can create polls in the Messages app. Interestingly, Apple Intelligence will automatically suggest the polling system when it detects that a conversation is going in that direction. Apple Maps is now your travel diary Apple Maps is one of the most underrated apps offered by the company, though it's not without its own share of bad history. With the arrival of iOS 26, the app is getting a new feature called Visited Places. Think of it as a personal log of all the notable places you have visited, from monuments to coffee shops. Users can opt for their iPhone to detect their visit to places of importance, and subsequently view these locations in Apple Maps under the 'Visited Places' dashboard. It's a neat way of saving the location details and going back in time for reference information whenever the need arises. Thanks to Apple Intelligence, these places will be detected and logged automatically, and even the preferred route information will be saved. Thankfully, all the data saved in the Visited Places dashboard is end-to-end encrypted, which means not even Apple can access it, let alone any third party.
Geeky Gadgets
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geeky Gadgets
tvOS 26 Public Beta: You Won't Believe These NEW Features!
Apple has unveiled the public beta of tvOS 26, bringing a range of updates designed to enhance the Apple TV experience. This release focuses on improving usability, refining design elements, and expanding entertainment options. Several features are specifically optimized for 4K Apple TV models, ensuring a premium experience for users. Below is a detailed look at the most significant updates and enhancements. The video below from HotshotTek gives us a detailed look at the new features in Apple's tvOS 26 Public Beta. Watch this video on YouTube. Enhanced Multi-User Profiles for Personalized Viewing Managing multiple users on Apple TV has become more intuitive with tvOS 26. The update introduces improved multi-user profile synchronization, allowing seamless switching between profiles. Each user now benefits from a dedicated lock page, making sure that apps, accounts, and settings remain personalized and synchronized. This feature is particularly beneficial for households with diverse viewing habits, as it enables each user to enjoy a tailored experience without interference. By streamlining profile management, Apple has made it easier than ever to cater to individual preferences. Liquid Glass Design: A Modern Interface Upgrade tvOS 26 introduces the Liquid Glass design, a visually striking update exclusive to 4K Apple TV models. This design refresh enhances the interface with polished, modern aesthetics, including revamped first-party app icons and an updated control center. The sleek, reflective visuals align with Apple's broader design philosophy, creating a more immersive and engaging user experience. This update not only improves the look of the interface but also reinforces Apple's commitment to delivering a premium, cohesive design across its ecosystem. Karaoke with the Sing App: A New Entertainment Feature Music enthusiasts can now enjoy karaoke on Apple TV with the introduction of the Sing app, seamlessly integrated with Apple Music. This feature supports iPhone microphones and allows multiple mic connections, making it perfect for group performances. Designed exclusively for 4K Apple TV models, the app ensures high-quality audio and visuals, delivering an engaging and interactive karaoke experience. Whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a solo session, the Sing app adds a fun, dynamic element to your Apple TV. Dynamic Visuals with Cinematic Thumbnails The Apple TV app has been updated with cinematic movie poster thumbnails, offering a more dynamic and visually engaging browsing experience. These thumbnails are paired with a redesigned interface that simplifies content discovery while maintaining a polished and intuitive feel. By enhancing the visual appeal of the browsing experience, Apple has made it easier for users to find and enjoy their favorite content. Expanded Screen Saver Customization Options tvOS 26 introduces greater control over screen savers, allowing users to preview and hide specific aerial screen savers. While no new screen savers have been added, this customization feature enables users to tailor the visual ambiance of their Apple TV to suit their preferences. This update enhances personalization, giving users more flexibility in how they interact with their device. Advanced Audio Output Features Audio settings receive a significant boost in tvOS 26, with persistent AirPlay output configurations making sure that preferred audio settings are retained even after a restart. Additionally, the update supports multiple third-party speaker systems, allowing a more immersive and flexible audio setup. These enhancements cater to users seeking high-quality sound and seamless integration with their existing audio equipment. FaceTime Live Translation for Seamless Communication FaceTime on Apple TV now includes a live translation feature, supporting select languages for real-time translation during video calls. This functionality is particularly useful for multilingual households or international conversations, making communication more accessible and inclusive. By integrating this feature, Apple has expanded the utility of FaceTime, making sure it remains a valuable tool for global connectivity. Refinements to the Apple TV Remote The digital Apple TV remote on iPhone has received usability tweaks in tvOS 26, enhancing navigation and making the remote more intuitive. The 'Find My Remote' feature remains available, providing a convenient solution for locating misplaced remotes. These refinements demonstrate Apple's attention to detail and commitment to improving the overall user experience. Performance and Stability Enhancements The tvOS 26 beta showcases strong performance stability, with minimal bugs reported during testing. While some users have noted occasional issues with the Sing app, the overall experience is smooth and reliable. These improvements reflect Apple's focus on delivering a robust and dependable platform, making sure that users can enjoy their Apple TV without interruptions. Why tvOS 26 Stands Out tvOS 26 introduces a variety of updates that enhance personalization, usability, and entertainment on Apple TV. From improved multi-user profiles to the sleek Liquid Glass design and the addition of the Sing app, this update caters to a wide range of user needs. While certain features, such as the Liquid Glass design and karaoke functionality, are exclusive to 4K Apple TV models, the overall improvements make this release a significant step forward. Whether you're a casual viewer or a tech enthusiast, tvOS 26 offers meaningful enhancements that elevate the Apple TV experience. Check out more relevant guides from our extensive collection on tvOS 26 features that you might find useful. Source & Image Credit: HotshotTek Filed Under: Apple, Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Phone Arena
7 days ago
- Phone Arena
iOS 26 Public Beta hands-on: Liquid Glass is back in the front seat
Apple has just released the iOS 26 Public Beta. It's been a month and a half since Apple's latest software update with a newfound nomenclature broke cover at WWDC'25, giving us a sneak peek at the major design overhaul, spearheaded by the Liquid Glass restyling. We've received four developer betas up until now, with the iOS 26 Public Beta and the latest Developer Beta 4 being pretty much identical in terms of features and changes in comparison with previous beta releases. And changes, there have been plenty. With each developer beta, Apple has experimented with the strength of the Liquid Glass effect, which has so far varied from nearly transparent and lustrous to frosted matte glass. This has clearly shown that two major juxtaposing camps exist: those who simply adore the overexaggerated Liquid Glass effect, and those who call for a more moderate effect that tones down the Liquid Glass and feels more Apple-like. In all honesty, I belong to the latter camp, as I'm averse to major changes in interfaces I'm accustomed to, but judging from the Public Beta/Developer Beta 4, it might be the other team that will be victorious this September when iOS 26 rolls out. Well, if you loved Liquid Glass from the start, then strap in, as it's pretty much back. Gone is the frosted matte glass effect that served as a surprising change we welcomed in Developer Beta 3, substituted for a Liquid Glass look in its purest and most translucent form, mostly similar to Developer Betas 1 or 2. Can't say I'm a fan of it, but judging froom the discourse online, I'm in the minority. Navigation bars, buttons, and other interface elements are now generally less opaque and more translucent, which certainly makes some interface elements a bit less legible than what we saw in Developer Beta 3 and slightly hurts the accessibility of iOS as a whole. But let's not forget that this is what betas are for: to experiment and tune things before an official release. Who knows what future betas will bring to the mix, but I do hope Apple makes up its mind about how intense the Liquid Glass effect should be sooner rather than later. Some of the notable changes between Developer Beta 3 and Public Beta/Developer Beta 4 are detailed below. iOS 26 PB/DB4 iOS 26 DB3 Photos is one of the stock apps that best showcases the changes to iOS 26 's Public Beta. The navigation bar at the bottom appears significantly more translucent in the Public Beta in contrast with the more opaque one in the previous beta release. Here we can notice how the overall legibility drops inversely to the increase in the Liquid Glass effect. iOS 26 PB/DB4 iOS 26 DB3 The same can be observed in Apple Music. Although it looks slightly more interesting, the Liquid Glass navigation bar in the Public Beta is significantly harder to make out in comparison with the cleaner and significantly more legible in the DB3 release. I know for a fact that I'm significantly more inclined to pick DB3 as the better visual choice for iOS 26 , but Apple's software design team clearly has other plans in tow. iOS 26 PB/DB4 iOS 26 DB3 The App Store navigation bar is another example of this effect that objectively hurts the accessibility of iOS 26 . Sure, it looks new and fancy, but I can see it getting old really fast. Good news for me and probably anyone else who is not that infatuated with the translucent appearance of Liquid Glass is that enabling the "Reduce Transparency" option in Accessibility > Display & Text Size gets rid of the Liquid Glass effect and makes all of iOS appear just like Developer Beta 3, with nicely legible navigation buttons, bars, and other interface elements. A great thing about Apple's public betas is that they usually fix many (but not all) of the major bugs and issues that have been introduced by the earlier developer betas. Performance and battery life are also much better as a rule of thumb. That's precisely the case with the iOS 26 Public Beta. It performs much better than iOS 26 DB3 and lacks most of the annoying bugs. However, some notable bugs still exist. Open any of your recorded videos in the Photos app, and the audio will continue playing in a loop even if you flick away the video itself. You can actually simultaneously play up to four audio streams at the same time, which is a serious bug. The only way to fix this currently is to manually play pause on any video you've finished watching, which is not the expected behavior. It's definitely worth it to report whatever bugs you encounter in the Feedback app, it's the only way to get them fixed. Performance- and battery life-wise, the iOS 26 Public Beta is definitely an improvement from previous betas. The UX performance is smoother, and the battery life is slightly better. I didn't notice the iPhone running the software get hot too often, which was sadly the case with earlier builds of iOS 26 . Well, that's the question that in hindsight, I always say "no" to, but I always make the mistake of installing new developer betas as soon as they are available. That's why I'm probably not the person who should be telling you what to do. That said, the iOS 26 Public Beta is decent. Performance and battery life are good, the bugs are annoying but not that major, and the Liquid Glass redesign is, well, an acquired taste, something you should experience yourself. Apple gets a thumbs up for handling the iOS beta season this season, even though the zigzagging between the different levels of Liquid Glass intensity could have been handled a bit more consistently.
Geeky Gadgets
21-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
iOS 26 Beta 4 Drops Today: Everything You Need to Know!
Apple is set to release iOS 26 Developer Beta 4 and the first Public Beta this week, alongside the fourth firmware beta for AirPods. These updates aim to address existing bugs, refine features, and introduce new functionalities. Whether you're a developer testing the latest tools or an early adopter eager to explore new features, this release offers a glimpse into the future of Apple's ecosystem. The video below from iDevcieHelp gives us more details on the new beta. By participating in the beta program, users not only gain early access to these updates but also contribute to the refinement of the final product. This collaborative approach underscores Apple's commitment to delivering a polished and user-friendly experience. Watch this video on YouTube. Key Bug Fixes and Persistent Issues Apple continues to prioritize user experience by addressing several known issues in iOS 26 Beta 4. If you've encountered freezing or unresponsiveness in the AirPods settings menu, this update aims to resolve those frustrations. Similarly, the intermittent disappearance of home screen icons—a recurring issue for many users—has been targeted for improvement. Call-related features, such as call screening and hold assist, have also been underperforming in earlier versions. These tools, designed to enhance phone interactions, are expected to function more reliably after the update. By focusing on these fixes, Apple demonstrates its dedication to providing a smoother and more stable operating system. While these updates address critical issues, some minor bugs may persist. Apple's iterative approach ensures that each beta release builds on the last, gradually refining the system for its official launch. New Features and Enhancements iOS 26 Beta 4 introduces several exciting features, particularly for AirPods users. These enhancements not only improve functionality but also reflect Apple's broader vision of seamless hardware and software integration. Here's what you can look forward to: Live Translation: This innovative feature, compatible with AirPods Pro 2 and the upcoming 4th generation AirPods, enables real-time language translation. Whether you're traveling abroad or collaborating with international teams, this tool can help bridge language barriers effortlessly. This innovative feature, compatible with AirPods Pro 2 and the upcoming 4th generation AirPods, enables real-time language translation. Whether you're traveling abroad or collaborating with international teams, this tool can help bridge language barriers effortlessly. Wi-Fi Sync Assist: Designed to streamline public Wi-Fi logins across your iCloud-connected devices, this feature minimizes the need for manual authentication. It ensures a seamless internet experience, particularly in shared or public networks. Designed to streamline public Wi-Fi logins across your iCloud-connected devices, this feature minimizes the need for manual authentication. It ensures a seamless internet experience, particularly in shared or public networks. Liquid Glass Design Refinements: Apple continues to enhance its signature 'Liquid Glass' design. While specific details remain limited, users can expect additional customization options and visual improvements that elevate the aesthetic appeal of their devices. These features highlight Apple's focus on enhancing both functionality and user experience. By integrating practical tools like live translation and Wi-Fi sync assist, the company is making strides toward a more connected and intuitive ecosystem. What's Coming Next? Looking ahead, Apple is preparing to roll out additional updates as part of its iterative development process. These updates aim to refine the operating system further while introducing new features that enhance usability. Here's a preview of what's on the horizon: New Emojis: Expected to debut in iOS 26.4 next year, these additions will expand your communication options, offering fresh ways to express yourself in messages and social media. Expected to debut in iOS 26.4 next year, these additions will expand your communication options, offering fresh ways to express yourself in messages and social media. UI and System Tweaks: Apple continues to refine the user interface and overall system performance. These adjustments aim to deliver a polished and cohesive experience by the time iOS 26 officially launches. Each beta release allows Apple to gather valuable user feedback, which plays a crucial role in shaping the final product. By participating in the beta program, you can explore these updates early while contributing to their development. Release Timeline Apple has outlined the expected release schedule for this week, giving users a clear timeline for when they can access the latest updates. Here's what to expect: iOS 26 Developer Beta 4: Scheduled for release on July 21. Scheduled for release on July 21. iOS 26 Public Beta 1: Anticipated to arrive on July 22 or 23. Anticipated to arrive on July 22 or 23. AirPods Firmware Beta 4: Set to launch alongside the iOS updates. These updates are part of Apple's broader roadmap leading up to the official iOS 26 launch in mid-September. By addressing bugs, introducing new features, and refining the user experience, Apple is laying the groundwork for a successful release. Looking Ahead The iOS 26 Beta 4 update represents another step forward in Apple's ongoing efforts to enhance its ecosystem. From resolving persistent bugs to introducing innovative features like live translation and Wi-Fi sync assist, this release offers something for every user. Developers gain access to tools that help them optimize their apps, while early adopters can explore the latest advancements in Apple's software and hardware integration. As the official launch of iOS 26 approaches, these beta updates provide valuable insights into Apple's vision for the future. By participating in the beta program, you not only get a sneak peek at upcoming features but also play a role in shaping the final product. Stay tuned for more developments as Apple continues to refine its ecosystem and deliver a seamless user experience. Here are additional guides from our expansive article library that you may find useful on iOS 26 Beta 4. Source & Image Credit: iDeviceHelp Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Geeky Gadgets
19-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
iOS 26 Public Beta 1: DON'T Update Without Reading This!
Apple's iOS 26 Public Beta 1 is set to launch around July 23, 2025, offering early access to the latest features and enhancements of its operating system. While the beta provides a glimpse into upcoming innovations, it also comes with potential challenges that users should consider. The video below from iDeviceHelp explores the release timeline, installation process, potential drawbacks, and the differences between public and developer betas. By understanding these aspects, you can make an informed decision about whether to update or wait for a more polished version. Watch this video on YouTube. Release Timeline and Rollout Strategy Apple employs a phased rollout strategy for iOS 26 to ensure a smoother experience for users. The Developer Beta 4 is expected to arrive earlier in the week, allowing developers to test the software and report any critical bugs. Following this, the Public Beta 1 will be released around June 23, incorporating fixes and improvements based on developer feedback. This staggered approach aims to provide public beta users with a more stable version of the software while still allowing them to experience new features ahead of the official release. Steps to Install iOS 26 Public Beta Installing the iOS 26 Public Beta is a relatively simple process, but preparation is essential to avoid potential issues. Follow these steps to get started: Open your device and navigate to Settings > General > Software Updates > Beta Updates . . Select the public beta option and initiate the download process. Before proceeding, back up your device using iCloud or a computer to safeguard your data in case of unexpected issues. While the installation process is straightforward, remember that beta software can be unpredictable. Be prepared for potential glitches, and ensure you're comfortable with the risks before updating. Downgrading: What to Do If the Beta Isn't for You If you find that the iOS 26 Public Beta doesn't meet your expectations, you can revert to iOS 18, but the process requires careful steps and preparation. Here's how to downgrade: Connect your device to a computer using a USB cable and enter recovery mode. Use iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on macOS) to manually restore your device to iOS 18. Keep in mind that downgrading may result in data loss if you haven't created a recent backup. This process can be time-consuming and highlights the importance of considering whether the beta is right for you before installing it. Battery Performance: What to Expect Battery life is often a concern during beta testing, and iOS 26 is no exception. While recent developer betas have shown some improvements in battery optimization, users may still experience faster battery drain compared to stable releases. If maintaining reliable battery performance is critical for your daily activities, it may be wise to wait for later beta versions or the final release, which are likely to include further refinements. Public Beta vs. Developer Beta: Key Differences The public and developer betas of iOS 26 share the same features and functionality, but there are important distinctions between the two. The developer beta is released earlier and is intended for developers to identify and report bugs. In contrast, the public beta is released later and incorporates fixes for critical issues identified in the developer version. This additional testing phase makes the public beta a more stable and user-friendly option for non-developers who want to explore new features without encountering significant disruptions. Known Issues and Bug Fixes As with any beta software, iOS 26 Public Beta 1 is not without its flaws. While it benefits from bug fixes applied to earlier developer versions, users should still expect some issues. Common challenges may include: Minor glitches affecting system performance, such as occasional freezes or crashes. Compatibility problems with certain third-party apps, which may not yet be optimized for iOS 26. These issues are a normal part of the beta experience and are typically addressed in subsequent updates as Apple gathers feedback from users. Is Updating the Right Choice for You? Deciding whether to install iOS 26 Public Beta 1 depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider the following: If you rely on your device for critical tasks or need consistent performance, it may be better to wait for later beta versions or the final release to avoid potential disruptions. If you're eager to explore the latest features and are comfortable with potential challenges, ensure your device is backed up and proceed with caution. By carefully weighing the pros and cons, you can determine whether the beta aligns with your requirements and expectations. Making the Most of iOS 26 Public Beta The iOS 26 Public Beta 1 offers a unique opportunity to explore Apple's latest software developments ahead of the official release. However, it's important to approach the beta with realistic expectations, understanding both its potential benefits and its limitations. Whether you choose to update now or wait, being informed about the process and potential challenges will help you make the best decision for your device and usage needs. Discover other guides from our vast content that could be of interest on iOS 26 Public Beta. Source & Image Credit: iDeviceHelp Filed Under: Gadgets News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
