Latest news with #Solarium
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
We took my 90-year-old grandparents on a cruise. I learned 6 important lessons for traveling with older relatives.
I took a four-night cruise with my 90-year-old grandparents and learned some valuable lessons. Cruising with grandparents on such a massive ship meant slowing down and prioritizing their needs. Finding quiet spaces and utilizing accessibility services improved our trip. Earlier this year, I cruised aboard Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas with my 90-year-old grandparents, parents, and extended family. Our four-night cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida was planned months in advance — long before my grandpa's unexpected health decline last fall. We were thrilled when his oncologist gave him the green light to sail on our cruise, which is likely to be one of our last family vacations together. Although I had traveled with my grandparents many times before, I hadn't cruised with them recently. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I learned valuable lessons about traveling with elderly family members. undefined Find quieter spaces away from crowds. We prioritized quality time together during this cruise, so we always had breakfast and dinner as a family. Cruise-ship buffets are notoriously busy, especially during peak hours, so it was often difficult to find a table large enough to accommodate our travel group. Instead, we usually had sit-down meals together. The Park Café in Central Park became our go-to spot, as it was quiet and easy for my grandparents to access. We also spent many afternoons in the adults-only Solarium — a peaceful spot on the top deck with floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning ocean views. Conveniently located next to the elevators, this was the perfect space for our family to relax together while still being comfortable for my grandparents. Take advantage of accessibility-friendly services. Royal Caribbean offers services to help those with mobility concerns, and the ones we used made all the difference during our vacation. First, we utilized accessibility assistance for my grandma during embarkation. As our family was hauling our own luggage onboard, we were relieved to have a crew member push my grandma in a wheelchair up the long, inclined gangway. In addition, Royal Caribbean offers complimentary room service for continental breakfast. My grandpa starts every day with a hot cup of coffee, but he wasn't always wanting to leave his stateroom first thing in the morning. So, we used this service to have a carafe of coffee delivered to his stateroom each day. He loved it, and we liked that it saved his energy and minimized unnecessary walking. Choose a balcony cabin. Utopia of the Seas has many different cabins to book, ranging from low-cost inside staterooms to luxurious suites. Although my husband and I decided to save money by booking an interior cabin, my grandparents and parents got balcony rooms next to each other. This was one of the best decisions we made for my grandparents, who didn't always have the energy to venture far from their cabin. Their private balcony served as a comfortable space for them to enjoy ocean views and fresh air without feeling like they were missing out. Don't be pushy. Cruise ships are jam-packed with activities, restaurants, entertainment, and endless ways to stay busy. However, I quickly learned not to push my grandparents to partake in too many of them. For instance, my grandma normally enjoys cruise-ship entertainment, but she said she was too tired after dinner to stay awake for the nightly shows. Instead of pushing her to join us, we listened. Throughout the cruise, we tried to respect their limits, whether that meant calling it an early night or taking an afternoon break. Although slowing down wasn't always easy, it helped keep the trip enjoyable for everyone. Splurge on special experiences. This was a very special cruise considering my grandpa's health scare, and we wanted to celebrate our precious time together. So, we splurged on specialty dining for two evenings. On each of those nights, we visited an onboard restaurant that was quieter and less crowded than the main dining room. The food was better, too. My grandparents said these dinners were the highlight of the cruise. During one of them, my grandpa even gave a tear-jerking toast to the family that I'll always remember. Even with a few minor hiccups, our cruise together was very special and memorable. If our family learned anything over the last year, it's the importance of savoring time with our loved ones. We definitely traveled at a slower pace and had to navigate new layers of logistics throughout the cruise, but the trip was worth it. A cruise with older relatives may not always be action-packed, but the memories we made were priceless. Read the original article on Business Insider
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Tom's Guide
How to watch the Apple WWDC 2025 keynote live — iOS 26, Apple Intelligence and more
Apple's annual developer conference is right around the corner. To see everything announced at WWDC 2025 you'll want to watch the keynote live stream, which kicks off on June 9 at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT / 6 p.m. BST. This year's big rumor hints at totally redesigned operating systems across all of Apple's product portfolio. From 'Solarium' and the rebranded iOS 26, to a dedicated gaming app and potential hardware surprises, here's how to watch the WWDC 2025 live stream from anywhere. Apple generally hosts the keynote on its website, where the WWDC 2025 livestream will appear as we get closer to the 10 a.m. PT launch time on Monday, June 9. The WWDC 2025 keynote livestream will also be available on the Apple YouTube channel. Right now you'll find a placeholder for the WWDC 2025 keynote livestream, which you can see above. If you own an Apple TV or have a device like the iPhone which features the Apple TV app, you'll also be able to watch the WWDC 2025 keynote from that device. A keynote live stream will be available in the TV app. Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference is an annual get-together for the people that build the software that run on various Apple devices — everything from phones and tablets to watches and laptops. Apple typically uses the event to preview software releases coming out later in the year, so that developers can update existing apps and build new software that takes advantage of the coming features. Typically, past WWDCs have included hardware announcements, and we might see a couple reveals this year. However, this year's edition sounds like it will be focused on a major design overhaul for iOS and a rebranding of every Apple operating system. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. This year's edition of WWDC runs from June 9 to June 13. The event kicks off on Monday, June 9, with a keynote that begins at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET/6 p.m. BST. Typically, WWDC is focused on software, but we might see a new Mac Pro equipped with an M4 chip and updated AirPods at WWDC 2025. That said, we believe this year's focus will be unified software interfaces and version numbers across Apple's operating systems. Solarium: A couple of weeks before WWDC 2025, a huge rumor dropped that Apple is giving all of its software an interface overhaul dubbed 'Solarium.' Allegedly, inspired by the visionOS look and feel, Solarium should bring a new frosted glass look to your iPhone, Mac and other Apple devices. Alongside that, Apple is expected to rebrand its operating systems with year-based versions numbers. Goodbye iOS 19, hello iOS 26. This will be done with other software as well including macOS 26 Tahoe, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS26 and visionOS 26. It'll be the biggest design update for iPhone software since iOS 7 in 2013. Apple Intelligence: Since WWDC 2024, Apple has openly struggled to implement its version of AI, Apple Intelligence. We haven't heard much about AI going into this year's conference, but we expect it to have a presence. Apple will still push Apple Intelligence, even if it's just announcing features that were promised last year, including a revamped Siri or fine-tuning of features that were already released. Reportedly, Apple will announce a developer tool that will make it easier to implement Apple Intelligence in apps, which might help it become more useful. Hardware surprises: While WWDC is focused on developers and software, it's not unheard for new hardware to make an appearance. New hardware that does show up will be aimed at developers, so we expect that if a new Mac is announced, it will most likely be a Mac Pro probably featuring an M4 chip. One surprise might be a new smart home device that was reportedly delayed in March, a new hybrid HomePod Hub. The Home Hub was allegedly pushed back because of Siri problems. But with changes to Apple's AI team, this device could make a surprise appearance, especially since the Home Hub is supposed to run on a custom homeOS — something Apple likely wants to share with developers. Before WWDC 2024, rumors swirled that Apple would announce an updated Apple TV 4K streaming device, but that did not come to pass. Once again, rumors point to a new Apple TV launching in 2025. With a new OS, and a lack of upgrades since 2022, now might be the time. Lastly, we may not see new AirPods during WWDC 2025, but Apple might make existing ones better with five rumored upgrades coming to the AirPods.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Forget iOS 19 — Apple may change the name of its upcoming iPhone software update
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. When Apple opens up its WWDC 2025 developers conference in a couple of weeks, we expect to see an interface overhaul of all the software that controls its phones, computers, tablets and wearables. And it may not just be the look of the software that's changing. Along with aesthetic changes, Apple will reportedly rebrand its many operating systems, in an effort to have consistent names across its lineup. That comes from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who is reporting that Apple wants to switch to year-based names. That means the iPhone software update we were expecting to be called iOS 19 would instead go by iOS 26 — as in 2026. The rest of Apple's software — iPadOS 26, tvOS 26, watchOS 26, macOS 26 and visionOS 26 — would follow the same pattern. The name changes would accompany a more unified approach to the interfaces of Apple's software. Codenamed Solarium, the refresh is expected to introduce more translucent panels and rounded icons, taking its cues from visionOS on Apple's Vision Pro headset. The idea behind the common look is to deliver a more unified experience across different Apple devices. And that same thinking apparently applies to what the software should be called, too. Currently, the various OSes all have different version numbers — iOS 18, macOS 15 and watchOS 12, to name a few. Under the new system, you wouldn't have to remember what version number a particular OS was on — you'd just have to refer to the year. The potential rebrand is reminiscent of a similar move rival Samsung made in 2020 when it change the Galaxy S line to a launch year naming convention with the Galaxy S20 series. The previous year's devices were the Galaxy S10, the 10th generation of Galaxy S phones. The difference here though is that Apple is using the upcoming year, rather than the launch year. Despite its new operating systems likely launching in September around the release of the iPhone 17, they'll be named for 2026, similar to how car companies label the latest iterations of their vehicles which also tend to launch in the fall. Gurman has a good track record of reporting on Apple developments, so we're inclined to believe that this will be the case in a couple of weeks. That said, Apple has declined to comment on the name change, and allegedly the plan is still in the works. We'll know more about Solarium and the rebranded OSes starting June 9 when Apple has set WWDC 2025 to take place. It should be one of the most important WWDCs in over a decade. iPhone 17 Pro Max just shown off in hands-on video — and there's a big design trade-off iPhone's satellite connectivity could be in trouble — here's why Qualcomm-funded study shows that Apple's C1 modem is slower — but there's a catch
Business Insider
4 days ago
- Business Insider
We took my 90-year-old grandparents on a cruise. I learned 6 important lessons for traveling with older relatives.
Book a smaller ship if mobility is a concern. As one of the largest cruise ships in the world, Utopia of the Seas presented mobility challenges for my grandparents. My grandma relies on a walker and my grandpa is still building back his strength. Navigating long hallways, crowded decks, and multi-story venues wasn't always easy for them. As a group, we were limited on where we could go and what activities we could comfortably enjoy together. Because of this, we spent a lot of time in the ship's Central Park neighborhood, which was just steps from my grandparents' cabin. In hindsight, a smaller ship would've been easier for my grandparents to navigate. Find quieter spaces away from crowds. We prioritized quality time together during this cruise, so we always had breakfast and dinner as a family. Cruise-ship buffets are notoriously busy, especially during peak hours, so it was often difficult to find a table large enough to accommodate our travel group. Instead, we usually had sit-down meals together. The Park Café in Central Park became our go-to spot, as it was quiet and easy for my grandparents to access. We also spent many afternoons in the adults-only Solarium — a peaceful spot on the top deck with floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning ocean views. Conveniently located next to the elevators, this was the perfect space for our family to relax together while still being comfortable for my grandparents. Take advantage of accessibility-friendly services. Royal Caribbean offers services to help those with mobility concerns, and the ones we used made all the difference during our vacation. First, we utilized accessibility assistance for my grandma during embarkation. As our family was hauling our own luggage onboard, we were relieved to have a crew member push my grandma in a wheelchair up the long, inclined gangway. In addition, Royal Caribbean offers complimentary room service for continental breakfast. My grandpa starts every day with a hot cup of coffee, but he wasn't always wanting to leave his stateroom first thing in the morning. So, we used this service to have a carafe of coffee delivered to his stateroom each day. He loved it, and we liked that it saved his energy and minimized unnecessary walking. Choose a balcony cabin. Utopia of the Seas has many different cabins to book, ranging from low-cost inside staterooms to luxurious suites. Although my husband and I decided to save money by booking an interior cabin, my grandparents and parents got balcony rooms next to each other. This was one of the best decisions we made for my grandparents, who didn't always have the energy to venture far from their cabin. Don't be pushy. Cruise ships are jam-packed with activities, restaurants, entertainment, and endless ways to stay busy. However, I quickly learned not to push my grandparents to partake in too many of them. For instance, my grandma normally enjoys cruise-ship entertainment, but she said she was too tired after dinner to stay awake for the nightly shows. Instead of pushing her to join us, we listened. Throughout the cruise, we tried to respect their limits, whether that meant calling it an early night or taking an afternoon break. Splurge on special experiences. This was a very special cruise considering my grandpa's health scare, and we wanted to celebrate our precious time together. So, we splurged on specialty dining for two evenings. On each of those nights, we visited an onboard restaurant that was quieter and less crowded than the main dining room. The food was better, too. My grandparents said these dinners were the highlight of the cruise. During one of them, my grandpa even gave a tear-jerking toast to the family that I'll always remember. Even with a few minor hiccups, our cruise together was very special and memorable. If our family learned anything over the last year, it's the importance of savoring time with our loved ones. We definitely traveled at a slower pace and had to navigate new layers of logistics throughout the cruise, but the trip was worth it.
Tom's Guide
29-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
macOS 26 supported devices — these Macs may not make the cut
Apple's macOS Sequoia follow-up is expected to be released late this year alongside iOS 26 (or iOS 19 if the rumored rebrand doesn't take place). The tech giant is reportedly going to overhaul the interface for all of its operating systems under the moniker Solarium, which is inspired by the translucent roundness of visionOS. Unfortunately, not every Mac will receive the refreshed macOS 26, dubbed "Cheer." Apple Insider is reporting that Intel-based Macs won't support the update. These are the specific models that may not get macOS 26: It's not entirely surprising that those models would lose support for this year's version of macOS. They're already the oldest Apple computers that are officially compatible with macOS Sequoia, introduced in 2024. They were likely on the chopping block for official support regardless of Apple's plan to redesign the UI. Meanwhile, these are the devices that we expect should support the Solarium look: Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The macOS 26 labeling has been rumored as a big change from Apple to unify all of its operating systems with a year-based convention. Similar to how car manufacturers name new versions of vehicles, the 26 would refer to 2026, but launch this year. According to Apple Insider, the first developer beta for macOS 26 should come out around WWDC in June with a file size of around 17 GB, about 2 GB larger than Sequoia. They also believe Apple will keep its California naming convention with trademarks already filed for Redwood, Skyline or Diablo as potential options. Apple's software plans will be made public during WWDC 2025, which is set to begin on June 9.
