Kalakshar US

We’re less than a month away from the next Made by Google event, and we may already know what one of the marquee announcements will look like. TikTok user pixo_unpacking (via YTechB) posted videos over the weekend of apparent pre-production samples of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 XL.

The phones in the video have different backs: a glossy finish on the standard Pixel 9’s rear and a matte one on the larger Pixel XL’s. 9to5Google notes that they appear to include rear-panel etchings Google uses for prototypes, although they’re mostly covered in the clips by labels.

Based on the video, the Pixel 9 appears to have two cameras, while the Pixel 9 XL has three. In addition, Google seems to have changed the camera visor into an elongated oval. It appears to be quite the protrusion, as evidenced by the video’s sections showing the two phones together.

Google sent out invites last month to the August 13 event. Although (unsurprisingly) devoid of details, it promised to “showcase the best of Google AI, Android software and the Pixel portfolio of devices.” The event will be at Google’s Mountain View headquarters instead of the typical New York City setting for Pixel launches.

In addition to the Pixel 9 series, we expect a next-generation Pixel Fold, a new Tensor chip and a third-generation Pixel Watch. (And a possible Pixel Buds appearance.) Of course, since this is 2024 and no company can hold an event without an almost comical obsession with AI, we’re practically guaranteed to hear more about new Google AI features — like the rumored Pixie AI assistant. In addition, the phones could include iPhone-like emergency satellite messaging.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/alleged-pixel-9-and-pixel-9-xl-leak-shows-a-redesigned-camera-bar-205144133.html?src=rss 

Apple’s first 2024 public betas have arrived. You can now install early builds of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11 and macOS Sequoia to preview Apple’s software updates before their official arrival this fall. You just need to enroll your Apple ID (soon-to-be Apple Account) in the Apple Beta Software Program to join the pre-release fun.

Although it won’t be available in beta until the fall, Apple’s take on generative AI — Apple Intelligence (get it?) — is the common thread in this year’s updates. Intertwined in each platform’s 2024 software, Apple Intelligence is a blend of on-device and cloud processing, and it includes optional ChatGPT integration. It adds a new superpowered Siri, Safari highlights and summaries, writing tools and much more.

As for what you will see in the first public beta, iOS 18 gives you more control over your Home Screen. You can place apps and widgets on any open spot on your screen and even change app icon colors, personalizing your phone with a unified aesthetic. The Control Center also gets a redesign, with easier access to your most used toggles, including new customizations. In addition, Photos gets its biggest overhaul to date, and Messages includes new formatting and effects.

Meanwhile, iPadOS 18 carries over many of those same changes while adding a native Calculator app for the first time and smart handwriting features.

Much more than a port of the iOS version, the Calculator app includes a new Math Notes feature for the Apple Pencil (or keyboard) that can evaluate expressions, assign variables and plot graphs in real-time: Type an equals sign, and Math Notes solves the problem. In parallel, the Smart Script tool in the Notes app can smooth out your sloppy handwriting (while still looking like your penmanship) as you write, and you can turn recordings into searchable live audio transcriptions.

macOS Sequoia adds iPhone Mirroring, letting you view and control your phone’s screen from your Mac. A new Passwords app pulls your stored credentials out of iCloud Keychain and Safari’s settings and into a standalone app. (That S.O.S. call you hear is from 1Password’s developers.) Window Tiling lets you “magnetically” snap windows into various grid patterns, similar to Microsoft’s Snap tiling feature in Windows 11. Finally, new video call features let you replace your background with built-in images or personal photos.

watchOS 11 lets you pause your daily Activity Rings when you need a break (like when you’re sick, injured or have other disruptions) without losing your streaks. You can also change your goals based on the day of the week and customize which metric the Fitness app shows. A new Vitals app expands on sleep tracking to show you at a glance whether any of your overnight metrics deviate from your norm. And a training load tool gauges how your workout intensity may affect your body over time.

If you’ve never installed an Apple software update with the Apple account you use on your devices, head to the Apple Beta Software Program website to register it. Then, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update on your device, choose the Beta Updates menu, select the Public Beta option and install the update on the Software Update screen.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apples-ios-18-ipados-18-macos-sequoia-and-watchos-11-public-betas-are-ready-to-download-202921608.html?src=rss 

About a month after Apple announced it at WWDC 2024, macOS Sequoia is available to test-drive as a public beta. Although we don’t recommend installing it on your primary Mac, here’s how to get the 2024 version of macOS up and running ahead of its official rollout in the fall.

Compatible Macs

First, you’ll need a recent Mac to run the Sequoia public beta. Apple’s software supports the following models:

MacBook Air (2020 and later)

MacBook Pro (2018 and later)

Mac mini (2018 and later)

iMac (2019 and later)

iMac Pro (2017 and later)

Mac Studio (2022 and later)

Mac Pro (2019 and later)

You’ll notice that list still includes (up to) the last few generations of Intel Macs, so Apple may still be several years away from requiring Apple Silicon for its latest software. However, Apple Intelligence, which isn’t yet included in the beta, will require a Mac with an M-series chip when it’s available.

Back that Mac up

Macs don’t have automatic iCloud system backups like iOS devices, so you’ll want to back up your Mac with Time Machine before installing.

We can’t stress enough how crucial this step is. Some apps and system features you rely on may be buggy or broken in the beta, and downgrading back to macOS Sonoma (the current version) will wipe all your data. A Time Machine backup lets you restore your system to where it was before you began tinkering, so do that before going anywhere near Sequoia.

To back up with Time Machine, plug an external disk into your Mac, navigate to System Settings > Time Machine, add a backup disk and follow the instructions. It may take at least several hours, depending on how much data you’re using (and whether you’ve backed up recently). But it’s worth it for peace of mind.

How to install the macOS Sequoia beta

If you’ve never registered your Apple account for the Apple Beta Software Program, you’ll need to start by heading to Apple’s website in Safari, signing up, and agreeing to the terms.

Afterward, head to System Settings > General > Software Update, and click “i” next to Beta Updates. In the pop-up window, choose “Off,” which brings up a menu. Choose macOS Sequoia Public Beta. Press “done” in the pop-up window, wait for it to check for updates, and follow the prompts in the Software Update screen to install the pre-release software.

macOS Sequoia features

macOS Sequoia adds iPhone Mirroring, which lets you view and control your nearby iPhone from your Mac (as long as you’re logged into the same Apple account). This feature seems handy to check or reply to something while leaving your phone in your pocket or on a charger.

Apple Intelligence won’t be available in betas until the fall. But when it arrives, Macs with M-series chips will get system-wide AI writing tools, including rewriting, proofreading and summarizing text. It also includes (opt-in) ChatGPT integration and a new tool called Image Playground that generates AI images in various styles.

Siri in Sequoia also gets an AI-infused upgrade, which could help the feature fulfill its promise as a truly conversational assistant. (You may have noticed it currently falls well short of that.) Other Sequoia features include a new window arrangement tool, a Passwords app (replacing and enhancing the existing iCloud Keychain and Safari password management) and AI-generated summaries in Safari.

The final version of macOS Sequoia will arrive this fall, either around the same time or soon after Apple launches iOS 18 and new iPhones.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/how-to-install-the-macos-sequoia-public-beta-202948376.html?src=rss