LightBlog

mercredi 14 septembre 2022

Apple could utilize TSMC’s 3nm technology for its upcoming silicon

Back in 2020, the iPhone maker launched its first Apple silicon Mac. Since then, the company has been slowly retiring Intel processors across the Mac line and introducing upgrades to its own chipsets. The great iPhones and versatile iPads you depend on have been packing Apple silicon for many years now. With each generation, the Cupertino firm attempts to further boost performance while maintaining power efficiency. A report has now revealed that Apple could be the first company in the world to adopt TSMC’s N3E — a 3nm fabrication process. We could see the results of this as early as 2023 when it launches its newest chipsets.

The future of Apple silicon

According to Nikkei, Apple could be moving away from the 5nm family (which includes the 4nm tech) when it releases the A17 Bionic and M3 chips. The Cupertino overlord would reportedly utilize the 3nm technology which is currently unavailable on consumer products.

For those unfamiliar with this tech, the mentioned size in nanometer refers to the width between transistors on a chipset. So the smaller the number is, the more power efficient it becomes, and the more space opens up to add additional transistors. By squeezing more transistors into the same area, the company could produce mightier devices — without needing to increase their sizes. Though, the production costs would increase by around 40% when comparing them to those of the 5nm and 4nm family.

2023 could mark the second year in a row that Apple uses TSMC’s most advanced chipmaking technology for only a part of its iPhone lineup. In 2022, only the premium iPhone 14 Pro range has adopted the latest A16 core processor, which is produced by TSMC’s 4-nm process technologies, the most advanced currently available. The standard iPhone 14 range uses the older A15, which was used in the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro models released in the second half of 2021.

Unsurprisingly, Apple might keep the 3nm A17 Bionic chip as an iPhone 15 Pro exclusive. The company has already started using older processors on regular iPhones. This strategy is allegedly an attempt to further distinguish and boost the sales of Pro models. As a result, we expect this move to become the new norm indefinitely.

What are your thoughts on Apple using older chipsets on regular iPhone models? Let us know in the comments section below.


Source: Nikkei

The post Apple could utilize TSMC’s 3nm technology for its upcoming silicon appeared first on XDA.



from XDA https://ift.tt/JBvj1aw
via IFTTT

These are the best Apple iPhone 14 Plus screen protectors you can buy in 2022

Apple has finally made it possible to buy a plus-sized iPhone for under $1000. The new iPhone 14 Plus comes with a bigger display and a massive battery inside, both of which are expected to make it a popular choice among consumers this year. It does, however, share a lot of similarities with the regular iPhone 14, one of them being the ceramic shield on the front to protect the display. While the ceramic shield is known to protect against cracks, it doesn’t offer the best protection against scratches. That’s why we think it’s important to pick up a screen protector while you’re shopping for the best accessories. Here are some of the best iPhone 14 Plus screen protectors you can buy on the market right now.

    Belkin UltraGlass Screen Protector

    Up to 2X stronger than tempered glass

    The Belkin UltraGlass screen protector for the iPhone 14 Plus is said to be up to 2x stronger than regular tempered glass protectors. It comes with some thoughtful extras including an easy align tray, dust removal stickers, and a cleaning cloth.
    OtterBox TRUSTED GLASS Screen Protector

    Simple and reliable option

    OtterBox is a fairly popular name in the industry when it comes to cases and protectors for smartphones. The company's trusted glass screen protector is a simple yet reliable option for most users.
    Supershieldz tempered glass screen protector

    Comes with installation tray

    The Supershieldz tempered glass screen protector is a solid option for those who want something that's easy to install. It comes with an easy installation tray that lets you align the tempered glass properly.
    Spigen tempered glass scren protector

    9H hardened glass

    The Spigen tempered glass screen protector for the iPhone 14 Plus offers a clean finish and comes with an oleophobic coating to keep smudges and fingerprints at bay.
    Ailun privacy screen protector

    Anti spy privacy glass

    This privacy screen protector will the screen visible to only the person who's directly in front of it. It's perfect for those who are worried about others around them looking at sensitive information on their displays.
    Ferilinso screen protector

    Comes with camera lens protectors

    Ferilinso's package comes with as many as three screen protectors along with a handful of camera lens protectors. You also get a set of full installation tools which include a mounting frame and a cleaning kit.

Well, those are some of the best screen protectors you can buy for the iPhone 14 Plus right now. All of them are solid options to consider but we think the OtterBox trusted glass deserves a special mention for being a simple and reliable option. You can also pick up the Belkin UltraGlass protector directly from the Apple online store or check out something different like the Ferilinso privacy screen which makes the screen only visible when you’re looking at it head-on. This is an ever-evolving list, so we’ll keep an eye on the market and add more listings in the future.

    Apple iPhone 14 Plus
    Apple's new iPhone 14 Plus is the one to get if you want a phone with a bigger display and a long-lasting battery life.

Apple’s new iPhone 14 Plus is bigger and lasts longer than the standard iPhone 14, which is also why it costs more than the regular variants. Even with the best deals, you’re looking at a significant price tag for this particular device. So why not protect it with one of the best screen protectors? In fact, we also recommend picking up one of the best cases for it to get all-around protection from accidental drops and bumps.

The post These are the best Apple iPhone 14 Plus screen protectors you can buy in 2022 appeared first on XDA.



from XDA https://ift.tt/DxVZ4ba
via IFTTT

These are the best Apple iPhone 14 Pro cases you can buy in 2022

The iPhone 14 Pro is the star of the show in Apple’s latest smartphone lineup. While the standard iPhone 14 is an incremental upgrade, the Pro model is packed with tons of exciting features and improvements, including the new pill-shaped notch that enables Dynamic Island, Always-On Display, powerful A16 Bionic chip, and improved cameras. Starting at $999, the iPhone 14 Pro is certainly not a cheap phone. Sure, it has durable materials such as a Ceramic Shield front, stainless steel frame, and Gorilla Glass, but an accidental drop on a hard surface can leave your phone’s display or the back scratched or cracked. That’s why it’s best to put a case on your shiny new iPhone 14 Pro as soon as you get it.

Below, we have rounded up the best iPhone 14 Pro cases, so you don’t have to spend time searching the internet for the right one. If you need other accessories, check out our recommendations for the best chargers and cables you can buy for iPhone 14 Pro.

Navigate this article:

Official cases for the iPhone 14 Pro

As always, Apple has released a bunch of first-party cases for the new iPhone 14 Pro. These cases are a bit on the expensive side, but they are made out of high-quality materials, provide the best fit and compatibility, and support MagSafe.

    iPhone 14 Pro Clear Case with MagSafe

    Official clear case

    This official clear case from Apple is thin and lightweight and offers reassuring grip. It's made out of polycarbonate and flexible materials and comes with a scratch-resistant coating applied to its interior and exterior. It also has built-in magnets, allowing you to snap your MagSafe charger or Qi charger without having to remove the case.
    iPhone 14 Pro Leather Case with MagSafe

    Official leather case

    The official leather case is made from specially tanned and finished leather and its exterior feels soft to the touch. It also develops a beautiful patina over time. And just like the clear case, this one also has built-in magnets for MagSafe charging convenience. You can pick from five amazing colors, including Midnight, Umber, Forest Green, Ink, and Orange.
    iPhone 14 Pro Silicone Case with MagSafe

    Official Silicone case

    Featuring silky, soft-touch exterior, this official silicone case feels great in hand and has a microfiber interior for extra protection. It's available in a wide selection of colors, including PRODUCT Red, Storm Blue, Lilac, Sunglow, Midnight, and Chalk Pink.

Clear cases

With clear cases, you can easily show off the true beauty of your iPhone 14 Pro. They are slim, lightweight, and provide good protection against dust, smudges, and scratches.

    i-Blason Ares

    Built-in screen protector

    This clear case from i-Blason features dual-layer design and comes with a built-in screen protector, offering full-body protection.

    Promoted

    Mkeke

    Non Yellowing

    The Mkeke clear case shockproof airbags for added drop protection and raised bezels to prevent camera and screen from picking up surface scratches.
    JJGoo

    Clean and clear

    Show off your iPhone 14 Pro's amazing design with this thin and clear case. Made from anti-yellowing materials, the case will maintain its clean for a long time.

Rugged cases

As the name suggests, rugged cases are made out of tough materials and provide better protection than soft silicone cases. If you have buttery fingers and drop your phone a lot, consider getting a rugged case from the list below.

    Spigen Tough Armor

    Magnet integrated case

    Spigen makes one of the best tough cases and this Tough Armor case for the iPhone 14 Pro is no exception. It has Extreme Protection Tech that dissipates impact shocks and drops more effectively. It's also compatible with MagSafe, letting you wirelessly charge your iPhone without taking the case off.
    Poetic Neo Series

    Military-grade protection

    This rugged case from Poetic offers military-grade drop protection. It's made of impact-absorbing TPE and has a durable PC back with reinforced corners. The case also has raised lips to protect the display and camera bump.
    CaseBorne

    5-layer protection

    This rugged case from CaseBorne has 5-layer construction with MIL-STD 810G certification for best in class protection. Reinforced corners and raised lips protect the screen and camera while the built-in kickstand lets you prop up the iPhone for hands-free video calls and content consumption.

MagSafe cases for the iPhone 14 Pro

These cases come with built-in magnetic rings and are compatible with MagSafe chargers and accessories.

    Spigen Ultra Hybrid MagFit

    Integrated magnets

    The Spigen Ultra Hybrid clear case has integrated magnets that perfectly aligns to the MagSafe charger. The case has a yellow-resistant coating, tactile buttons, and Air Cushion tech for shock absorption.
    TORRAS Magnetic case

    MagSafe compatible

    The TORRAS Magnetic case features a translucent back and a built-in magnetic ring for compatibility with MagSafe chargers and accessories. The case also offers military-grade drop protection and has raised lips to protect the camera and display.
    Caseology Parallax Mag Case

    Two-tone color

    This stylish case from Caseology features Hexa Cube design and integrated magnets for MagSafe compatibility. The case also offers solid protection against drops, falls, bumps, and scratches.

Thin cases

If you don’t like extra bulk, a thin case is your best bet. Thin cases aren’t good at handling drops and falls, but they will keep your phone safe from everyday scratches, fingerprints, and general wear and tear.

    Carbon Fiber TPU

    Carbon Fiber print

    This case has a cool carbon fiber design and matte texture. The raised lips for the display and camera module provide better scratch protection while the oleophobic coating keeps the fingerprints and smudges at bay.
    TORRAS

    Slim and protective

    This ultra-thin case is only 0.03-inch thick and fits the iPhone 14 Pro like a glove. It also has an anti-fingerprint coating and raised lips around the camera lens and display. You can pick it up in Yellow, Black, and Purple colors
    Feaigit

    Translucent back

    A slim case that features a translucent hard back and soft TPU bumper. It also boasts military-grade drop protection and an anti-slip design for secure grip.

Wallet cases

Wallet cases are really versatile. They let you store your ID cards, credit cards, and cash while providing full body protection.

    SUANPOT

    9 card slots

    This wallet case has eight card slots and a cash pocket. It also has RFID blocking tech to keep your credit cards safe. The case comes in a wide selection of colors, including Black, Blue, Red, Purple, and Pink
    SUANPOT Leather wallet case

    Leather wallet case

    Featuring PU leather and soft TPU, this stylish folio case can securely store your ID and credit cards. It’s available in 22 exciting colors.
    Voscu Wallet case

    3 card slots

    This detachable wallet case is made out of high-quality vegan leather and has three slots to store your cards and cash. It's compatible with MagSafe accessories and offers enhanced camera and screen protection.

Kickstand cases

Kickstand cases let you prop up your phone for hands-free entertainment. There are plenty of kickstand cases for the iPhone 14 Pro on the market, but these we think are the best options right now.

    TORRAS

    Metal kickstand

    This case from TORRAS offers miltary-grade drop protection and comes with a built-in metal kickstand, letting you prop up your iPhone 14 Pro in landscape or horizontal mode.
    ESR

    3 stand modes

    This clear case not only protects your phone from drops and scratches, but it also enables a hands-free viewing experience with its built-in freely-adjustble kickstand.
    FACBINY

    A clear case with kickstand

    This clear case comes with an attached kickstand that lets you prop up your iPhone 14 Pro at different angles for FaceTime and video watching. The case also has embedded magnets for MagSafe charging.

    Apple iPhone 14 Pro
    The iPhone 14 Pro packs powerful A16 Bionic chipset, a new camera system, and a pill-shaped notch with Dynamic Island.

These are the best iPhone 14 Pro cases on the market right now. We’ll keep updating this list as and when new options become available, so check back. We have also rounded up the best iPhone 14 cases in a separate article, in case you have the smaller phone.

The post These are the best Apple iPhone 14 Pro cases you can buy in 2022 appeared first on XDA.



from XDA https://ift.tt/YHBnVGu
via IFTTT

mardi 13 septembre 2022

Flickr adds a new category supporting virtual photography

While many have chosen Instagram as their home for posting photos, some still rely on the services that are a little more scaled back. Flickr is an image and video hosting service that has been around for nearly two decades. It first launched back in 2004, and while it has changed hands through numerous parent corporations, it still retains a majority of its core values when it comes to the services it offers. Today, the platform is launching something a bit unique, a dedicated category for virtual photography.

According to Flickr, virtual photography is “an emerging art form” that has to do with photos that are taken within a virtual environment. Now, this can be photos actually taken in VR or photos that were taken in a video game. Previously, Flickr offered users three different categories to choose from when uploading photos: illustration/art, photos, and screenshots. But to embrace this new form of virtual photography, Flickr is adding a new category to its platform called virtual photography. It states that while there is a “screenshots” category already on the platform, it “didn’t quite meet the needs of this creative and growing community.”

Now, users on the platform can filter content using the new category to more accurately find what they are looking for. Furthermore, the new category allows users to choose how their art can be best categorized. However, Flicker states that when they created this category, that they envisioned it for “video game photography and content shared by the Second Life community.” The new update will also allow group admins to allow the new category as an “accepted content type.” If you’re interested in the platform and want to try it, but it seems a little confusing, you can get an in-depth walkthrough by Flickr on how to set your content type.

Flickr (Free, Google Play) →


Source: Flickr

The post Flickr adds a new category supporting virtual photography appeared first on XDA.



from XDA https://ift.tt/6FWRtoG
via IFTTT

Apple plans to introduce new ads to the App Store by this holiday season

Apple fans might be riding the high from the iPhone 14 Pro, Apple Watch Series 8, and Apple Watch Ultra announcements. But, there is some bad news for iOS users, as it looks like Apple has solidified its plans to deliver more ads to its users through the App Store.

We first heard about this during the summer, but now it looks like we are getting more details about Apple’s plans, and it looks like it will come by the year’s end. According to CNBC,  Apple has plans to implement new ad placements by the holiday season. The source states that this message was sent to developers, encouraging them to buy ads and join an online session. The new ads will apparently focus on expanding the ad space found in the App Store. Currently, Apple only shows one ad on the App Store search page and one ad on the App Store search results.

 

Apple will most likely give developers more details when the event takes place on September 21, 2022. But it has been reported previously that Apple could look to expand ad placement to the Today tab and also under the suggested app section. Apple spoke with CNBC, stating:

Apple Search Ads provides opportunities for developers of all sizes to grow their business. Like our other advertising offerings, these new ad placements are built upon the same foundation—they will only contain content from apps’ approved App Store product pages, and will adhere to the same rigorous privacy standards.

While Apple certainly generates a lot of revenue from its hardware business, it also makes quite a bit from its services business, reporting $68 billion for 2021. It remains to be seen when and if the new ads will arrive, but Apple is sure to have a very good holiday season regardless, with the release of its newly designed iPhone 14 Pro and also its Apple Watch Ultra.


Source: Eric Seufert (Twitter), CNBC

The post Apple plans to introduce new ads to the App Store by this holiday season appeared first on XDA.



from XDA https://ift.tt/HdAwcza
via IFTTT

Here are the new emoji that could be coming to your phone with Unicode 15.0

The Unicode Consortium has made things official and unveiled to the public Unicode 15.0. Unicode 15.0 will include 20 new emoji that will bring the total to 4,489 characters. There is quite a difference from last year when Unicode 14.0 had a total number of 3,633 characters.

Out of the 20 new emoji, the one that was apparently most requested by users was the plain pink heart. In addition to the pink heart, the new release includes new musical instruments like the maracas and the flute. Those that want to add a little more spice to their expressions will be able to deliver the shaking face emoji or maybe the rightward or leftward pushing hands. You can see some of the new additions mentioned in the image below.

Unicode 15.0

As far as the full list of new emoji, there is:

  • Shaking Face
  • Light Blue Heart
  • Grey Heart
  • Pink Heart
  • Rightwards Pushing Hand
  • Leftwards Pushing Hand
  • Moose
  • Donkey
  • Wing
  • Goose
  • Jellyfish
  • Ginger
  • Hyacinth
  • Pea Pod
  • Folding Hand Fan
  • Hair Pick
  • Maracas
  • Flute
  • Khanda
  • Wireless

In addition to the 20 new emoji, there are also an additional 11 emoji added that are sequences. Ten of these will be dedicated to skin tones for the Rightwards Pushing Hand and Leftwards Pushing Hand, while another will be for a “zero-width joiner (ZWJ) sequence” that will allow the combination of two emoji to form one, which is for the new “Black Bird” emoji. Now, this doesn’t automatically mean that we will see these characters appear on our emoji keyboards. Emojipedia explains that Unicode 15.0 and Emoji 15.0 are different, with the latter including “sequences where two or more code points can be combined to display a single emoji, while the former only includes the list of standalone emoji codepoints.” For example, the release of Emoji 12.1 and 13.1 only included sequences despite the former and latter released in Unicode adding more. So, seeing the new emoji in Unicode 15.0, what’s your favorite one?


Source: Emojipedia

The post Here are the new emoji that could be coming to your phone with Unicode 15.0 appeared first on XDA.



from XDA https://ift.tt/K5QpjM2
via IFTTT

These are the best Apple Watch options to buy in 2022

If you have bought one of the great iPhones, there’s no better smartwatch than the Apple Watch. Other manufacturers simply can’t offer the same level of deep integration that the Cupertino firm provides. Even outside of the Apple Watch, decent smartwatch options are very limited, and Apple arguably occupies the top spot for wearables. But which of the available models is best for you? Now that’ll require some explaining.

Navigate this guide:

Best for Most Users: Apple Watch Series 8

Right now, the Apple Watch Series 8 is the best model available for most users. It offers all of the latest consumer technologies while missing out on some Ultra exclusives — which mostly extreme athletes would need. When compared to the Series 7, this model doesn’t introduce plenty of exciting additions. Most notably, it now has a body temperature monitor and supports the car crash detection feature. This watch retains the same screen sizes as its predecessor — 41mm and 45mm. Speaking of the screen, it also supports the Always-On Display (AOD) feature, allowing users to glance at relevant information, even when their wrists are down.

Another highlight of the smartwatch is its durability. The smartwatch has a thick and strong front crystal, IP6X certification for dust resistance, and swim-proof WR50 water resistance. All the health and fitness features you expect — heart-rate tracking and blood oxygen monitoring to activity tracking across workouts — are also available in the smartwatch. That’s not to mention the new retrospective ovulation estimates.

A lot of what Series 8 can do is possible with the Watch SE 2, which is our limited-budget pick. However, you don’t get an Always-On Display, blood oxygen monitoring support, and ECG hardware. In terms of speed, both watches include the S8 SoC. Though, the Series 8 supports faster charging speeds that remain missing on the SE 2. The $399 Apple Watch Series 8 truly is the best model for most users.

    Apple Watch Series 8
    This model supports all of the features most users expect to see on an Apple Watch. These include AOD, crash detection, ECG, activity tracking and more.

Best for Extreme Athletes: Apple Watch Ultra

The Apple Watch Ultra is a first-gen product, and it’s the best model for extreme athletes. This watch comes with a rugged, titanium build that makes it the most durable model so far. It includes plenty of exclusive features in both the hardware and software departments. These offerings are designed to cater to those who find the Series 8 too lacking and too fragile. So, let’s unpack.

Starting with the hardware, the Apple Watch Ultra includes a customizable Action button. This allows users to access a shortcut of their choice. It additionally includes a Siren that can be heard from around 600ft away. Going diving? This watch can read the water temperature, and it can act as a depth gauge.

The Apple Watch Ultra comes with a flat 49mm screen — rather than a rounded one. It supports up to 2,000 nits of brightness, making it easy to use in sunny, outdoor environments. Similarly, at night, users get to use a dedicated mode to make the text more legible. It really is the best model for those who go on wild journeys.

As you’d expect, this $799 watch also supports the features included in the Series 8. So you get ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, crash detection, etc. As part of its exclusives, users get to choose between three new bands. These bands are designed for different types of sports and offer unique characteristics accordingly.

    Apple Watch Ultra
    The Ultra model craters to extreme athletes who are looking for a rugged Apple Watch and exclusive features that cater to their adventures above and below sea level.

Best for Limited Budgets: Apple Watch SE 2

If you’re on a limited budget but also want to enjoy watchOS, you have a choice. The $249 Apple Watch SE 2 is the best model available for those who don’t want to spend a fortune on a wearable. Released along with the Series 8, this model packs most of the watchOS features you know and love.

For starters, all of the fundamental sensors and offerings are included. So you get to track your activity, use Apple Pay, text/call people, etc. You even get the S8 processor included in the Series 8. The biggest differences between the SE 2 and Series 8 include the screen size options, AOD support, and some additional health-related features.

The Apple Watch SE 2 is available in two sizes — 40mm and 44mm. It has thicker bezels and lacks AOD support — so the screen only lights up when you trigger it. Additionally, this watch misses out on the body temperature monitor, ECG, and blood oxygen monitor. Otherwise, you can take advantage of the car crash and fall detection features. You also get to receive heart-related health alerts and track your sleep.

If you don’t care about the thicker bezels, smaller screen, lack of AOD, and the aforementioned health sensors’ absence, then this watch is the best model to go for. Even if you’re not on a limited budget, if the listed perks aren’t of interest to you, you can safely buy the SE 2 and enjoy most of what this wearable category has to offer.

    Apple Watch SE 2
    The SE 2 model misses out on some inessential features, such as AOD, fast charging, and ECG. It's the perfect model for those on a limited budget.

If you’re unsatisfied with all three options, you could see if the Apple Watch Series 7 better suits your needs. It’s similar to the Series 8, but it lacks some of the recent additions. So you miss out on the body temperature monitor, car crash detection, and more. It currently costs $399 — which matches the Series 8 price tag. So only go for the Series 7 if it’s discounted notably. Otherwise, we wouldn’t consider it a smart purchase.

    Apple Watch Series 7
    The Series 7 costs as much as the Series 8. Only buy it if it's notably discounted and you find the SE 2 too lacking in terms of included offerings.

Hopefully, this has helped you figure out the best watch model for you. Meanwhile, since you’re buying one of these smartwatches, don’t forget to check out our picks for the best Apple Watch bands on the market. Lastly, we’ve recently updated our guide on the best phones you can buy right now — it’s worth exploring.

Which Apple Watch will you buy, and why? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post These are the best Apple Watch options to buy in 2022 appeared first on XDA.



from XDA https://ift.tt/z3s1WHA
via IFTTT