We all know one person who just can’t use Siri in a calm tone. Is it you?
Everything new coming to iOS 18
Apple.com
I’ve been testing the beta version of Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 18, to give you a preview of what’s to come. The final version drops on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, but I know you like to be tech-ahead and not tech-behind, so here’s a preview of the good stuff.
Apple Intelligence is the showstopper
It’s Apple’s take on artificial intelligence, and if the previews are anything close to reality, it’s going to be cool. The fancy AI features will be gradually rolled out when iOS 18 is released.
These include customized notifications, writing assistants, priority messages, audio summaries, custom emojis, and AI photo creation and editing. Finally, Siri will be truly useful and not a major annoyance.
🎣 The big catch here: Only the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max and 16 models have access to Apple Intelligence.
An Apple fan walks into a bar …
… They order the same drink as yesterday but pay 20% more. I’m hoping that joke isn’t true this fall. In order to get iOS 18, you’ll need to have one of these phones:
- iPhone SE (2nd-gen or later), XR, XS, XS Max, and all models of the 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16
If you have an iPhone X, 8 series or anything older, you’re out of luck. Those phones run iOS 16, which still receives security updates. It’s safe to use; you just won’t get cool new features.
What else is coming?
Bye, snoops: Add Face ID and Touch ID to individual apps, like banking and dating. Sweet.
Control Center revamp: You’ll see more options (like Apple Music and translation) and layout controls. Even better, create multiple Control Center screens. Nerdy but super useful. I’ll do a whole how-to later!
How to get the best Amazon Prime Day deals - and 7 incredible early sales
© Oasisamuel | Dreamstime.com
Prime Day is coming next week — and deals are already starting to trickle in. For those of you ready to shop ’til you drop, Amazon is offering discounts on electronics and accessories from some of the biggest manufacturers in the world.
How I got my cell phone number off the internet
We talk to Darius from Incogni, who tells us how you can remove your personal data from the internet. Plus, a family claims an Amazon driver stole their cat, people are yelling a lot at Siri, and there’s a new sober dating app.
📱 It’s like Siri went to college: The smart assistant now uses ChatGPT on the iPhone 15 Pro or any iPhone 16. If you grant permission, the iOS 18.2 update allows OpenAI’s GPT-4 to step in if Siri can’t help you. No ChatGPT account, free or paid, is needed. It’s kinda weird. I opened an email and it automatically generated a reply that was pretty damn good.
Record your own voice directions
Forget about robotic voices like Siri. You can guide yourself to your destination with your own narration — here’s how.
How Siri and Amazon Echo can help make the perfect turkey
You have enough on your plate this Thanksgiving. Let your smart assistant do some of the dirty work.
Steve Jobs' $175K note, Airbnb host threats & Google Meet AI tools
Plus, can your smart thermostat be controlled by the power company? Dennis from Myrtle Beach wants to know, and I give him the answer. I explore why Siri and Alexa falter with CPR, the best times to buy flights and cruises, and how tech pros use hotel TVs.
Can Siri help you perform CPR?
We rely on voice assistants for a lot of things. But here’s why you should think twice about that, in one minute.
Netflix's heartbreak feature, $200K+ virtual knife & UFO hotspots revealed
Plus, John is seeking a smartphone helper that isn’t Siri or Google — I provide my advice. Fancy riding a motorcycle like the Terminator? BMW’s new smart glasses could make this a reality. Check out six ways to make money with your car and ensure you get the best Starlink coverage.
Get GPS directions from Arnold Schwarzenegger
Tired of hearing Siri give you directions? Here’s the way to make your own GPS voice guide in just one minute.
These words trigger Siri, Alexa and Google Home
Did you know your voice assistant is always listening in? Here’s how you can wake them up on accident, in 60 seconds.
New! Tell Siri to send emojis in your texts
Do you have an iPhone or an iPad? In this one-minute podcast, I’ll share the best new Siri dictation tricks you can use.
Ridiculous funny questions to ask Siri
Want to have some fun with your smart assistant? Listen to this one-minute podcast for the best tricky questions you should ask Siri.
3 great Siri tricks you'll use all the time
Want to make the most of your smartphone? Listen to this one-minute podcast for three of my favorite Siri tricks.
Digital Life Hack: How to make Alexa, Google and Siri understand you better
It’s not just you. Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant really do have a language problem. Here’s how to cross the intercultural communication barrier between robots and humans.
Are 'human' voices next for smart assistants?
Siri, Alexa, Cortana and all the other smart assistants are helpful, but they’re far from human sounding. One tech company is looking to change that with realistic synthetic voices.
Bluetooth speakers for your phone that won't listen in
If you want to listen to music through your phone without headphones, you need a speaker. But what if you don’t want Alexa or Siri listening in through devices like the Echo or Apple HomePod? I have the solution: Bluetooth speakers.
The future of virtual assistants and relationships
Virtual assistants like Alex, Siri, and Google Assistant are always listening so naturally they know if your relationship is on the rocks. In this episode of Consumer Tech Update, Kim looks at the AI behind virtual assistants and how this technology can predict relationships and match people to his or her perfect partner.