Apple last year introduced Emergency SOS via Satellite with the iPhone 14 lineup, allowing users to call emergency services for help in places where there’s no cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity. Since then, other smartphone makers have been working with Google to bring a similar feature to Android – and Samsung has just confirmed that it will be adding satellite-based capabilities to the Galaxy S24.

It’s been a while since we’ve heard rumors about Apple’s ambitious plans to expand the HomePod lineup. A few days ago, we got a first look at a prototype HomePod with an LCD screen on top. However, Apple wants to go even further, and 9to5Mac has just learned that the company has been experimenting with a modified iPad mini running tvOS for a future HomePod.

Earlier this year, Astropad launched its Magnetic Screen Protector for iPad delivering a paper-like feeling with Apple Pencil. Then the company launched a new product this fall that offers an even more impressive pen-on-paper experience. Here are my thoughts after testing out the Rock Paper Pencil kit that includes Astropad’s new magnetic screen protector along with two ballpoint-style Apple Pencil tips.

Twelve South launched a new mount earlier in the month that looked to solve one of the biggest issues with having a collection of Apple Watch bands – the fact that you have to keep them organized. I’ve been testing out the new TimePorter Wall Mount and really have to hand it to Twelve South for finally making it easy to of Watch bands.

You might have forgotten about it, but Apple unveiled what it described as the “next-generation” of CarPlay way back at WWDC 2022. Since that initial announcement, however, Apple hasn’t said a word about next-gen CarPlay, nor have any of its automaker partners.

Despite the silence, Apple still seems adamant that the first vehicles with next-generation CarPlay will be announced this year…

Apple launched a new iMessage security feature yesterday in beta called Contact Key Verification. We learned the basics of how it works yesterday but now Apple has published technical details of how the next-level iMessage security feature operates – including a unique solution to a problem that other messaging services face.

X (Twitter) has just launched its new lineup of subscription tiers. The $8 per month ‘Premium’ verified tier remains the default standard, but the new Basic tier comes in at $3 per month as a cheaper option.

Basic does not include a verification checkmark, but you get features like longer posts, edit button, themes and custom app icons. Premium+ is the new high-end option coming in at $16 per month, most notably offering ad-free experience in the For You and Following tabs.

Smart lighting is one of the foundational aspects of a smart home. In fact, I would argue it’s likely the most common aspect of almost every smart home. There’s something magical about having lighting turn on and off via your voice, on a schedule, or based on motion. Outside of smart shades, it’s what you’ll see in movies in the richest of mansions as well. Thanks to low-cost items, anyone can have the luxury of smart lightning. The question I often get is which is best for lamps and other types of lightning outside of overheard lights – vs smart outlet adaptors?

Google launched its iPhone 15 competitors this fall with the Pixel 8 lineup. And testing out the power and performance of the flagship models, PhoneBuff is out today with an iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Pixel 8 Pro speed test. Spoiler, even with 50% more RAM and custom silicon, the Pixel 8 Pro finished 40 seconds slower than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Benjamin and Chance are thrilled to see Apple switching it up a bit for this end-of-month video event streaming, for the first time, in the evening. They talk about what they expect to see at the start of the M3 Apple Silicon Mac generation. iOS 17.1 has shipped with some cool new additions to Apple Music, meanwhile Apple is said to be hard at work integrating AI features into all parts of iOS 18. Plus, TV+ price rises and the rumored 2024 roadmap for new AirPods models.

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iOS includes an iMessage security feature called Contact Key Verification (CKV) that gives users more certainty they’re messaging with the people they think they are. Follow along for what this feature is, how it works, and how to turn on Contact Key Verification on for iMessage.