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Tech News
The Thunderbird team is building a native iPhone email app from scratch rather than adapting its existing desktop or Android code. Early work focuses on account setup, background sync for reliable connections, and core inbox tools like a formatting toolbar, with the team sharing in-progress screenshots and soliciting user feedback via a research study.
Apple has announced a new Apple TV 4K featuring Siri AI, a conversational version of Siri built on its next-generation Apple Intelligence, along with built-in far-field microphones for hands-free voice control. The device offers faster performance and, when paired with HomePod mini 2 or HomePod (2nd generation) speakers, supports a more immersive surround sound home theater setup. Pre-orders open today, with availability starting November 13.
Apple has introduced the HomeView, its first smart home display, featuring a 7-inch Liquid Retina touchscreen, a 12MP camera, and built-in Siri. The device is available in both wall-mounted and tabletop versions and includes a Home Widget that mirrors the Apple Home app, letting users control thermostats, locks, cameras and scenes directly from the screen.
The Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre is integrating Ultrahuman's Ultra Age metric into its nationwide Sahatna healthcare app, which lets residents consult doctors and view health and genetic records. The feature calculates a biological age by combining sleep, cardiovascular and blood marker data, and works regardless of which wearable device a user owns.
A writer who contributed to The iOS App Icon Book shared a personal archive project: a single graphic compiling screenshots of the macOS Dock's design from early Mac OS X through recent macOS versions. The compilation draws on images sourced from the 512 Pixels site, and the author published a high-resolution version for preservation.
A developer launched Indigene, a web tool posted to Hacker News's Show HN section, which recommends native plant species tailored to a visitor's geographic location. The project appears to be in an early or loading stage, with limited details available beyond its stated purpose of promoting native planting.
Epic Games and Apple filed a joint status update giving conflicting accounts of Apple's progress in turning over internal documents backing its proposed 5%-15% App Store commission structure. Epic alleges Apple is deliberately delaying the process, while Apple denies the claim. The dispute concerns documents Apple is required to produce under the agreement governing ongoing proceedings over its external-link commission rates.
Google has launched the Fitbit Edge, a $179 fitness tracker featuring a 1.34-inch OLED display, built-in GPS, ECG support, week-long battery life, and Fitbit's first user-replaceable battery. The device works with both Android and iPhone through the Google Health app, and also adds an altimeter and a far-field skin temperature sensor borrowed from the Pixel Watch. Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation is planned for later this year.
Apple announced that 'Remnants,' directed by Ti West, will premiere Friday, October 16 as the first horror title in its Apple Immersive 180-degree video format, available exclusively through the Apple TV app on Vision Pro. The film is set inside a location called Woldmere Castle, and Apple released a teaser showing real viewers' reactions to the experience.
Apple has activated its 'get ready for pre-order' feature on the Apple Store Online and app, letting customers select their preferred iPhone Duo color, storage, and carrier before pre-orders open. Shoppers can also set up payment methods, including full payment, Apple Card financing, or the Apple Upgrade program. Official iPhone Duo pre-orders begin Friday, October 16 at 5 a.m. PT/8 a.m. ET.
Developer Max Rovensky released ShyGlass, a Mac menu-bar app that blurs the screen when a user wearing AirPods turns their head past a calibrated angle, using the same head-tracking motion data Apple applies for Spatial Audio. Users set a center position and an adjustable threshold (2° to 30°, default 15°) that triggers the blur effect, which fades away once the head returns to center. A demo video posted last month has drawn over 230,000 views on X.
Apple launched a promotional 'Indie Games Week' on the App Store, highlighting seven independent games that have recently launched or are set to launch soon. The company included a statement from Carson Oliver, Apple's head of App Store Worldwide, praising indie developers for creative risk-taking and unique gameplay.