Tuesday, 17 September 2024

Apple Details How Apple Watch Accelerometer-Based Sleep Apnea Feature Works

Apple has recently published a clinical validation summary document that provides insight into its innovative approach to detecting sleep apnea using the Apple Watch's built-in accelerometer. This feature, which is part of Apple Watch Series 10 and available on Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 with watchOS 11, has the potential to revolutionize the way we monitor and manage sleep disorders.

The Science Behind the Feature

The Apple Watch uses its triaxial accelerometer signals to track movement, including coarse motion of the body as well as fine movements associated with breathing. An algorithm developed by Apple uses this data to classify breathing disturbances that occur during sleep tracking, which are temporary interruptions in the breathing pattern. This approach is validated by comparing it to traditional methods of identifying disruptions to breathing, such as abdomen belts and airflow meters.

How the Feature Works

The Sleep Apnea Notification Feature consists of two components: a nightly breathing disturbances measurement and a notification sent to the user if the breathing disturbances values are elevated over a 14-day period, indicating signs of potential moderate to severe sleep apnea. It is essential to note that neither component is intended for individuals already diagnosed with sleep apnea, and breathing disturbances are not equivalent to the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI).

Using the Feature

To activate the feature, users must complete a short onboarding process and enable sleep tracking on their Apple Watch. Once active, breathing disturbances values can be viewed in the Health app, providing users with a better understanding of their sleep patterns and the factors that may affect their breathing disturbances levels. The notification feature alerts users who may be at risk of moderate sleep apnea, encouraging them to seek medical attention if necessary.

Conclusion

Apple's accelerometer-based sleep apnea feature is a significant innovation in the field of health monitoring. By leveraging the Apple Watch's built-in accelerometer, users can gain valuable insights into their sleep patterns and potential sleep apnea risks. While this feature is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment, it can serve as a useful tool for individuals to monitor their sleep health and seek medical attention if necessary.

Exclusive: Google Pixel 10 Series Codenames Revealed

Image for representational purpose only

A recent leak has disclosed the codenames for Google's upcoming Pixel 10 series, providing insight into the company's naming conventions for its next-generation devices. According to the leak, the codenames for the Pixel 10 series are as follows:

  • Pixel 10: Frankel
  • Pixel 10 Pro: Blazer
  • Pixel 10 Pro XL: Mustang
  • Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Rango

Additionally, the codename for the Pixel 9a, which is expected to be announced at Google I/O in May, has been confirmed as Tegu.

The leak also suggests that Google will continue to offer a smaller flagship phone option, similar to the Pixel 9 Pro, which has been well-received by consumers. This is in contrast to other manufacturers, such as Apple, which has discontinued its compact flagship phone option, and Sony, which offers a compact phone but with compromised specs.

The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL are notable for being identical in terms of specs, with the only differences being screen size and battery size. It is hoped that the success of these models will encourage Google to continue offering smaller flagship phone options in the future.

The Pixel 10 series is expected to launch in the fall of 2025, with the exception of the Pixel 9a, which will be announced earlier in the year.

Monday, 16 September 2024

iOS 18 Review: A Smart Upgrade with Enhanced Customization and Intelligence

The latest iteration of Apple's mobile operating system, iOS 18, has arrived, bringing with it a plethora of exciting new features that are set to revolutionize the way users interact with their iPhones. While the foundational elements of the update have been released, the headline feature, Apple Intelligence, is still pending and is expected to roll out in a later update.

Customization Options Reach New Heights

One of the most significant updates in iOS 18 is the revamped Control Center, which now offers a high degree of customization. The quick-access settings panel has been overhauled, allowing users to personalize their experience like never before. Controls are now divided into pages, with the ability to add or remove controls, adjust their size, and reorganize them to suit individual preferences. This level of customization is a departure from Apple's traditional approach, and it's a welcome change.

RCS Support and Enhanced Messaging

Another notable addition to iOS 18 is the introduction of RCS (Rich Communication Services) support, which enables seamless messaging between iPhone and Android users. This feature has been a long time coming, and it's a significant improvement over traditional SMS. With RCS, users can enjoy features like typing indicators, read receipts, and tapbacks, making cross-platform messaging a more enjoyable experience.

App Grid Customization and Password Management

iOS 18 also introduces a new app grid that allows users to place icons anywhere on the screen, a feature that feels surprisingly intuitive. Additionally, a new Passwords app provides a centralized location for managing passwords, with the ability to share individual passwords or groups of passwords with others. While this feature is convenient, it's limited to those within the Apple ecosystem.

Transcription in Voice Memos and AI-Powered Features

One feature that's sure to delight journalists and podcasters is the addition of transcription in Voice Memos. This feature is on par with the Pixel Recorder app and provides accurate transcriptions in real-time or after the fact. While AI-powered features are still pending, early previews suggest that Apple Intelligence will offer email summaries, notification digests, and writing tools, with more significant updates to come in later releases.

Conclusion

iOS 18 is off to a good start, with a range of features that enhance customization, messaging, and productivity. While the absence of Apple Intelligence is notable, the updates that have been released so far demonstrate a clear commitment to innovation and user experience. As the full rollout of iOS 18 continues, it will be exciting to see how these features evolve and improve.

Motorola Edge 50 Neo With IP68 Rating, Moto AI Suite Launched in India: Price, Specifications

Image: Motorola

Motorola Edge 50 Neo has been launched in India, boasting features such as a 50-megapixel Sony LYTIA-700C camera sensor, a 3X telephoto camera, MIL-STD-810 Military Grade certification, and Moto AI – the company's artificial intelligence (AI) suite. It also gets IP68 certification against dust and water ingress and 5 years of assured operating system (OS) upgrades.

Moto Edge 50 Neo Price in India

Moto Edge 50 Neo price in India starts at Rs. 23,999. However, the company says this is a “festive special price”. It is available in a single 8GB RAM + 256GB storage configuration. The handset will be available for purchase during a Motorola live commerce sale for one hour on September 16 starting at 7 pm on Flipkart. Its open sale will commence on September 24 at 12 pm on the official Motorola India website, Flipkart and other leading retail stores.

Moto Edge 50 Neo Specifications

Moto Edge 50 Neo is equipped with a 6.4 10K flat LTPO pOLED display with a 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and 3,000 nits of brightness. It can dynamically adjust the refresh rate between 10Hz and 120Hz, depending on the content being viewed on the screen. The Moto Edge 50 Neo is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC, paired with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage. It comes with a RAM Boost feature that adds another 8GB of RAM virtually, optimised by AI. The smartphone runs on Android 14 and is promised to get five years of OS and security updates.

For optics, the Moto Edge 50 Neo sports a rear triple camera setup comprising a 50-megapixel Sony LYTIA-700C camera with optical image stabilisation, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. On the front, it gets a 32-megapixel camera for selfies.

The handset also comes with moto AI-powered camera centric features such as moto ai processing, style sync, adaptive stabilisation, and 30x super zoom. Additional AI features, courtesy of Google Photos, include Auto Enhance, Tilt-shift Mode, Auto Smile Capture, Auto Night Capture, and Advanced Long Exposure Mode.

Here's When iOS 18 Rolls Out Today in Every Time Zone

Apple is set to release iOS 18, the company's biggest software update of the year, sometime today, Monday, September 16. Based on past releases, the update is likely to drop at around 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time/1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. To give iPhone users globally an idea of when iOS 18 should be available as an over-the-air update, we've compiled a list of time zone conversions for several countries.

Time Zone Conversions

  • Australia West: 1:00 a.m. AWST (Tuesday)
  • Australia East: 3:00 a.m. AEST (Tuesday)
  • Austria: 7:00 p.m. CEST
  • Belgium: 7:00 p.m. CEST
  • Canada West: 10:00 a.m. PDT
  • Canada East: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • China: 1:00 a.m. CST (Tuesday)
  • Denmark: 7:00 p.m. CEST
  • Finland: 8:00 p.m. EEST
  • France: 7:00 p.m. CEST
  • Germany: 7:00 p.m. CEST
  • Guernsey: 6:00 p.m. BST
  • Hong Kong: 1:00 a.m. HKT (Tuesday)
  • Ireland: 6:00 p.m. IST
  • Isle of Man: 6:00 p.m. BST
  • Italy: 7:00 p.m. CEST
  • Japan: 2:00 a.m. JST (Tuesday)
  • Jersey: 6:00 p.m. BST
  • Luxembourg: 7:00 p.m. CEST
  • Netherlands: 7:00 p.m. CEST
  • New Zealand: 4:00 a.m. NZST (Tuesday)
  • Norway: 7:00 p.m. CEST
  • Portugal: 7:00 p.m. CEST
  • Russia: 8:00 p.m. MSK
  • Singapore: 1:00 a.m. SGT (Tuesday)
  • South Africa: 7:00 p.m. SAST
  • Spain: 7:00 p.m. CEST
  • Sweden: 7:00 p.m. CEST
  • Switzerland: 7:00 p.m. CEST
  • Taiwan: 1:00 a.m. CST (Tuesday)
  • United Kingdom: 6:00 p.m. BST
  • United States: 10:00 a.m. PDT (West Coast), 1:00 p.m. EDT (East Coast)

Please note that this list is not exhaustive and the exact time for your specific location may vary. Additionally, there could always be a delay in the release of the update as Apple prepares its servers.

Be Prepared to Wait

When iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 become available as an over-the-air update, make sure your device is fully charged before you start the process over Wi-Fi, as it may take some time to complete. To check that the update is available, go to Settings > General > Software Update, and wait a moment for your device to contact Apple's servers. If you're in no rush, you can wait for iOS 18 to be delivered to your iPhone when you next plug it into your computer.

Tips and Precautions

  • Make sure your device is fully charged before updating.
  • Update your device over Wi-Fi to avoid data charges.
  • Be patient, as the update may take some time to complete.
  • If you're in no rush, you can wait for iOS 18 to be delivered to your iPhone when you next plug it into your computer.
  • During the initial rollout of major software updates, Apple users may experience slower download speeds and sluggish performance due to the surge in traffic on Apple's servers.

Galaxy S25 Ultra Review: A Flagship Smartphone that Exceeds Expectations

Image: Samsung The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the latest flagship smartphone from the South Korean tech giant, and it has left a lasting im...