News

Public Betas Of iOS 17, iPadOS 17 & watchOS 10 Are Here

Early adopters can use an Apple Beta Software Program account to download the latest updates.

Published

1 year ago

July 13, 2023

public betas of ios 17, ipados 17, and watchos 10 are here

For many tech fans, there’s something exciting about taking new versions of an operating system for a test drive — especially if we get to do it before an official release. For Apple aficionados looking to freshen up their old devices, it’s a great time to join the free Apple Beta Software Program and download a copy of the just-released betas of iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10, and even macOS Sonoma.

The new iOS 17 includes a host of updates, from a fresh new design to practical improvements. Here are a few of the highlights:

Users can customize what people see when called — whether that’s a cute emoji or a photo.
Calls sent to voicemail can be viewed as live transcriptions across the screen.
Video or audio messages can be sent to people who don’t pick up a FaceTime call.
Your voice can be muted and unmuted right from your AirPods.
More accurate autocorrect and sentence predictions will improve text inputs.

Additional features include the ability to automatically check in to let friends know you’ve arrived home safely and a way to locate car charging stations in real-time within Maps routes.

Also Read: Google Launches Arabic Version Of AI Chat Tool Bard

Much like previous updates, iPadOS 17 seems to be playing catch up yet again. The latest version adds custom lock screens, the health app, and interactive widgets. Meanwhile, WatchOS 10 is a more substantial revamp for Apple Watch fans, overhauling major apps and improving several fitness features. For desktop users, MacOS Sonoma brings iOS-style widgets, upgrades the Safari browser with multiple user profiles, and adds polish to video calls.

Official versions of Apple’s various operating symptoms will most likely drop in early Q4 of 2023, but you can sign up for Apple’s Beta Software Program if you want to try the beta versions now.

News

Viasat Satellite Messaging Tech Showcased In Saudi Arabia

The direct-to-device (D2D) demonstration highlighted the technology’s potential to revolutionize remote communication.

Published

3 days ago

November 28, 2024

Nour Nasir

viasat satellite messaging tech showcased in saudi arabia

Satellite communications firm Viasat announced yesterday that it had completed its first demonstration of direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity technology in Saudi Arabia. The live broadcast took place during the “Connecting the World from the Skies” event in Riyadh, organized by Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) alongside the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Attendees witnessed successful satellite-based two-way messaging and SOS alerts sent using commercial Android smartphones and a combination of Viasat’s robust L-band satellite network and the Bullitt over-the-top messaging app. Signals were transmitted using the company’s L-band spacecraft positioned over the Indian Ocean, while the infrastructure for 3GPP NTN services was deployed by Viasat’s partner Skylo.

Sandeep Moorthy, Viasat’s Chief Technical Officer, emphasized the significance of the demonstration, explaining, “By expanding our direct-to-device innovation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we’re showcasing the potential for D2D services in the fast-growing Gulf and Asia-Pacific region. D2D could help reduce barriers to connectivity in regions where terrestrial services are spotty and unavailable to help transform industries and supply chains, enable new opportunities, and to become more efficient, sustainable and safer. We’d like to thank the CST for their support in carrying out this exciting demonstration”.

Also Read: Joby Begins Construction Of Dubai’s First Vertiport For Air Taxis

D2D technology allows devices like smartphones, vehicles, and industrial equipment to connect seamlessly to both satellite and terrestrial networks. Unlike traditional satellite setups, D2D eliminates the need for extra hardware, thanks to emerging global standards that are gaining traction among satellite operators, mobile network providers, and tech manufacturers.

What makes this approach particularly promising is that Viasat uses a licensed, dedicated satellite spectrum to deliver its D2D services. This avoids any interference with existing terrestrial networks, allowing smooth integration with mobile network operators in the future.

The demonstration clearly showed the potential of D2D technology to bridge connectivity gaps in remote regions while opening up opportunities for innovation, improved safety, sustainability, and efficiency.