Following the release of iOS 17.2 Beta 4 last week, Apple has now shipped the Release Candidate or RC version to developers and testers. The latest firmware does give a hint of the new features and changes that might make it to the final version. The final stable update would most likely be rolled out to the public as early as this week or next week.
Don't miss this: Everything you should know about iOS 17
The Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (review), both top-tier models in Apple's smartwatch lineup, are equipped with the same high-performance processor. Details about the Apple S9 chip are scarce, as Apple typically keeps such information under wraps. However, a report from Japanese media suggests that the smartwatches' ARM processor is nearly identical to the A16 Bionic chip found in the Apple iPhone 15 (review) and 14 Pro models.
Also read: The Apple Watch Series 9, Watch Ultra 2 & Watch SE in comparison
The idea of hosting video conferencing or calls on your TV was explored by Apple when it debuted tvOS 17. Using an iPad or iPhone, you can use these devices to transform them into a web camera for your Apple TV 4K, albeit being limited to the FaceTime app. Fortunately, there is now an alternative as the popular video conferencing platform Zoom is now supported by Apple TV devices.
Don't miss this: How to enable and use FaceTime on Apple TV in easy steps
Sony has been known for making phenomenal mobile camera sensors. In fact, Apple has used Sony's IMX sensors on iPhones for many generations, and the iPhone 15 lineup (review) sports the latest generation Sony sensors as well. Apart from the iPhone manufacturer, Samsung might just rely on the Japanese brand's expertise for the Galaxy S25 that is set to debut next year. This is a major surprise, moving away from its in-house sensors.
Also read: What are the best camera phones you can buy in 2023?
In less than two months, Samsung is highly expected to announce the Galaxy S24. You do not need to wait for that day to arrive to see what's new, thanks to a series of leaks that continue to pick up steam, confirming many crucial features of the flagship smartphones. New information from these new leaks revealed additional specifications about the trio, including larger thermal systems.
Early next year, Samsung will launch the Galaxy S24. After the flagship trio debuts, fans will also eagerly await the arrival of the mid-range Galaxy A55. Following recently leaked specifications, high-resolution renders of the device have also surfaced, pointing of a welcome change in the design and build.
Don't miss this: The best phones you can buy for less than $600
It appears that Samsung would stick with a measly 8 GB RAM on the Galaxy S24. A reliable tipster suggests the base models of the Galaxy S24, including the premium Galaxy S24 Ultra, won't get any promising memory upgrade, which has stagnated for many years.
Don't miss: Best gaming smartphones to buy in 2023
One of the major new features on the iPhone 15 is the Action Button, which has replaced the mute switch in the Pro models. Basically, the new button offers programmable actions to trigger select shortcuts. It is heavily rumored that the entire iPhone 16 line will feature an Action Button, but now a fresh report speculates this is an upgraded version with added functionality comparable to Apple's Touch ID.
Also read: iOS 17.2 Beta is adding support to change the default notifications sound on iPhones
Black Friday and Cyber Monday and the correspondingly "black week" are over and you can open the first doors of the many Advent Calendars you bought. Before we succumb to the pre-Christmas stress, let's relax on the couch this first weekend of Advent, and take a look at new apps, five of which we have put together for you here.