7 reasons to update iOS class devices (soon)
It’s here at last! Tap and play…
Apple has published key updates for its iOS style devices (iPhone, iPad, HomePod, Watch, etc). Here’s why you need to update your devices soon once the rush is over and the downloads speed up a little.
Classified
The update lets you classify the kind of connected Bluetooth device you are using. Why is this useful? As the number of BT devices you handle grow you’ll be able to find them according to Device Type in the Settings page. You’ll find your headphones faster in long lists of devices.
Smaller
When you open Notes, tap the Camera icon, and photograph a QR code, iOS automatically recognizes it and takes you to where the code wants you to go. The latest update gets much better at recognizing smaller QR icons.
Better
The release does a lot to make the photos you take better, resolving situations in which image artifacts could appear in HDR photos taken with iPhone 12 Pro.
Security
Security is improved with three vulnerabilities Apple warns may have been exploited patched in this release.
Apple Watch
Time to Walk on Fitness+ and the new Black Lives Matter Unity watch face.
Got a HomePod mini?
HomePod 14.4 (at last) brings new features to U1 equipped iPhones with HomePod mini. You get personalized listening suggestions on iPhone when it is next to HomePod mini, you can hand of music between devices, and media controls automatically appear without having to unlock iPhone when it is close to HomePod mini. Here is how it works.
SNAFU’s
Fixed problems include:
- Fitness widget may not display updated Activity data.
- Typing may be delayed between response and appearance. Word suggestions may not appear in the keyboard.
- Keyboard may not yield correct language in Messages.
- Probems with audio stories from the News app in CarPlay.
- Enabling Switch Control in Accessibility may stop you answering phone calls from the Lock Screen.
Totally uncomfortable with this
You now get told when the camera in your iPhone can’t be recognized as a genuine Apple camera in iPhone 12 series devices. I’m not sure I’m convinced this counts as a good thing, given the need to get cheap repairs sometimes.
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