Tag: Apple devices

  • Home Assistant Launches Major App Update with Custom Widgets

    Home Assistant Launches Major App Update with Custom Widgets

    Key Takeaways

    1. Home Assistant app version 2025.3 introduces Custom Widgets for personalized smart home control.
    2. Users can opt-in for beta testing to view device status directly within the custom widgets.
    3. The update includes new streaming features for Assist LLM, providing real-time response generation.
    4. The Assist voice assistant can now continue recording if additional input is needed after the initial response.
    5. There is no confirmed timeline for when these features will be available for Android users.


    Home Assistant has just rolled out a fresh update for its application designed for Apple devices. This app works alongside the open-source smart home automation software. The latest version, 2025.3, brings several notable enhancements, echoing some features from Home Assistant 2025.3. It comes after the 2025.2 update released in February, which introduced options for opening a page in an external browser and a quick switch between servers.

    Custom Widgets for Enhanced Control

    To start with, the Home Assistant app version 2025.3 gives users the ability to create Custom Widgets. You can choose which smart home controls you wish to show and their related options. Additionally, if you opt-in for beta testing, you can experiment with viewing the status of your smart home device directly within the widget. Users can find instructions for setting up a custom widget in the documentation available on the relevant configuration screen.

    New Streaming Features

    Another exciting addition is the support for Assist LLM streamed responses. This feature allows users to see the answer generation happening in real-time, instead of having to wait for the complete response. Furthermore, the Assist voice assistant will now continue recording if the generated response needs more input from the user. It remains uncertain when or if this update will reach Android smartphone users; the last update for this app happened in early January 2025.

    Source:
    Link


  • iOS 18 Compatibility: List of Devices Compatible

    iOS 18 Compatibility: List of Devices Compatible

    Apple devices have gained a reputation for their durability and extensive software compatibility over the years. However, with the upcoming release of iOS 18, some devices will no longer be receiving software support. The list of iPad models and iPhones that will not be eligible for the next iOS upgrade has been disclosed.

    Apple devices to receive iOS 18 update

    According to insights shared by MacRumors, while Apple has been known for its commitment to providing long-term software support, it seems that the software journey for certain devices will soon come to an end. The iPhone XR, released in 2018, stands out as the oldest iPhone model slated to receive the iOS 18 update, showcasing Apple's dedication to delivering an impressive six years of software updates for a smartphone. Here is a breakdown of the iPad and iPhone models that will continue to receive software updates:

    • iPad Pro 2018 and newer
    • iPad Air 2019 and newer
    • iPad mini 2019 and newer
    • iPad 2020 and newer

    Apple iPad

    Unfortunately, iPadOS 18 will not be accessible on tablets equipped with Apple Fusion 10X and Fusion 10 chipsets. This means that the 2017 iPad Pro 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch models will no longer receive new iOS versions. On the iPhone front, the situation is relatively consistent. Below is the list of iPhones expected to receive the iOS 18 update:

    • iPhone SE (2nd generation)
    • iPhone SE (3rd generation)
    • iPhone XR
    • iPhone XS
    • iPhone XS Max
    • iPhone 11
    • iPhone 11 Pro
    • iPhone 11 Pro Max
    • iPhone 12 mini
    • iPhone 12
    • iPhone 12 Pro
    • iPhone 12 Pro Max
    • iPhone 13 mini
    • iPhone 13
    • iPhone 13 Pro
    • iPhone 13 Pro Max
    • iPhone 14
    • iPhone 14 Plus
    • iPhone 14 Pro
    • iPhone 14 Pro Max
    • iPhone 15
    • iPhone 15 Plus
    • iPhone 15 Pro
    • iPhone 15 Pro Max

    Apple is anticipated to unveil iOS 18 at the WWDC event scheduled for June 2024. This update may introduce RCS messaging to iPhones and incorporate various AI features into the operating system.