Mobile
iOS 15.1 is now rolling out to iPhone users, what’s new?
SharePlay is the most notable feature of iOS 15.1.
Apple has made iOS 15.1 and iPadOS 15.1 available to the general public today. Following more than a month of beta testing, iOS 15.1 introduces new features such as SharePlay, Camera app updates for iPhone 13 users, and much more.
What’s SharePlay
Support for SharePlay is the most notable feature of iOS 15.1. This feature was supposed to be included in iOS 15’s first release, but Apple postponed it so that it could be further refined. “A new method to share synchronized experiences via FaceTime,” according to Apple.
The Apple TV app, Apple Music, and Fitness+ are all built-in programs that allow SharePlay. Third-party developers can also access the ecosystem, allowing you to use SharePlay in a number of apps, games, streaming services, and other places.
Upgrades to the camera app
Meanwhile, in iOS 15.1 for the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, the Camera app receives a couple of significant upgrades. Support for ProRes video capture, as well as the ability to disable automatic camera switching while taking macro photographs and films, are also included.
Full release notes
Other enhancements with iOS 15.1 include the ability to store your COVID-19 vaccination card in the Wallet application, Home app improvements, Shortcuts updates, and more.
You can update your iPhone by going to the Settings app, choosing General, then choosing Software Update. The full release notes are below.
SharePlay
- SharePlay is a new way to share synchronized experiences in FaceTime with content from the Apple TV app, Apple Music, Fitness+, and other supported App Store apps
- Shared controls give everyone the ability to pause, play, rewind or fast forward
- Smart volume automatically lowers the audio of a movie, TV show or song when your friends speak
- Apple TV supports the option to watch the shared video on your big screen while you continue the FaceTime call on iPhone
- Screen sharing lets everyone on a FaceTime call look at photos, browse the web, or help each other out
Camera
- ProRes video capture using iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max
- Setting to turn off automatic camera switching when taking macro photos and videos on iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max
Apple Wallet
- COVID-19 vaccination card support allows you to add and present verifiable vaccination information from Apple Wallet
Translate
- Mandarin Chinese (Taiwan) support in the Translate app and for system-wide translation
Home
- New automation triggers based on the current reading of a HomeKit-enabled humidity, air quality, or light level sensor
Shortcuts
- New pre-built actions let you overlay text on images or gifs, plus a new collection of games lets you pass the time with Siri
This release also fixes the following issues:
- Photos app may incorrectly report storage is full when importing photos and videos
- Weather app may not show current temperature for My Location, and may display colors of animated backgrounds incorrectly
- Audio playing from an app may pause when locking the screen
- Wallet may unexpectedly quit when using VoiceOver with multiple passes
- Available Wi-Fi networks may not be detected
- Battery algorithms updated on iPhone 12 models to better estimate battery capacity over time
If your smartphone is still running the beta version, you can install the public version of this iOS update over it. Here’s a guide on how to update from an iOS beta to the official release.
Foldables
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4: Here’s what you need to know
Is this the best option if you want a phone that also functions as a small tablet?
The Samsung Galaxy Fold was revolutionary when it was originally introduced in 2019. Even though the overall formula hasn’t altered dramatically three generations later, Samsung has greatly improved it. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the most advanced foldable produced by the firm to date thanks to those years of improvement.
On August 10, 2022, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 was released as part of the summer season of Galaxy Unpacked events. The general sale date was set for August 26 and preorders began that day. At the same event, Samsung also unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Watch 5, and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is simply a more refined version of the company’s already-proven formula. The new Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 SoC upgrades both the processor and cameras. The design has been slightly modified to provide a little bit more screen real estate, better durability, and an all-around more attractive grip. The experience is further enhanced by some new software techniques and new colors.
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 doesn’t significantly change from its predecessors overall. As usual, it seems to be a “regular” smartphone when folded, although a rather thick one. However, if you open it up like a book, a sizable foldable display is revealed. When you need more space, the inner display lets you use it like a tablet, while the outer display lets you use it like a regular smartphone.
There is hardly any competition for Samsung in the foldables market. The competition it does have—from Motorola, Oppo, Xiaomi, and a few other companies—cannot compete with Samsung’s global presence. In North America, you have two options if you want a foldable phone: a Samsung “fold” type phone or a Samsung “flip” style phone.
In light of this, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is currently the greatest foldable smartphone available worldwide. It has many advantages over the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and is more powerful and capable than the Galaxy Z Fold 3 from a year ago. If you want a folding smartphone, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the best one you can get right now.
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 not only has some of the best hardware on the market, but it also boasts the best software commitment of any foldable available. Samsung will send security updates for the Galaxy Z Fold 4 for five years and four Android upgrades, making it a good long-term investment.
Obviously, this phone is pricey. A used or refurbished Galaxy Z Fold 3 could be a better choice if you can’t afford the minimum price of $1,799. A Galaxy Z Flip 4 is another option and starts at $999. However, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is now the best option if you want a phone that also functions as a small tablet.
| Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 | |
|---|---|
| Displays | Exterior: – 1.9-inch Super AMOLED – 512 x 260 – Gorilla Glass Victus Plus Interior: – 6.7-inch Super AMOLED – 120Hz refresh rate – 2,640 x 1,080) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 128, 256, or 512GB UFS 3.1 No expandable storage |
| Power | 3,700mAh battery 25W Super Fast Charging Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 Wireless PowerShare No charger in the box |
| Cameras | Exterior: – 12MP wide, 1.8μm, OIS, Dual Pixel AF, ƒ/1.8 – 12MP ultrawide, 1.12μm, ƒ/2.2Internal: – 10MP, 1.22μm, ƒ/2.4 |
| Audio | Stereo speakers Dolby Atmos support No 3.5mm headphone port |
| SIM | Single nano-SIM tray eSIM support |
| Biometrics | Side-mounted capacitive fingerprint sensor |
| Software | Android 12 One UI 4.1 |
| Dimensions and weight | Folded dimensions: – 84.9 x 71.9 x 17.1mm (measured at hinge)Unfolded dimensions: – 165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9mmWeight: – 187gIPX8 water resistance |
| Colors | Global: Bora Purple, Graphite, Pink Gold, BlueBespoke Edition: – Front/back: Yellow, White, Navy, Khaki, Red – Frame: Silver, Black, Gold |
Deals
Best OPPO deals to check out at 8.8 ShopeePay Festival
Get up to 50% off when you check out select new products from OPPO this 8.8 ShopeePay Festival!
We search Shopee every day to discover the best offers. The online retail giant offers some of the greatest discounts on a huge selection of goods, whether you’re looking for a brand-new home appliance or the latest smartphones to satisfy your tech cravings. Shopee can provide for all of your needs.
Because it offers a variety of smartphones at various price points, OPPO is one of the brands we love this year. In the upcoming 8.8 ShopeePay Festival, enjoy more rewards and get the best value when you score the latest OPPO smartphones on Shopee.
Here are our top 3 choices that we recommend you check out:
The new OPPO A16, which has 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage space, is a good entry-level option that can handle your daily tasks. If you need to shoot photos and upload them right away to your social media sites, the 13MP AI Triple Camera is ideal. The huge 6.5″ HD+ display and large 5000mAh battery are very entertaining for watching your favorite K-drama series. Click here to check out the OPPO A16.
With the Night Plus Filters, 2MP Bokeh Camera, and AI for Beautification available on the OPPO A55, you can capture every moment as vividly as possible. The Helio G35 chipset’s enormous 5000mAh battery and 18W rapid charging capabilities are ideal for your gaming needs. Click here to check out the OPPO A55.
The quad lens and AI-assisted camera on the OPPO A94 make it easy to capture all of life’s moments. The A94 captures the journey of life in vivid, precise clarity, from macro to ultra wide-angle and zoom photos. If you consider yourself a power user, the Helio P95 chipset and 8GB+128GB of storage will more than meet your requirements. It would be a shame not to include support for high-speed 30W VOOC flash charging. Click here to check out the OPPO A94.
Don’t miss any of the awesome deals and promos at the OPPO Official Store in Shopee and enjoy up to 50% off when you check out select new products from OPPO this 8.8 ShopeePay Festival!
Deals
Get up to 56% off on OPPO Gadgets in the 8.8 Mega Flash Sale
From August 8 to 12, grab exciting freebies, vouchers, deals on Shopee and Lazada.
Heads up, shoppers! OPPO will offer incredible discounts with awesome freebies, vouchers, and deals during the OPPO 8.8 Mega Flash Sale on Shopee and Lazada.
From August 8 to 12, visit and shop on OPPO’s Official Stores to enjoy up to 56% off on OPPO gadgets. You can collect a Php 200 off voucher if you reach a minimum spend of Php 9,999 and a Php 400 off for every minimum purchase of Php 14,999.
Don’t miss the chance to use your Php 50 and Php 55 shipping discount vouchers before checking out if you have a minimum spend of Php 500 on Shopee and Lazada, respectively.
For Lazada shoppers, you can also get a Php 50 off voucher for every minimum purchase of Php 500, including a 10% cashback on your orders.
Freebies to watch out for on 8.8
If you plan to shop from 12 pm to 2 pm on August 8, take advantage of free G25 Bluetooth earphones for each smartphone order ID. Later in the day, you also can enjoy a free A8 long speaker if you order the OPPO A55 from 9 pm to 11:59 pm.
A wide array of freebies are also in store for you throughout the sale. That includes a free 32GB SD Card when you order OPPO A16 3GB, a free TG113 Bluetooth speaker for every purchase of OPPO A55, a free Neon Island desk pad for all your OPPO Reno6 Series purchases, and a free A8 long speaker with Neon Island desk pad for every OPPO Reno7 Series orders.
Flash deals, and giveaways on OPPO’s 8.8 TikTok Livestream
There’s more to look forward to on 8.8 when you check out OPPO Philippines on TikTok. Be sure to watch out for limited flash deals and giveaways during OPPO’s 8.8 TikTok Livestream on the following dates: August 7 from 2 pm to 9 pm; August 8 from 11 am to 9 pm; August 9 from 11 am to 7 pm, and August 10 from 11 am to 7 pm.
Bundle deals on Shopee, Lazada
Exciting bundle deals are also available from August 8 to 12, such as OPPO Band and OPPO Enco Buds for Php 1,999; OPPO A55 and OPPO Enco Buds for Php 9,499; OPPO A94 and OPPO Enco Buds for Php 11,999; OPPO Reno5 and OPPO Enco Buds for Php 15,999; and OPPO Reno5 5G and OPPO Enco Buds for Php 19,999.
Mark your calendars now! Don’t miss the chance to enjoy OPPO 8.8 Mega Flash Sale spectacular treats to welcome August on Shopee and Lazada, even on TikTok. Add to the cart and check out your favorite OPPO devices at great deals so you can finally take home the gadgets you have been saving up for!
