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Category: World

This section brings you news reports from around the world, covering global events, politics, economy, and more. Stay informed with the latest international updates and developments.

  • WTO, FIFA sign MoU for economic, social development

    WTO, FIFA sign MoU for economic, social development

    The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) agreed to collaborate by exchanging views of their respective activities and preparing common strategies and projects in areas of shared interest.

    Regarding the WTO’s cotton programme, the WTO and FIFA will explore opportunities to enhance the participation of the “Cotton Four” (C4) countries (Burkina Faso, Benin, Chad and Mali) and other LDC cotton producers in global football apparel value chains.

    The two organizations will also work together in the development of publications, including a joint study on the economic impact of football and its role in unlocking global economic growth potential, and will explore options for the development of capacity-building activities that support the use of football as a tool for women’s empowerment, particularly in LDCs.

    READ MORE: WTO tariff heading proposed for sales tax on services

    Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General, said: “I’m really excited at the prospect of collaborating with FIFA to try to leverage the cotton sector in a positive way for poor developing countries such as the Cotton 4. I’m really excited that collaboration with FIFA could help us pull these countries more into the global cotton value chain. I’m also thrilled at the prospect of working on gender empowerment. We have a big sports economy, and to the extent that we can pull this through trade to support women, this is a positive signal.”

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “FIFA redistributes its revenue among our 211 member associations to help them develop football in their countries by notably investing in infrastructure, facilities, competitions, refereeing and coaching. Yet, we believe that there is still more that football can do, especially for the youth in the developing world. This important partnership can help us find ways of ensuring that football can further promote sustainable development for everyone to benefit from the global football economy.”

    On behalf of the C4 countries, as well as Côte d’Ivoire and all the African countries and LDCs that produce and export cotton, Ambassador Ahmad Makaila of the Republic of Chad welcomed this “excellent initiative” undertaken in the framework of the collaboration between FIFA and the WTO.

    “For the C4, signature of the Agreement between the WTO and FIFA strengthens a common vision, an inclusive and lasting partnership and a choice to favour cooperation and negotiation at the WTO in the search for the most appropriate solutions to the cotton issue,” he stated. “This robust cooperation is more than ever indispensable to ensure that our countries bounce back from the many crises we are currently facing, undertake better reconstruction and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”

    Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will remain in force until 31 December 2027, the WTO and FIFA will exchange information and expertise on the economic dimension of football, through participation in conferences, regular meetings and contribution to studies. Once a year, a joint review will be undertaken to assess the collaboration and identify specific activities or projects to be implemented the following year. These activities and projects will be reflected in a Collaboration Plan.

  • Saudi Arabia names Prince Mohammed bin Salman as prime minister

    Saudi Arabia names Prince Mohammed bin Salman as prime minister

    RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Tuesday appointed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as the prime minister of the country.

    Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman has issued on Tuesday a royal decree appointing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.

    However, the weekly session of the Cabinet, in which the King attends, will be held under his chairmanship, according to the royal decree.

    The Crown Prince’s appointment was made with giving an exemption to the provision of Article 56 of the Basic Law of Governance, and the relevant provisions contained in the Law of the Council of Ministers.

    In another royal decree, the King restructured the Council of Ministers, headed by the Crown Prince.

    King Salman also issued a decree appointing Deputy Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman as Minister of Defense. Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan has been appointed new minister of education.

    The ministers keeping their positions unchanged are Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman as Minister of Energy, Prince Faisal bin Farhan as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Khalid bin Abdulaziz al-Falih as Minister of Investment, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz as Minister of Interior, Mohammed bin Abdullah al-Jadaan as Minister of Finance.

    Also keeping their ministerial titles are Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz as Minister of the National Guard, Walid al-Samaani as Minister of Justice, Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al al-Sheikh as Minister of Islamic affairs, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan as Minister of Culture, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal as Minister of Sports, Tawfiq bin Fawzan al-Rabiah as Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi as Minister of Commerce.

    In addition, Bandar bin Ibrahim al-Khorayef as Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Ahmed al-Khateeb as Minister of Tourism, Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim as Minister of Economy and Planning, and Fahd bin Abdulrahman al-Jalajel as Minister of Health.

  • Toyota stops car production in Russia

    Toyota stops car production in Russia

    Toyota on Friday decided to end car manufacturing at its Saint Petersburg plant in Russia.

    The company decided to end manufacture operation due to the interruption in supply of key materials and parts. Since then, the company have been closely monitoring the situation and evaluating the future sustainability of our business in Russia.

    During this period the company have fully retained our workforce and ensured our facility was ready to re-start production if the circumstances allowed. However, after six months, the company has not been able to resume normal activities and see no indication that the company can re-start in the future.

    The decision to terminate production of Toyota vehicles in Russia is not one that the company has taken lightly. Over the last 80 years the company has developed business and our brand with the support of stakeholders around the world.

    READ MORE: Honda to launch more than 10 electric motorcycles in 2025

    The company must now act in a way that allows us to protect the values and principles that our predecessors built up and be confident that the company can pass them on to the next generation.

    The company has also determined that our operations in Moscow need to be optimized and restructured―with the clear objective of retaining an effective organization to continue supporting the retail network in providing ongoing service to existing Toyota and Lexus customers in Russia.

    The company would like to thank our employees for their hard work and loyalty. In recognition of their valued contribution, the company will be offering them assistance for re-employment, re-skilling and well-being, including financial support above legal requirements.

  • Xiaomi launched Redmi A1 Series under $100

    Xiaomi launched Redmi A1 Series under $100

    BEIJING: Xiaomi Corporation on Friday announced Redmi A1 Series with bold design and exciting features. The mobile phone is launched under $100.

    The features of this phone are 6.52’’ HD+ large display at 1600×720 resolution. Both Redmi A1 and Redmi A1+ offer immersive experience when watching videos or gaming. For extended viewing, the devices offer Dark theme and Night Light mode, which help prevent eye strain.  

    Redmi A1 Series is equipped with an 8MP main camera paired with an auxiliary lens to enable portrait shots, and a 5MP front camera. Both rear and front cameras are loaded with versatile modes including portrait, short video and time-lapse, offering users diverse shooting options. The smartphone is also packed with a large 5,000mAh battery and 10W charging, effortlessly lasting through daily use.

    READ MORE: Google Career Certificates to bring digital revolution in Pakistan

    In terms of performance, Redmi A1 Series are powered by MediaTek Helio A22, which ensures enough performance to run apps, support the high resolution display, and power efficiency. Additionally, it also supports expandable storage up to 1TB, which frees up space on-device for additional data storage.

    While Redmi A1 Series has an impressive hardware price-to-performance ratio, it also has a notable design. Inheriting family design from Redmi Note Series, Redmi A1 Series come in Black, Light Green, and Light Blue, all with a stylish flat-frame design. Accentuated by a clean, minimalistic curved back, its leather-like texture resists fingerprint smudges and marks. In addition, Redmi A1+ comes equipped with advanced and responsive rear fingerprint sensor for quick unlocking.

    Redmi A1 Series will be offered in two models, Redmi A1 and Redmi A1+, with two storage configurations for both smartphones: 2GB+32GB and 3GB+32GB. Available at a recommended retail price of USD 89, pricing may vary between markets. Redmi A1 Series sales starts today through Xiaomi official sales channels.

  • Angelina Jolie visits Pakistan to support flood affected communities

    Angelina Jolie visits Pakistan to support flood affected communities

    International humanitarian Angelina Jolie is visiting Pakistan to support communities affected by the devastating floods, according to a statement issued on Wednesday.

    Heavy rains and floods across the country have impacted 33 million people and submerged one third of the country under water.

    Ms Jolie is visiting to witness and gain understanding of the situation, and to hear from people affected directly about their needs, and about steps to prevent such suffering in the future.

    Ms Jolie, who previously visited victims of the 2010 floods in Pakistan, and the 2005 earthquake, will visit the IRC’s emergency response operations and local organisations assisting displaced people including Afghan refugees. 

    Pakistan, which has contributed just 1% of global carbon emissions, is also the second largest host of refugees globally, its people having sheltered Afghan refugees for over forty years.

    Ms Jolie will highlight the need for urgent support for the Pakistani people and long-term solutions to address the multiplying crises of climate change, human displacement and protracted insecurity we are witnessing globally.

    Ms Jolie will see first hand how countries like Pakistan are paying the greatest cost for a crisis they did not cause. The IRC hopes her visit will shed light on this issue and prompt the international community – particularly states contributing the most to carbon emissions – to act and provide urgent support to countries bearing the brunt of the climate crisis.

    Shabnam Baloch, Pakistan Country Director at the IRC said: “The climate crisis is destroying lives and futures in Pakistan, with severe consequences especially for women and children.

    “The resulting economic loss from these floods will likely lead to food insecurity and an increase in violence against women and girls. We need immediate support to reach people in urgent need, and long term investments to stop climate change from destroying our collective futures. With more rains expected in the coming months, we hope Angelina Jolie’s visit will help the world wake up and take action.”

    IRC’s latest needs assessment shows people are in urgent need of food, drinking water, shelter, and healthcare. Every person surveyed reported women and girls have no access to menstrual hygiene products. So far, the IRC has reached more than 50,000 women and girls with humanitarian assistance, including dignity and hygiene kits to address the need for sanitation and menstrual items.

    We have been providing lifesaving services to flood-affected communities in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh since early July and have reached almost 950,000 people with emergency supplies, food, healthcare and safe spaces.

  • Honda to launch more than 10 electric motorcycles in 2025

    Honda to launch more than 10 electric motorcycles in 2025

    JAPAN: Honda Motor Company announced to launch electric motorcycles in 2025. The company is putting efforts for carbon neutrality by less consumption of carbon.

    Motorcycles are used all over the world for a wide range of purposes which are often more demanding than for automobiles. Therefore, realizing carbon neutrality for motorcycles will require a multifaceted approach. Here is how Honda, the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer with cumulative motorcycle production of over 400 million units, will pursue carbon neutrality.

    Honda offers a full lineup of motorcycle models, ranging from compact-size commuter models such as scooters to large-size FUN models, which are sold all over the world in both emerging and advanced countries. They are being used under a wide variety of conditions, including in cold, hot and humid climates and even on unpaved roads and trails. In addition, economic situations vary significantly in different countries and regions, therefore people use motorcycles for many different purposes ranging from everyday transportation to recreational activities. As a result, the performance people expect of motorcycles are also diverse.

    READ MORE: Ferrari launches its first ever four-door car

    Especially in emerging countries, motorcycles, particularly commuter models, are in high demand as a vital means of mobility supporting people’s lives. However, electric motorcycles, which promise to contribute to CO2 reduction, have their own issues such as heavier vehicle weight and higher prices. Another factor that is making the popularization of electric motorcycles difficult is that demand for electric models depends largely on government regulations and incentives such as subsidies and tax credits and the availability of charging infrastructure in each respective country.

    Honda has led the motorcycle industry in environmental initiatives through a wide range of original technologies, such as its ultra-low fuel consumption engines for the Super Cub and other models. However, continuing on the same path will not be enough to realize the company-wide carbon neutrality goal.

    So, Honda will pursue the electrification of its motorcycle products while also continuing to reduce CO2 emissions from its ICE models. Striving to realize carbon neutrality for all of its motorcycle products during the 2040s, Honda will continue to lead the industry at the forefront of its environmental initiatives.

    Here is how Honda plans to work toward its carbon neutrality goal for motorcycle products.

    Electric motorcycles are classified into three categories according to their top speed: Electric Bicycles (EBs, 25km/h or lower), Electric Mopeds (EMs, 25 – 50km/h) and Electric Vehicles (EVs, 50km/h or higher).

    Currently, the size of the global electric motorcycle market is approximately 50 million units a year, and most of them are EMs and EBs in China. However, the market is gradually expanding in other countries as well. In India, for example, sales of EVs, alongside convenient and affordable EMs, is increasing dramatically due to the government’s policies to promote the pursuit of carbon neutrality. Anticipating such market expansion, Honda will introduce electric motorcycles that accommodate a wide range of customer needs.

    READ MORE: Ford unveils seventh generation of Mustang

    As for the advancement of ICE-equipped models, Honda will not only improve fuel efficiency but also introduce models that are compatible with carbon-neutral fuels.

    In addition to Brazil where Honda motorcycles compatible with flex-fuel (gasoline-ethanol blend fuels) are already available, starting in 2023, Honda will introduce flex-fuel models in India, one of the major motorcycle markets.

    Range, charging time and price are the issues that need to be addressed in order to popularize EVs. One solution is the standardization of battery swapping systems. The company believe that a battery swapping system is highly compatible with business uses, especially services such as the delivery of small packages, as those businesses have limited travel distance and distribution centers where battery swapping stations can be installed. Therefore, targeting business-use customers, Honda has introduced the Honda e: Business Bike series. These models are already in use by Japan Post, and the Vietnam Post has begun using them for its mail delivery service.

    As businesses are becoming more conscious of the environment, Honda is introducing its business-use EVs globally. In addition to postal service in Japan and Vietnam, Honda is also conducting joint trials with Thailand Post, and plans to begin production and sales of the Benly e: in Thailand this September.

    For personal use, Honda plans to introduce two commuter EV models between 2024 and 2025 in Asia, Europe and Japan. These models will feature unique added-value to accommodate the needs of the respective market. Moreover, envisioning the future market environment, how electric motorcycles will be used, and technological advancements likely to be made, Honda is exploring a range of future personal-use models including ones equipped with a power source besides swappable batteries.

    In the EM/EB categories, Honda’s strength lies in the fact that a local development operation which is capable of speedy development is already well established in China, the world’s largest EM/EB market. Honda plans to leverage such strength to introduce multiple models under its local joint venture brands. Moreover, with the expectation that demand for EM/EB models will increase not only in China but globally, Honda plans to introduce a total of five compact and affordable EM and EB models between now and 2024, in Asia, Europe and Japan, in addition to China.

    Beyond commuter bikes, Honda will actively develop electrified mid- and large-size sports bikes in the FUN category.

    Based on its FUN EV platform now being developed, Honda plans to introduce three large-size FUN EV models in Japan, the U.S. and Europe between 2024 and 2025. Honda will also introduce a EV model for young riders, which is designed to pass on the joy of riding to the next generation.

    To realize widespread adoption of these electric models, the issues of batteries and charging infrastructure need to be addressed.

    The key to electrification is the battery. Honda will make active use of all of its resources to ensure stable battery procurement. All-solid-state batteries, which are currently being developed for automobiles, will be one valid option for electric motorcycles. Honda will aim to equip its electric motorcycle models with all-solid-state battery as well.

    With regard to charging infrastructure, Honda has already begun its initiatives in many countries around the world, aiming to enhance the infrastructure through the utilization of Mobile Power Packs (MPPs) and battery sharing businesses.

    In Indonesia, Honda has established a joint venture aimed at the widespread adoption of a battery sharing service which utilizes MPPs and MPP-powered motorcycles. The JV is currently operating a small-scale battery sharing service in Bali. In India, Honda is planning to begin its battery sharing service for electric tricycle taxis (so-called “rickshaws”) by the end of this year, while also working with a local partner company toward the standardization of swappable batteries. Honda is also planning on similar initiatives throughout Asia.

    In Japan, ENEOS and the four major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers (Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha) jointly established Gachaco, Inc. in April 2020, planning to begin a motorcycle battery sharing service this fall.

    Furthermore, Honda is also participating in battery consortiums in Japan and Europe aiming to standardize battery and swapping system specifications. Honda is taking a proactive approach to standardization in each region. For example, in Japan, major motorcycle manufacturers have agreed on mutual use of swappable batteries and their systems, and in India, Honda is working with its local partner company to facilitate the standardization of swappable batteries.

    Through this process of motorcycle electrification, Honda will offer products with new value by leveraging the high level of compatibility of software technology and electrified models, which the company believe will unlock the future of motorcycles.

    For example, starting with models which will go on sale in 2024, Honda aims to offer user experience (UX) features that continuously enrich the quality of riding through connectivity, such as offering optimal route options that take into consideration the remaining range, charging spot notification, safe riding coaching and after-sales service support.

  • Pakistan reaffirms commitment to work closely with Russia

    Pakistan reaffirms commitment to work closely with Russia

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with Russia to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

    Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a warm and cordial meeting with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir V. Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State in Samarkand.

    READ MORE: Pakistan premier arrives Russia after two decades

    The two leaders discussed bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional and international issues.

    The Prime Minister thanked President Putin for Russia’s expression of solidarity and support for the people affected by the massive floods in Pakistan. The Prime Minister also shared details of the devastating impact of this climate induced calamity.

    The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction at steady growth of Pakistan-Russia relations, which were marked by strong mutual trust and understanding.

    The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to work closely with Russia to further expand and strengthen cooperation between the two countries across all areas of mutual benefit including food security, trade & investment, energy, defence and security.

    It was agreed to convene the next meeting of the Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) in Islamabad at an early date. Appreciating Russia’s constructive role in Afghanistan, the Prime Minister said that both Pakistan and Russia had vital stakes in a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.

    The Prime Minister said that it was essential to intensify the pace of international engagement on Afghanistan and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to support all regional and international efforts to stabilize Afghanistan.

    Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also met President of Iran Seyed Ebrahim Raisi on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting in Samarkand on Thursday.

    Shehbaz-Sharif-Ibrahim-Raisi

    The Prime Minister extended his gratitude to President Raisi and to the people of Iran for their solidarity and support with the Pakistani nation during the massive floods in the country.

    The Prime Minister highlighted the devastating impact of the floods caused by climate change, and underscored that Pakistan with the least carbon emissions was bearing the cost of something for which it was not responsible.

    He stressed the importance of tangible international action to help address the challenges that climatically vulnerable countries like Pakistan were facing.

    READ MORE: Presidents of Pakistan, Iran discuss trade, economy

    During the meeting, the two leaders positively evaluated the outcome of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission and agreed to further promote bilateral relations in diverse fields.

    Both sides also affirmed the desire to strengthen cooperation in economic, trade, connectivity, energy, culture and people-to-people links.

    The Prime Minister underscored the need for closer bilateral engagement for boosting economic and energy cooperation, operationalizing barter trade, opening border sustenance markets, and facilitation of Pakistani Zaireen.

    It was agreed that Pakistan would be sending a delegation to discuss measures for expanded cooperation in bilateral trade and energy sectors. The Prime Minister reiterated his invitation to President Raisi to visit Pakistan at the earliest convenience. President Raisi renewed his invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Iran.

  • IOS 16 brings exciting features as free software

    IOS 16 brings exciting features as free software

    Apple updates IOS 16, introduces new features on Lock Screen which have ability to edit and collaborate in Messages, new tools in Mail, and more ways to interact with photos and video with Live Text and Visual Look Up. iOS 16 is available as a free software update.

    A More Personal, Beautiful, and Helpful Lock Screen

    The Lock Screen gets reimagined, offering deeper personalization. Now users can add a depth effect to their Lock Screen photo, artfully displaying the photo subject in front of the time, and they can even customize the font and type style. New widgets on the Lock Screen make it easy to get helpful information at a glance like upcoming calendar events, battery levels, alarms, time zones, Activity ring progress, and more.

    The new Lock Screen gallery features a range of options. Users can choose an intelligently suggested photo from their personal library that will look great on the Lock Screen, or a dynamic set of photos that shuffle throughout the day. Apple collections include iconic imagery from Apple; Pride and Unity wallpapers; a Weather wallpaper to see live weather conditions as they change throughout the day; and an Astronomy wallpaper for views of the Earth, moon, and solar system. Users can also create unique designs with their favorite emoji and color combinations, and with multiple Lock Screens, users can switch between their favorites with just a swipe.

    Redesigned notifications now roll in from the bottom to offer a clear view of the Lock Screen, and users can choose to view notifications in an expanded list, stacked, or as a count view.

    Stay in the Moment With Focus

    With iOS 16, Focus is easier to set up and gets even more powerful by connecting to the Lock Screen, giving users a way to simply swipe to a designated Lock Screen to activate the corresponding Focus. With Focus filters, apps like Calendar, Mail, Messages, and Safari can display only the content that is relevant to a user’s Focus, helping them to find better balance.

    New Ways to Interact in Messages

    Updates to Messages make it possible to edit, undo send, and mark conversations as unread, making it even easier to stay connected.1 With iOS 16, users can now invite friends and family to SharePlay via Messages, offering another way to enjoy synced content like movies or songs and shared playback controls. In addition, new collaboration features in Messages make working with others quick and seamless. When users choose to share files for collaboration through Messages, everyone in a thread will be automatically added, and when someone makes an edit to the shared document, activity updates appear at the top of the thread.

    Increase Productivity With New Tools in Mail

    Now users can schedule delivery of an email ahead of time or cancel delivery of a message before it reaches a recipient’s inbox.2 Users can also set reminders to come back to a message at a later date with Remind me, receive automatic suggestions to follow up on an email if they haven’t received a response, and get automatic alerts when they’ve forgotten to include a recipient or attachment in an email. With the biggest update to search in years, Mail features state-of-the-art techniques to deliver more relevant, accurate, and complete search results.

    Visual Look Up and Live Text Enhancements

    Users can now tap and hold on the subject of an image to lift it from the background and place it in apps like Messages. Visual Look Up also expands to recognize birds, insects, spiders, and statues, helping users quickly get information about objects and scenes in photos.

    Using on-device intelligence, Live Text can now recognize text in videos across the system. Users can pause a video on any frame to interact with text and take quick action, such as copy and paste, translate, convert currency, and more.

    More Secure Browsing in Safari With Passkeys

    Browsing in Safari is even safer with passkeys, a next-generation credential that can’t be phished or leaked, making it more secure and easy to use. Designed to replace passwords, passkeys use Touch ID or Face ID for biometric verification, and iCloud Keychain to sync across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV with end-to-end encryption. Created as a joint effort in collaboration with the FIDO Alliance, Google, and Microsoft, passkeys will work across apps and the web, and users can sign in to websites or an app on non-Apple devices using just their iPhone.

    Safari also adds shared Tab Groups to share a collection of websites with friends and family, making it seamless to add tabs and see what others are viewing.

    New Accessibility Features to Navigate, Stay Connected, and More

    Accessibility updates include Door Detection, which helps users who are blind or low vision use their iPhone to navigate the last few feet to their destination; and Apple Watch Mirroring for users with physical and motor disabilities to mirror their Apple Watch display to iPhone, and control Apple Watch with Voice Control and Switch Control.3 Additionally, Live Captions make it easier for Deaf and hard of hearing users to follow along with any audio content — whether they are on a phone or FaceTime call, using a videoconference or social media app, streaming media content, or having a conversation with someone next to them.4

    Additional Features

    Apple Pay Order Tracking enables users to receive detailed receipts and order tracking information in Wallet for Apple Pay purchases with participating merchants.

    Updates to Apple Maps enable further exploration of the world with improved driving and transit navigation, and multistop routing. Drivers can easily create routes with multiple stops and automatically sync routes from Mac to iPhone when they’re ready to go. Transit directions will now display how much a journey will cost, and users can add transit cards to Wallet to see low balances — and replenish transit cards — all without leaving Maps.

    Family Sharing offers an easier way to set up accounts for children with the right parental controls in place from the start. It includes suggestions for age-appropriate restrictions for apps, movies, books, music, and more, and a simpler process for setting up a new device for a child that applies existing parental controls automatically. When a child asks for more screen time, parents and guardians can now approve or decline right in Messages. A new Family Checklist provides tips and suggestions, such as updating a child’s parental controls as they get older or turning on location sharing.

    Dictation offers a new on-device experience that allows users to fluidly move between voice and touch. Users can type with the keyboard, tap in the text field, move the cursor, and insert QuickType suggestions, all without needing to stop Dictation. In addition, Dictation features automatic punctuation and emoji dictation.

    Siri adds the ability to run shortcuts as soon as an app is downloaded without requiring upfront setup. Users can add emoji when sending a message, choose to send messages automatically — skipping the confirmation step — and hang up phone and FaceTime calls completely hands-free by simply saying “Hey Siri, hang up.”

    The reimagined Home app offers users easier ways to navigate, organize, and view their accessories.

    The Fitness app is now available to all iPhone users to help track and meet fitness goals, even if they don’t have an Apple Watch. iPhone users can set a personal Move goal, check their trends, and share activity for additional motivation. iPhone motion sensors track steps, distance, and flights climbed to estimate active calories burned. Any workouts completed in third-party apps also contribute to closing the user’s Move ring. The new Fitness app Lock Screen widget offers Move ring progress, steps taken, and distance at a glance.

    The Health app adds Medications, allowing users to conveniently build and manage a medications list, create schedules and reminders, and track their medications, vitamins, or supplements. In the US, users can simply point their iPhone camera at a label to add a medication, read about the medications they’re taking, and receive an alert if there are potential critical interactions with their medications.5 Users can also now send loved ones an invitation to share their Health data, and easily create a PDF of available health records from connected health institutions, right from the Health app.6

    Apple News introduces a new My Sports section, where users can easily follow favorite teams and leagues; receive stories from hundreds of top publishers; access scores, schedules, and standings for the top professional and college leagues; and watch highlights right in the News app. Favorites will sync with the Apple TV app to offer a seamless sports experience.

    Game Center makes it easy for users to play with or compete against their friends through the redesigned dashboard that shows friends’ games activity and accomplishments all in one place.

    Personalized Spatial Audio offers an even more precise and immersive listening experience. Using the TrueDepth camera on iPhone, users can create a personal profile for Spatial Audio that delivers a listening experience tuned just for them.

    Safety Check, a new personal privacy tool, can be helpful to users whose personal safety is at risk from domestic or intimate partner violence. It allows users to quickly review and remove any access they’ve granted to others. It also includes an emergency reset that helps users easily sign out of iCloud on all their other devices, reset privacy permissions, and limit messaging to just the device in their hand. Users can also understand and manage which people and apps they’ve given access to.

    Availability

    iOS 16 is a free software update that is available starting for iPhone 8 and later.

    In an update later this year, Apple will introduce iCloud Shared Photo Library to give families a new way to share photos seamlessly with a separate iCloud library that up to six users can collaborate on, contribute to, and enjoy.7 Live Activities will make it even easier to stay on top of things happening in real time, right from the Lock Screen, such as a sports game, ride-share, or food delivery order, and Clean Energy Charging aims to decrease the carbon footprint of the iPhone by optimizing charging times for when the grid is using cleaner energy sources.8 The update will also bring support for the Matter smart home connectivity standard once it becomes available later this fall.

    For more information, visit apple.com/ios/ios-16. Some features may not be available in all regions, languages, or on all iPhone models.

    Users can edit a message for up to 15 minutes after sending it and can unsend a message for up to 2 minutes after sending it. Users can make up to five edits to a given message, and recipients will be able to see a record of edits made to the message.

    Users can cancel delivery of a message within 10 seconds of hitting send, or they have the option to change the duration that the message is in outbox. In addition, Undo Send can be turned off.

    Door Detection and People Detection features in Magnifier require the LiDAR Scanner on iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd and 3rd generation), and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th and 5th generation). Apple Watch Mirroring is available on Apple Watch Series 6 and later. Door Detection should not be relied upon in circumstances where a user may be harmed or injured, or in high-risk or emergency situations.

    Live Captions will be available in beta with iOS 16 on iPhone 11 and later, iPadOS 16 on iPad models with A12 Bionic and later, and macOS Ventura on Macs with Apple silicon. Accuracy of Live Captions may vary and should not be relied upon in high-risk situations.

    Medication and interaction information is evidence-based content licensed from Elsevier, a leading publisher of health and science information. The Medications feature should not be used as a substitute for professional medical judgment. Additional information is available on the labels of medications, but users should consult their healthcare provider prior to making any decisions related to their health.

    Health Records on iPhone is available at participating institutions in the US, the UK, and Canada.

    Users who are under 13 (or equivalent minimum age in the relevant jurisdiction) with an Apple ID established by a parent or guardian can only participate in a Shared Photo Library with other family members.

    Clean Energy Charging is available to users in the US.

  • How to order Apple products and save $1000 with trade-in

    How to order Apple products and save $1000 with trade-in

    CALIFORNIA: Customers can pre-order all models of the advanced iPhone 14 lineup on apple.com and on the Apple Store app. iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max will be available in stores and for delivery starting Friday, September 16. iPhone 14 Plus will be available in stores and for delivery beginning Friday, October 7.

    Apple Watch Series 8 with best-in-class health features and the redesigned Apple Watch SE are available to order today on apple.com and on the Apple Store app, and will be available in stores and for delivery beginning September 16. The all-new rugged and capable Apple Watch Ultra, also available to order online and on the Apple Store app, will be available in stores beginning Friday, September 23. AirPods Pro are available to order starting today, with availability in stores beginning September 23.

    Customers who shop directly with Apple in-store or online can enjoy personalized advice on buying and setting up a new device from an Apple Specialist. They can also take advantage of Apple’s convenient delivery and pickup options, special carrier offers, and great trade-in values.

    READ MORE: Features, prices of Apple Watch Series 8 and Watch SE

    The Best Place to Buy Apple Products

    Apple Store locations serve as a place where communities can come together, giving customers the chance to shop for the latest products, connect with expert team members, or even learn new skills with programs like Today at Apple. Apple team members can help customers select the device and financing option that is right for them, and set up their new device including transferring data and activating a cellular plan ensuring an exceptional retail experience in-store and online at apple.com/store.

    Apple makes it easy for customers to explore Apple products and accessories in person, online, and via personalized recommendations on the Apple Store app.

    Save Up to $1,000 on the All-New iPhone 14

    Through special carrier offers, financing options, and the Apple Trade In program, customers now have even more ways to become iPhone owners.

    iPhone holds its value for years, and customers can save up to $1,000 on the iPhone 14 lineup with trade-in either online at apple.com or at an Apple Store when they activate their device with select US carriers. For terms, eligibility requirements, and more details, see apple.com/shop/buy-iphone/carrier-offers.

    READ MORE: Prices, specification of iPhone 14 and 14 Plus

    The Apple Trade In program is quick and simple. Customers can receive up to $720 in credit toward their purchase when they trade in an eligible Apple device. Customers can choose between an instant credit toward a future purchase, or an Apple Gift Card they can use anytime on apple.com or at their local Apple Store. For those trading in products from home, Apple will send a prepaid trade-in kit to package and mail in the old device. As always, if the device isn’t eligible for credit, Apple will recycle it for free.

    Use Apple Card and Save More

    When customers shop at Apple using Apple Card, they can make monthly payments at 0 percent APR when they choose to check out with Apple Card Monthly Installments. And they’ll get 3 percent Daily Cash back all upfront.

    Easy Device Setup and Data Transfer

    Apple is also launching a new page on apple.com that gives customers an easy-to-follow guide to activating their new iPhone and transferring data over from their old device.

    READ MORE: Apple launches iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max

    For those moving to iPhone from Android, the Move to iOS app makes it easier than ever to securely transfer contacts, messages, WhatsApp content, photos, videos, email accounts, calendars, and more. The Move to iOS app is available for free and can be downloaded from the Google Play store.

    Accessibility Options for Shopping at Apple

    For those who are Deaf or hard of hearing, Apple offers SignTime, which enables customers to communicate with AppleCare and Retail Customer Care by using American Sign Language in the US, British Sign Language in the UK, or French Sign Language in France. Customers visiting Apple Store locations can also use SignTime to remotely access a sign language interpreter without making an appointment ahead of time.

    Flexible Ways to Receive Apple Products

    After making a purchase online or on the Apple Store app, customers can choose to pick up their products in-store or from the comfort of their homes, with same-day or next-day delivery available in many locations.

    Make the Most Out of Apple Devices

    For those looking to learn more about their new products, free Today at Apple sessions have returned to stores, offering tips on how to get the most out of iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch across various hardware and software features. Learn more at apple.com/today.

  • Features, prices of Apple Watch Series 8 and Watch SE

    Features, prices of Apple Watch Series 8 and Watch SE

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA: Apple introduced Apple Watch Series 8 and the new Apple Watch SE, which bring groundbreaking technology and performance, and important safety innovations to the two best-selling smartwatches. Apple Watch Series 8 features the beloved design of Apple Watch, including a large, Always-On Retina display and a strong crack-resistant front crystal. With all-day 18-hour battery life, Apple Watch Series 8 builds on best-in-class health and safety features like the ECG app and fall detection by introducing temperature-sensing capabilities, retrospective ovulation estimates, Crash Detection, and international roaming.

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