News

iOS 14.5 update has arrived and Facebook isn’t happy about it

Face ID now works with a mask on

Published

April 27, 2021

Shivam Vahia

Apple first released iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 in February through its developer and public beta programs. A stable release is now rolling out for all users, and it contains a lot of new features that’ll make your life easier, but the same can’t be said about Facebook.

ATT

The update has a new privacy change that gives users more transparency and control over apps that want to track them for advertising. Apple is officially calling it App Tracking Transparency (ATT). Of course, it’s not just Facebook that will feel the impact of ad tracking being an opt-in feature; the entire advertising industry undoubtedly will also.

You can download iOS 14.5 or iPadOS 14.5 right now by going to Settings, followed by General, and finally Software Update. Just download and install the update, and you’re good to go. Once the device restarts, the new transparency controls are available under the Privacy banner in the Settings app.

If you allow apps to ask to track you, you’ll start to see prompts when you launch updated apps requesting permission to track your activity. Facebook alleges that Apple wants to reduce advertisements so that services are forced to opt for a subscription model, in turn, using App Store’s payment processing system.

FaceID with a mask on

The update also includes a nifty new trick that’ll come in very handy amid the Coronavirus pandemic. Due to a mask, Face ID doesn’t work, forcing users to depend on a passcode. Now, you can set up your Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone when you’re wearing a mask. A new “Unlock with Apple Watch” option is available in the Settings app.

iOS 14.5 has also upgraded Siri. There are now two voice options for those with English set as the main language on their devices. Siri will no longer default to a female’s voice, and you’ll be asked for your preference.

News

Apple reportedly gives up on the Vision Pro

But Apple will continue to sell the current model.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

When they unveiled the Vision Pro in 2023, Apple touted the wearable as the next big thing after the iPhone. Now, almost three years removed from the launch, the Vision Pro hasn’t really taken over the coveted spot occupied by the iPhone. Apple, according to a report, is allegedly canning the short-lived wearable.

According to MacRumors, Apple has reportedly given up on making the Vision Pro a thing. The team handling the wearable has supposedly been subsumed by other teams within Apple.

If true, the wearable’s end is unfortunate but not surprising. Despite being out for years, the Vision Pro has sold only a little more than half a million units with numerous returns from customers. Most recently, Apple updated the wearable with the M5 chip, but the move hasn’t revitalized the device’s status in Apple’s lineup.

Most of the complaints about the device stem from its exorbitant price or its cumbersome battery pack. Besides costing a whopping US$ 3,499, the Vision Pro is also difficult to move around with, especially because of its total weight and a battery pack that can get in the way.

To be clear, Apple has not officially discontinued the Vision Pro yet. The company continues to sell the version with the M5 chip. Apple can also restart development in the future.

However, the meantime retirement on future development does coincide with the recent restructuring inside the company. Tim Cook recently decided to step down as CEO with John Ternus as his replacement. Canning the Vision Pro might be Ternus’ first step in redefining Apple according to his plans.

Apps

YouTube makes picture-in-picture mode free for everyone globally

The update is rolling out globally now.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Picture-in-picture (or PiP) mode is a godsend for multitaskers. The feature lets users watch videos in a tiny floating window while doing other tasks. However, the feature isn’t readily available for all users. Or wasn’t, at least. YouTube is now rolling out PiP mode for free globally.

Previously, PiP mode was exclusive to YouTube users who pay for Premium or Premium Lite. It was also exclusive to the United States.

Now, YouTube is making the feature completely free for users all over the globe. It will be available for both iOS and Android versions of the app.

There’s still a catch, though. The free version is available only for “longform, non-music content.” The same goes for Premium Lite subscribers. Music is still an exclusive feature for those who pay for the regular version of Premium. Basically, there is no change for paying users or users in the United States.

Using PiP mode is simple. All you need to do is load up a video you want to watch in the background. Then, just exit the YouTube app and go about your other tasks. The video will be inside a floating, resizable window while you look at other things.

There’s no timeline on when the update will reach your device. However, YouTube has promised that it will roll out globally within the coming months.

Enterprise

OnePlus has reportedly merged with realme

Both brands were previously rumored for restructuring early this year.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

OnePlus has a problem. For a while now, rumors have swirled about the company’s dissolution. For their part, the company has continued to deny the reports, citing business as usual. Likely to their dismay, the reports just keep coming. Today, sources have hinted that OnePlus has merged with realme.

Back in January, it was rumored that OnePlus would be closing up shop this year. Since the company very quickly denied the rumors, the report hardly made waves. However, a suspected merger with realme is more difficult to debunk.

For one, realme is itself in a very interesting position. Also back in January, realme was reportedly moving back into being a sub-brand of OPPO. Coupled together with the OnePlus debacle, all this internal restructuring seems par for the course.

According to Digital Chat Station on Weibo, OnePlus and realme have already concluded the merger. The two brands have reportedly united their Chinese and international operations under one roof. Likewise, their marketing will be the same. Pete Lau will still be the main head for this new division.

As with anything of this nature, take this with a grain of salt. OPPO, OnePlus, and realme have not issued any official statements concerning a merger or a shutdown for any brand.