Author: alex

Instagram now optimized for iPad — v396.0.0 released After years of discussion, Meta has released a native Instagram app optimized for iPad with version 396.0.0. The update replaces the scaled-up iPhone experience with an interface tailored to larger screens, improving messaging, Reels viewing and overall usability on iPad. What’s new Native iPad layout and UI optimizations for larger displays Split-view messaging and easier access to messages and notifications Improved, more immersive Reels experience General performance improvements and bug fixes (release notes include the usual performance text) Compatibility: iPadOS 15.1 and later (reportedly). Get the app on the App Store: Instagram on the App Store Further coverage: MacRumors coverage Have you updated yet? Tell us which iPad feature you’ll use first — split messages, Reels, or the new layout?

Streameast Shut Down After ACE-Egypt Sting — What Happened The sports piracy network Streameast, described as the world’s largest illegal sports streaming platform, has been shut down following a coordinated sting by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) and Egyptian law enforcement on August 24. Key points ACE — a coalition of more than 50 entertainment companies including Disney, HBO, Fox, Netflix and Sony — led a yearlong investigation. Streameast reportedly offered free access to around 80 unauthorised domains, allowing users to pirate Premier League, Champions League, NFL, NBA and MLB games. The site attracted roughly 1.6 billion visits in the past year, according to ACE. Egyptian authorities arrested two men in Sheikh Zayed City; laptops and phones were seized during the raid. Investigators reportedly found links to a…

Yale Linus L2 Lite: smaller, cheaper smart lock for Euro cylinders Yale has announced the Linus Smart Lock L2 Lite — a more compact, budget‑friendly variant of the Linus L2 designed for doors with Euro‑profile cylinders. The Lite model focuses on a simplified interior rotary knob, trimming down size and cost while keeping the core convenience of a smart lock. Key points Designed for Euro‑cylinder doors — replaces the indoor thumbturn only (no bulky exterior hardware). Compact form factor similar to Tedee, Nuki or Netatmo compact smart locks. Expected smart features: Bluetooth and Matter support (based on the L2 family), enabling integration with modern smart home ecosystems. Power: likely similar battery setup to L2 variants (rechargeable or AA batteries); exact specs for the Lite model not yet fully confirmed. Price…

Instagram finally launches a native iPad app — redesigned for tablet After 15 years, Instagram has released a native iPad app optimized for the tablet experience. The new app takes advantage of the larger screen with a redesigned layout and some notable changes to how content is viewed and navigated. Key features Opens directly into a Reels feed by default. "Latest" chronological feed option (shows recent posts & Reels first), alongside All/Recommended and Friends tabs. Comments appear alongside Reels for easier engagement while watching videos. DMs use a split layout showing inbox and chat side-by-side, similar to Messenger’s web layout. Stories, Search, Explore and notifications are optimized for the tablet UI. Context This is notable because Instagram didn’t prioritize an iPad app until now — two years ago Adam Mosseri…

Aqara Edge Hub M300 & Aqara Studio Connect — Professional installers' overview Aqara has announced the Edge Hub M300 together with a new software platform called Aqara Studio Connect, aimed at professional installers and integrators. The package is positioned for single-family homes, small multi-family and light commercial projects and focuses on interoperability between consumer and professional smart-home systems. Key features Multi-protocol hardware: Zigbee, Thread, Wi‑Fi, Ethernet and Bluetooth Supports up to ~500 devices Integrations with KNX IP, BACnet IP, Modbus TCP and Matter ecosystems (Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa) Studio Connect runs on the M300 for centralized device & system management Targeted at professional installs: HVAC, lighting, security, and building systems Release & availability Aqara is targeting availability in Q4 2025 and planned demonstrations at events such as CEDIA Expo…

iPhone 17 event (Sept 9) — iOS 26: features, compatibility & release timing Apple’s iPhone 17 event is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9. If history holds, iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 should arrive about a week later (around Sept 16). iOS 26 brings a major visual refresh and several new features — here’s what to expect and which devices will be supported. Key iOS 26 highlights Liquid Glass design: A translucent, depth-focused UI across iPhone and iPad with updated icons, floating buttons, and cohesive visuals across Apple’s OSes. Live Translate: Real-time translation in calls and messages, reportedly with AirPods support for live translation through earbuds. Phone app redesign: Scroll contacts, recent calls, and voicemails on one screen; Hold Assist to notify you when an agent answers. Messages polls: Create polls…

PayPal & Venmo Offer: Free 12-Month Perplexity Pro + Early Access to Comet Browser Perplexity, the AI company backed by NVIDIA and Bezos, has partnered with PayPal to give PayPal and Venmo customers in the US (and select international markets) access to the Comet AI browser and a free 12-month Perplexity Pro subscription (normally $200). The promotion is available via the PayPal and Venmo apps and runs through the end of the year. Note: the subscription auto-renews after the free year at the then-current rate unless cancelled. How to claim Open the PayPal app (or Venmo app) in the US or eligible market. Go to PayPal's subscription hub or the in-app offer area. Claim the free 12-month Perplexity Pro when prompted. The offer may require linking or paying for subscriptions…

Topdon TC002C Duo: USB‑C thermal camera compatible with iPhone & Android Topdon has updated its compact thermal camera: the TC002C (Duo) now uses a USB‑C port, making it compatible with current iPhones and a wide range of Android devices. Like its predecessor, the camera is very small and is designed to draw power from the host device rather than include its own battery. Key points Connector: USB‑C (universal compatibility with modern phones and devices) Compatibility: Current iPhones and many Android phones (via USB‑C) Power: No internal battery — powered via the connected device Use cases: quick thermal checks, DIY, home inspections, detecting heat leaks, electronics troubleshooting If you want to check availability or pricing, see search results on Amazon: Topdon TC002C on Amazon Original coverage: adapted from reporting on iphone-ticker.de…

Netflix adds Twitch-like clipping editor to mobile Moments Netflix has upgraded its mobile "Moments" feature with a new Clip editor. Users can now tap the Clip button while watching on mobile, choose precise start and end points (no time limits), and save the resulting clips to the My Netflix tab to relive or share later. How it works Tap the "Clip" button while watching on mobile. Use the editor to set start and end points — clips can be as long or as short as you like. Saved clips appear in My Netflix. Share clips via social networks or messages. Notes This feature is mobile-only. Netflix launched the update alongside a new batch of Wednesday episodes; the platform also highlights that the most-saved moment recently comes from the KPop title…

Samsung Sound Tower ST50F & ST40F — Big Sound, Big Lights Samsung’s new Sound Tower models — the ST50F and ST40F — are built for big gatherings, indoors or outdoors. They pair powerful audio with visual flair via Samsung’s Party Lights+ system and add DJ Booth and Karaoke modes for parties that want to impress. Key features Waveguide-equipped dome tweeters for a wider, more even soundstage. Adjustable woofers and 3 bass modes: Deep, Punchy, Gentle. Four sound modes: Standard, Wide, Stadium, Outdoor. Party Lights+ with five mood presets and six dynamic lighting patterns synchronized to music. Built-in DJ Booth and Karaoke modes; guitar input included. IPX4 water resistance (splash-proof). Model differences ST50F: Dual 6.5" woofers, up to 18 hours battery, wheels + telescopic handle, ~240W output, MSRP ~$700. ST40F: Dual…