ICYMI: The 6 biggest tech stories of the week, from the disappointing iOS 18 launch to the first ChatGPT messaging ‘fix’
This week we’ve published all our reviews of the new Apple tech, so you can read exactly what we think. We were disappointed with the launch of iOS 18 without Apple Intelligence, and downloaded 40 free games for our Steam Deck via our Amazon Prime membership.
You can read all this and much more in our ICYMI overview below.
Next week, look out for Meta Connect 2024, which we expect to be packed with XR (a hub for VR, AR, and MR) and AI goodies. We’ll be sure to fill you in on everything you need to know from the event.
6. iOS 18 launched without Apple Intelligence
With the arrival of this year’s new iPhones, we also have a new version of iOS to play with: iOS 18. It’s coming to every iPhone launched after the iPhone XS, including the 2nd-gen SE, and introduces several new features.
There’s improved home screen customization, so you can finally move apps around to reveal more of your wallpaper. Messages gets an overhaul to add text effects and RCS support, and smaller changes like your Photos app and Control Center get a new design.
Unfortunately, Apple Intelligence, the core tool of iOS 18, isn’t here yet. It’s set to roll out in October, with support for US English in the 18.1 update. Other English variants aren’t coming until December, though, and key tools like Genmoji, Image Playground and Siri’s on-screen awareness aren’t expected until much later in iOS 18’s lifespan. A scattered rollout that’s certainly put a damper on things.
5. We reviewed the new Apple technology
It’s Apple Availability Week and TechRadar is the place for our in-depth reviews, where we dish up our full thoughts on all of the Cupertino company’s kit. Our Editor-in-Chief Lance Ulanoff kicked things off by covering the iPhone 16 Pro Max, calling it a “beautiful, intelligent beast”. Read his full review to learn more about how a bigger screen – up from 6.5 inches to 6.7 inches – a faster processor and new cameras make all the difference.
Of course, there’s also the standard iPhone 16, which has received a significant overhaul, and TechRadar’s Jacob Krol picked up its review , noting that it’s more Pro than ever thanks to a blazing-fast A18 chip, the addition of dual buttons, and vibrant colors. He also reviewed the Apple Watch Series 10, noting that it’s “more than meets the eye from every angle”, citing the larger displays on both models and improved viewing angles, all housed in a smaller body.
TechRadar also has extensive thoughts on the iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation.
4. Anker felt the heat when it recalled three of its power banks
It hasn’t been a great week to own an Anker power bank — or at least not one of the three models the company was forced to recall this week after discovering a potential fire hazard.
If you own an Anker 334 MagGo Battery (PowerCore 10K), Anker Power Bank, or Anker MagGo Power Bank, you should stop using it now and complete Anker’s recall form to receive a replacement unit.
The cause is apparently a manufacturing defect in some models that causes overheating. Anker says it has since changed suppliers and that owners of its other batteries have nothing to worry about. But the news was an unwanted addition to the to-do lists of those unlucky enough to buy one of those three batteries.
3. ChatGPT started messaging first… But OpenAI solved it
For a few days, it seemed like ChatGPT had been upgraded in a way no one expected: it was sending messages to users first. Apparently, it was able to do this because it was following up on an earlier conversation with users who had indicated that they were going to school in a few days or were trying to discuss medical symptoms.
Some were skeptical about the situation, even suggesting how it could have been faked, but OpenAI had the last word. It revealed that ChatGPT messaging was a bug first, not a new feature, and added that it had been fixed.
Given the level of excitement generated by the possibility of ChatGPT getting its own sequel, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the tool actually launch at some point.
2. DJI introduced us to the Osmo Action 5 Pro
DJI has announced its first action camera, dubbed the ‘Pro’, which packs a raft of impressive new features including an industry-first 4nm chip, a four-hour battery life (twice as long as the GoPro Hero 13 Black), 20m water resistance (again twice as long as its rivals) and larger, more powerful dual OLED displays.
We’ve already reviewed the flagship action camera , and there are a lot of areas where it steals GoPro’s crown, but it’s not a one-sided battle. While the Osmo Action 5 Pro has class-leading 4K image quality and low-light performance, it can’t shoot 5.3K video like the Hero 13 Black or 8K video like the Insta 360 Ace Pro, and it also doesn’t have GoPro-style lens attachments for different looks.
DJI’s unique approach to action cams has a lot to offer though, and will certainly please content creators with an eye for detail. It seems that DJI is making the most progress in this area.
1. Amazon gave away 40 of the best Steam Deck games
If you’re an Amazon Prime member and a Steam Deck user, listen up. As long as you have an active membership, you can enjoy over 40 of the best Steam Deck games for free. Be quick, though, because some are already starting to leave.
There is one caveat: these versions of the games are not available directly on Steam. Instead, you’ll need to purchase them through the Epic Game Store, Amazon Games Store, or GOG. Rest assured, though, that the Heroic Games Launcher and shortcuts to simplify playing it on Steam Deck.
