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The company reportedly snuck the update into this week's iOS 18.3 release
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The latest update Apple rolled out for the iPhone allows T-Mobile customers — a select few, for now — to be able to send text messages even in locations where they have no coverage. iOS 18.3 adds support for SpaceX and T-Mobile's direct-to-cell satellite service, which is currently being trialed after the companies opened signups for beta testing in December. As Bloomberg notes, the service used to be only compatible with certain Android phones, including Samsung models like the Z Fold and S24 along with select devices running Android 15. Meanwhile, Apple already has a partnership with Globalstar that provides users with texting capabilities when they're out of coverage.
Users who've signed up to participate in the fledgling service's beta trials have reportedly started receiving texts. "You can now stay connected with texting via satellite from virtually anywhere," the message reads, according to Bloomberg. And for iPhone users, it asks them to "update to iOS 18.3" to "start experiencing coverage beyond." Once they do download the update, they'll see a toggle in their cellular data settings to activate the capability.
At the moment, the direct-to-cell service only offers text messaging. If a beta tester finds themselves in rural areas and other locations that typically don't have coverage, they'll be able to use Starlink's satellite network to send a text. In the future, the plan is to add voice and d
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Apple AirPods Max headphones are excellent but come with a hefty price tag. These affordable alternatives deliver great sound for less.
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China's DeepSeek AI has already caught the eye of a data protection watchdog, shortly after it went viral and became the top-rated free app on Apple's App Store in the US and other regions. As TechCrunch reports, Garante, or the Italian Data Protection Authority, has written DeepSeek to ask for information about the AI chatbot due to the "possible risk for the data of millions of people in Italy." The watchdog is in charge of monitoring the application of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules in the country.
In an announcement about the information request on its website, Garante said it contacted both the Hangzhou and the Beijing DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence offices to ask them what kind of personal data the AI chatbot collects. It also asked them to clarify their purposes for the data they collect and whether the information they gather is stored on servers physically located in China. In its privacy policy, DeepSeek admitted that it transfers personal information of the country where the user lives and that it keeps them "in secure servers located in the People's Republic of China." However, it said that the service will "do so in accordance with the requirements of applicable data protection laws."
In addition, Garante is asking DeepSeek what type of information is used to train its AI system. And, in case web scraping is involved, it want
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This Vizio TV is Apple AirPlay and Chromecast built-in.
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Apple TV is offering multiple ways for soccer fans to watch your favorite stars this season.
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 Apple and Major League Soccer today introduced Sunday Night Soccer. Apple TV subscribers will be able to watch a featured MLS match every Sunday evening during the upcoming 2025 season, at no additional cost. In the U.S., Apple TV is priced at $9.99 per month or $99 per year, and it is also included in all Apple One subscription bundles.
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One thing that isn't changing for Apple's MLS Season Pass in 2025 is the price, although there will be some special offers for Comcast's Xfinity, DirecTV, and T-Mobile subscribers.
The latest MLS season is set to get underway on February 22, with select preseason matches being streamed via MLS Season Pass starting February 11.
Just like last year, the 2025 edition of Apple's MLS Season Pass costs $14.99 a month, or $99 for the full season. Apple TV subscribers can sign up for MLS Season Pass at a discounted rate of $12.99 a month, or $79 for the season.
Besides watching matches on the Apple TV app, you'll also be able to watch games on the Apple Vision Pro headset, with video available to stream either within your physical space or within a Vision Pro "Environment," complete with a virtual screen that feels up to 100 feet wide.
New for 2025 on MLS Season Pass is Sunday Night Soccer, a weekly marquee matchup that will boast an "enhanced" production and "dedicated" studio programming, Apple says, along with pre- and post-game shows.
The first Sunday Night Soccer showing will feature San Diego FC, the newest MLS club, taking on the MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy on February 23 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.
Sunday Night Soccer matches will offer English-language commentary from Jake Zivin, Taylor Twellman, and Andrew Wiebe, while the Spanish broadcast will be helmed by Sammy Sadovnik and Diego Valeri.
MLS Season Pass viewers will also s
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Here's everything you need to know about all the latest features, and here's what future updates could bring to your iPhone.
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 Buying an updated iPhone is like getting a new Ferrari -- you'll find a faster engine, a new coat of paint, and a few new bells and whistles, but beneath all that it's still basically the same car you could have bought last year.
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