Apple Smartphone Tech

All iPhone 16 Models to Get a Redesigned Action Button: Report



With the launch of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple replaced the classic Mute switch with a customizable Action Button. And now, several reports and shreds of evidence suggest that Apple is planning to add a redesigned Action Button to the entire lineup of the iPhone 16 series, which will make its debut in 2024. The Cupertino tech giant is reportedly working to add more functionality to its existing Action Button, and will also switch to a capacitive design rather than a mechanical one.


There were several rumors that Apple would switch to solid-state technology for power and volume buttons on the iPhone 15 Pro models. However, Apple ditched those plans and introduced a new Action Button instead. This button replaced the mute switch which was previously a staple for all iPhone models. Unlike the mute switch, which could only be used to switch between Ringing and Silent models, the Action Button can be configured to perform a which range of tasks.

The Rumored Action Button on iPhone 16 Series
When we didn’t see solid-state technology on iPhone 15 Pro models, it appears the “mechanical” saga will continue on iPhones. Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen numerous reports suggesting the switch from mechanical buttons to capacitive solid-state buttons is in the cards for the entire iPhone 16 lineup. This will allow Apple to add more functionality to the Action Button.

Macrumors reported that the revamped Action Button is under the codename “Altas”, and might feature the similar functionality seen on Home buttons with Touch ID on older iPhone models or Force Touch Trackpad on recent MacBooks.

The story also claims that the updated Action Button will be able to detect the changes in the pressure, all the credit goes to the new force sensor. Also, there are mentions of the “tact-switching functionality”, but at the moment, it’s unclear what this exactly means. It’s worth knowing that the iPhone 16 series is also rumored to include a new “Capacitive Button” with similar functionality.

The report also suggests that the upgraded Action Button will make its way to the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max. Even the initial prototypes of the iPhone 16 design feature an Action Button. Also, Apple experimented with different sizes for its redesigned Action Button.

With certain configurations, the Action Button was quite larger and resembled more with volume buttons. Even with different hardware configurations across different development stages, the appearance of the Action Button remained a constant. If this happens, it would mark the end of Apple’s Mute Switch era. Currently, only the iPhone 15 Pro & 15 Pro Max have the Action Button, and the iPhone 15 & 15 Plus house the same mute switch.

Moving on, the Action button is also likely to make an appearance on the iPhone SE 4, reportedly planned for 2025. It clearly means Apple has plans to eliminate the dedicated mute switch from all its future iPhones.

While these reports and pre-production information say a lot about Apple’s plans, we still are months away from the final hardware designs. The giant might change its plans, and come up with something different, which may or may not be exciting. We’ll keep you updated as the cycle evolves. For complete details on what to expect from 2024 iPhones, head to our dedicated iPhone 16 series roundup.

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Smartphone Tech

How to check battery health on your Android phone


You might notice that your phone's battery isn't as robust as it was when you purchased it. Frequently seeing the low battery indicator can get annoying, especially if you feel like you fully charged your phone a few hours ago. Whether you use a high-end or budget phone, the battery degrades over time.


You can check the battery's health by reviewing its details in the settings app or installing third-party apps that offer detailed reports. This guide will walk you through several methods to check your Android phone or tablet's battery health.


Why you should monitor your Android phone's battery health


Battery health is an important indicator. It tells you the rate at which a battery is degrading. It provides information about the battery capacity, temperature, and charging cycles. Most Android phones show basic stats like battery usage by various apps and battery drain details. If you have a Samsung phone, you can get more information about the battery with the Samsung Members app. Use a third-party app like AccuBattery, Battery Guru, or CPU-Z for other phones.

Check battery usage from the Settings app
You can view your phone's battery usage from the settings app. Most phones show which apps consume the most power, while some also display your battery's temperature.

  1. Open the Settings app on your phone.
  2. Select Battery. Or, search for battery from the search bar.
  3. Select Battery usage.


  4. This displays the battery usage since the last full charge. It also shows which apps have been draining your phone's battery.
  5. To view more details, tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
  6. Select Show full device usage.


  7. Select any app from the menu. You'll see options like Unrestricted, Optimized, and Restricted to manage battery usage.

Check your battery health from the Phone app

You can access Android's hidden diagnostic menu, which shows phone information, usage statistics, and Wi-Fi information. Most phones don't display battery information. Follow these steps to verify if it works on your phone:

  1. Open your Phone app and dial *#*#4636#*#*.
  2. Your phone displays the following screen after you enter the code.
  3. Search for Battery information. It displays details like battery health, charge level, and temperature.


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Apple Smartphone Tech

Here’s When Apple Could Announce The iPhone 15 Lineup And Apple Watch Series 9 To The Public


The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models will come with a boatload of major changes in terms of design and new features. The company will potentially send out event invites in the coming weeks but has not shared a word on the event date. We are now hearing that the company will host its special event on September 12 to announce the new iPhone 15 lineup and Apple Watch Series 9.

iPhone 15 event is expected to take place on September 12, while the launch is expected on September 22
Typically, Apple sets the iPhone 15 launch event date in the first half of September. Following the announcement, the devices go on sale a week after. While the company has not announced its dates yet, prominent industry analyst Mark Gurman states that Apple will host its iPhone 15 launch event on September 12. Additionally, it will likely be an in-person event, similar to the WWDC 2023 event in June. It will potentially be a pre-recorded event, following the same format as 2022.

It was previously coined by the analyst that the event could take place on either September 12 or 13 but in his latest tweet, Gurman suggests that "signs are increasingly pointing to Sept.12" as the iPhone 14 launch event date. However, he also mentions that these are mere speculations and that the company could announce the event at another date.

If the company does hold its special event on September 12, it would mean that the devices will be available for pre-order on the 15th while the devices will hit the shelves on September 22. However, as the analyst notes, be sure to take the news with a grain of salt since the final word rests with Apple. At the event, the company will announce its highly anticipated iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models alongside the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.


The iPhone 15 models are expected to bring Dynamic Island with upgraded internals and an improved camera system. Additionally, USB-C would replace the Lightning port on the entire lineup. For the 'Pro' models, we are expecting a 3nm A17 Bionic chip for enhanced performance and efficiency alongside upgraded camera sensors for better low-light photography. In terms of design, the iPhone 15 Pro will feature a new Action Button instead of the Mute Switch enclosed in a grade 5 titanium housing.

These major changes would potentially make the iPhone 15 lineup worth the upgrade, but the company is also expected to increase the prices. The iPhone 15 models could see a minor price increase, while the 'Pro' models are speculated to go up by as much as $200. We will be covering the iPhone 15 launch event in extensive detail, so be sure to stick around.
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Nothing Phone (1) Smartphone Technology

Here’s how to pre-order the Nothing Phone(1) in India

 


Carl Pei-backed Nothing‘s first smartphone, the Phone(1) is already getting attention similar to that of a flagship device like the iPhone or a OnePlus smartphone. The company’s strategy of giving the public bits and pieces and effectively preventing any major leaks from happening has been the reason for this increased hype. A rare leak now gives us an idea of how the device can be pre-ordered for users in the Indian market.


Nothing Phone(1) pre-order details:

Tipster Mukul Sharma revealed that the device was listed on Flipkart’s pre-order pass for the Indian market. The listing revealed some details on how to get your hands on the device earlier. The pass listing was live for a very short duration but the tipster managed to take some screenshots.



Through the tweet above, you can see that the Phone(1) can be purchased by depositing Rs.2,000 as security and this pass will provide people with a special discount on an accessory, in all likelihood a case along with other exclusive pre-order offers. After purchase, customers can be able to pre-order this device via Flipkart.



Once you buy the pre-order pass, you will get an email with the invite code which you can make use of at the time of making the final purchase. The pass is merely a means to pre-order the device, it does not mean you place an order on the actual smartphone.

Going by the screenshots, those who pre-order the device will be able to buy it at 9 PM on the 12th of July and the amount deposited as security will be adjusted towards the final amount when you are checking out.

The official price of the Nothing Phone(1) is not out yet but it is expected to retail under Rs. 30,000.


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