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Apple’s Satellite Texting Rescues Injured Climber from Colorado Mountain Peak
A climber stranded above 10,000 feet on Snowmass Mountain in Colorado was successfully rescued after utilizing the satellite texting feature on his iPhone to call for aid. The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office reported that the 53-year-old man reached the summit on Sunday, but during his descent, he suffered a wrist injury that prevented him from continuing on his own.
In the remote area, where there was no cell service or Wi-Fi, the climber used Apple’s satellite texting capability to reach out to a family member. This relative then quickly alerted the sheriff’s office and Mountain Rescue Aspen.
Apple’s satellite texting feature allows users of recent iPhone models to send messages in emergencies even when standard network connectivity is unavailable. On Monday morning at around 8:25 a.m., the Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center received the alert.
The climber was located around Snowmass Lake, nearly 11,000 feet in elevation, approximately 8.3 miles from the trailhead. A rescue team of 17 from Mountain Rescue Aspen was dispatched, as the injured man could not walk out independently.
Rescuers carried him to safety. Rescue officials emphasized the importance of having an emergency device or knowing how to utilize satellite texting, as it can significantly enhance the speed and efficiency of rescues.
Apple’s Emergency SOS feature is specifically designed for use in areas without cell service, allowing direct communication with rescuers and therefore shortening response times. In recent years, Colorado has witnessed a surge in outdoor recreation, with more individuals venturing to climb “fourteeners” or traverse remote wilderness areas.
Given the increasing complexity of rescue calls, teams like Mountain Rescue Aspen depend on volunteers skilled in difficult conditions. Safety experts advise outdoor enthusiasts to plan thoroughly, check weather forecasts, travel with companions, and carry essential gear, including emergency communication devices, as technology should complement good planning and sound judgment in the backcountry.
Apple Faces $110 Million Damages Ruling in 3G Patent Infringement Case
Apple has lost a significant legal battle regarding 3G wireless patents, with a jury ruling that it infringed on patents held by TOT Power Control. As a result, the tech giant is required to pay over $110 million in damages, according to a decision made on June 30 and released by a Delaware federal court. The lawsuit, which has been ongoing, centered on Apple’s cellular chips found in its iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
The jury concluded that these components violated certain patents owned by TOT Power Control. The verdict revealed that the damages would be calculated as a “running royalty” at a rate of $0.25 per unit sold. In response to the verdict, an Apple spokesperson announced plans to appeal the decision.
TOT’s CEO, Alvaro Lopez-Medrano, expressed satisfaction with the jury’s decision, stating that the validation of their patents was a significant win. The origins of the complaint date back to 2021 when TOT Power Control filed suit over two patents issued in 2009. These patents describe techniques for managing power control to prevent interference in wireless communications.
While the telecommunications industry has well-defined standards for inner loop power control, specifications for outer-loop algorithms are less established. TOT’s patented system aims to optimize signal-to-interference metrics to enhance wireless channel efficiency. Despite some perceptions of TOT Power Control being a patent troll, it operates differently; it develops and licenses its patents, rather than buying them for litigation purposes.
The company has taken a proactive approach, marketing its technology to various carriers to improve older 3G networks. The damages in this case, while substantial, are relatively minor compared to the larger sums Apple has faced in similar legal situations, including a recent ruling in the UK that raised its payment obligation to Optis Cellular to $502 million, and another case in the US where a patent infringement verdict was overturned, saving Apple $300 million.
Upcoming Apple TV+ Dramedy: ‘I’m Glad My Mom Died’ Set to Release Soon
Jennifer Aniston is set to star in and produce a new series for Apple TV+ that draws inspiration from Jennette McCurdy’s bestselling memoir, “I’m Glad My Mom Died.” In this 10-episode dramedy, Aniston will portray the narcissistic mother of McCurdy, well-known for her role in the Nickelodeon show *iCarly*.
This upcoming series adds to Apple TV+’s impressive lineup of star-studded dramas and comedies, which regularly attract a loyal audience, particularly fans of shows like *Bad Sisters*. The memoir, which has captivated readers and topped the New York Times bestseller list for over 80 weeks, chronicles McCurdy’s tumultuous experience as a child actress under the influence of her controlling mother.
The book combines elements of both humor and heartbreak, revealing the struggles McCurdy faced in her early life. From being subjected to extreme diet regimens dictated by her mother to the disturbing reality of showering with her until she was 16, McCurdy’s story is a poignant reflection of the challenges faced by young performers.
The turning point in McCurdy’s life comes after the passing of her mother due to cancer, an event that occurs while she is still reprising her role in *Sam and Cat*, a spin-off of *iCarly*. This loss prompts her to leave acting behind and seek her own identity away from the spotlight.
McCurdy is not just the subject of the series; she also serves as an executive producer and showrunner alongside Ari Katcher. The production team includes Sharon Horgan and Stacy Greenberg from Merman, as well as executive producers Jerrod Carmichael and Erica Kay.
While the exact release date for the series has yet to be announced, excitement is already building for this adaptation.
Enhance Your Journaling with the Latest iOS 18 Journal Features and Updates
The introduction of iOS 18 has significantly enhanced Apple’s Journal app, which first launched alongside iOS 17 in December 2023. This latest update, released in October 2024, brings a host of new features, including the long-awaited search and sorting capabilities. One of the most notable improvements is the inclusion of a search function, represented by a familiar magnifying glass icon at the top of the app.
Users can now search through their entries based on various criteria such as date, mood, or specific words and phrases. Additionally, entries can be filtered by different types, including text-only posts and those containing photos, audio, or videos. Categories like “Bookmarked,” “Places,” and “Reflections” further streamline the search experience, enabling users to find specific entries more efficiently.
The update also includes a new “Moment Date” feature that allows users to set the entry date to when an event actually took place, as opposed to when the entry was written. This chronological organization offers a more authentic timeline of experiences. iOS 18 introduces statistics, referred to as Insights, providing users with information on their writing habits, such as average word count per entry, places visited, and writing streaks.
The calendar view displays entries alongside these insights, resembling features found in the Notes app. Home Screen and Lock Screen widgets have been added as well, offering writing prompts and quick access to new entries or current writing streaks. These widgets enhance user engagement and encourage regular journaling.
Looking ahead, Apple plans to introduce more features in the coming years, including intelligent enhancements that will aid users in summarizing entries or adjusting the tone of their writing. While the Journal app remains exclusive to iPhone users, the integration of media and dictation capabilities makes it convenient for users to document their lives from anywhere.
Apple Vision Pro’s Hidden Unreleased Features Leaked; Company Initiates Legal Action
Apple has initiated legal action against a design engineer, Di Liu, for allegedly copying proprietary research related to the Apple Vision Pro. The engineer is now employed by Snap, the company behind Snapchat and smart glasses. This lawsuit is not an isolated incident; Apple has reportedly filed similar claims in previous years concerning trade secret theft.
In 2022, an Apple employee was found to have leaked confidential information to the media, and in 2023, three former engineers faced accusations of stealing technology related to the Apple Car. In 2024, Apple reached a settlement with Rivos, a startup accused of both stealing trade secrets and trying to recruit Apple engineers. Now, the allegations surrounding Di Liu involve claims that he appropriated a significant amount of Apple technology relevant to the Vision Pro and other unreleased products.
Liu has not publicly commented on the matter, and details of the case are primarily drawn from Apple’s lawsuit. According to Apple’s claims, Liu indicated that he was resigning to spend more time with family, concealing the fact that he had accepted a position at Snap. Had he been upfront about the job offer, he would have had his access to Apple’s systems revoked immediately.
Instead, he continued to work during a two-week notice period, during which he allegedly transferred files from his Apple laptop to personal cloud storage. Despite deleting certain files, Apple argues that the similarities between Liu’s retained information and Snap’s augmented reality products are evident. Apple seeks the court’s order to recover the alleged stolen trade secrets, although the practicality of this request remains uncertain.
Additionally, they are pursuing unspecified damages. It is important to note that Snap has not been implicated in any wrongdoing. A spokesperson stated that the company conducted its own review of the allegations and found no connections to Liu’s employment or behavior at Snap.
Snap had previously launched smart Spectacles in 2017, although they did not perform well in the market.
Brazil App Store Faces Antitrust Fine Over Legal Anti-Steering Practices
Brazil has renewed its efforts to impose fines on Apple, particularly concerning its App Store practices. This move follows previous attempts, as well as increasing pressure from other nations. In late 2022 and early 2023, Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) launched an investigation after receiving complaints from various companies, including MercadoLibre, a prominent ecommerce platform in Latin America.
CADE’s technology advisors have concluded that Apple is indeed guilty of anti-competitive behavior. The General Superintendence of CADE stated that Apple’s actions violate economic order principles. The focus of the accusations centers on Apple’s restrictive practices regarding third-party marketing, specifically the anti-steering issue that has drawn scrutiny and fines from the European Union.
These same practices were significant in Apple’s legal battle with Epic Games, where Apple faced criticism for failing to allow developers to inform users about alternative offers. While Apple claimed victory in the case overall, this one aspect proved to be a significant setback. Apple’s slow response to comply with the court’s mandate angered U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who described the company’s actions as “gross insubordination” and required immediate steps towards compliance.
In Brazil, the goal is similar: urging Apple to eliminate its anti-steering practices to support app developer communication with users. Although Brazil’s recent recommendations lack specific directives, they follow a history of attempts to fine Apple. Notably, in November 2024, Brazil mandated that Apple lift its restrictions within 20 days, a ruling that was later overturned in December due to concerns about user privacy.
Apple has since reaffirmed its stance that CADE’s proposed measures would jeopardize user privacy and security. The ultimate decision now lies with CADE, which may escalate the matter to court if necessary. Meanwhile, reports have surfaced suggesting that Apple’s supplier, Foxconn, is expanding its facilities in Brazil, despite ongoing regulatory challenges.
Google Keep is no longer available on Apple Watch; users look for alternative apps.
Google has officially removed its note-taking app, Keep, from the Apple Watch, marking another instance in its history of discontinuing products. This decision was finalized with an update on June 30, 2025, leaving users without a dedicated Google option for note-taking on their wrists. Keep was launched for watchOS in 2019 but struggled to gain traction. The app’s limitations—such as the absence of watch face complications and other essential features—led to its decline in usage.
In contrast, Apple is introducing its own Notes app for the Apple Watch alongside the release of watchOS 26, providing users with a built-in alternative that integrates seamlessly with iOS. One of the reasons for Google’s withdrawal of Keep from the Apple Watch is its selective approach to app support. Google continues to maintain apps like Maps and YouTube Music, which generate revenue through advertisements and subscriptions. However, since Keep is a free utility without a clear monetization strategy, Google opted not to support it on what it considers a competitor’s platform.
Consequently, users of Keep on the Apple Watch will now need to utilize alternatives such as Apple’s Notes app, Microsoft OneNote, Bear, or Drafts for their note-taking needs. Google’s trend of discontinuing products is well-documented, with the independent tracker Killed by Google listing over 200 services that have been shut down. Recent closures include Google Podcasts, which was phased out in 2024, and Jamboard, which ended in the same year with its features integrated into Google Meet. Such decisions often leave users feeling frustrated, as reliance on Google services comes with the risk of sudden discontinuation.
For Apple Watch users who relied on Keep, the removal means they’ll need to adapt quickly. While Apple’s Notes app is on the horizon, those wanting to stay within Google’s ecosystem will have to continue using Keep solely on their phones, reminding the user community that even popular services can disappear unexpectedly.
Apple Vision Pro Motion Sickness and Control Features for Apple Car Explained
Apple is actively researching software for the Apple Vision Pro to mitigate motion sickness that can arise from perceived motion, especially during travel. Many users have noted that wearing the headset while flying can be awkward, not to mention the risk of it being bumped around in the overhead storage compartments.
Some users report experiencing motion sickness due to the way the headset’s sensors react to the airplane’s movements, akin to the discomfort some feel when reading on a moving bus. To address a similar issue for mobile devices, Apple introduced Vehicle Motion Cues in iOS 18.
This new feature presents a series of dots on the iPhone’s display, designed to move in conjunction with the vehicle’s motion. It utilizes the iPhone’s accelerometer to provide visual feedback that aligns with the user’s physical sensations, aiming to lessen motion sickness when reading or watching content on a device.
A recently granted patent titled “Immersive Virtual Display” explores solutions for the Apple Vision Pro and potentially future iterations. The technology aims to integrate real-world movement into virtual experiences, enhancing the user’s comfort during vehicle travel.
Apple’s proposal suggests creating an environment where users experience elements like simulated wind or sound effects, all while using the headset. While the patent focuses on preventing motion sickness, it also offers enhancements for all users.
Beyond motion sickness management, the headset could allow for augmented views of real surroundings enriched with virtual content. Although the ambitious Apple Car project has been shelved, Apple continues to explore ways to improve user experiences through its accessibility-focused developments.
The patent involves various considerations, such as connectivity with other devices, signifying the company’s dedication to both innovative technology and user comfort. Led by inventor Mark B. Rober, the team behind this patent recognizes the complex challenges of developing immersive technology while addressing real-world constraints.
Recall Notice for Anker Power Bank, Zolo, and MagGo Products: Important Information for Consumers
Anker has expanded its safety measures by issuing a worldwide recall for five additional Power Bank models due to potential fire risks associated with their lithium-ion battery cells. This recall follows an earlier announcement in June 2025, which affected only the PowerCore 10000 batteries sold in the United States. Now, the affected Power Bank models include:
– Anker Power Bank (10K, 22.5W) Model A1257
– Anker Power Bank (20,000mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable) — Model A1647
– Anker MagGo Power Bank (10,000mAh, 7.5W) — Model A1652
– Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, 30W, Built-In USB-C and Lightning Cable) Model A1681
– Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, 30W, Built-In USB-C Cable) Model A1689
Anker has voluntarily initiated this recall, emphasizing that the likelihood of a malfunction is considered minimal.
The problem is linked to battery cells from a single unnamed vendor. Customers are urged to check the bottom and side casings of their devices for the model number and to cease using any affected products immediately. To participate in the recall, users should contact Anker through the company’s online recall form.
They will need to provide either the serial number or proof of purchase for validation. Anker requests that customers refrain from disposing of their Power Banks before receiving confirmation and advises that any disposal should occur at facilities qualified to handle household hazardous waste. For those impacted, Anker is offering either a gift card or a free replacement product, similar to its previous recall actions.
Notably, this marks Anker’s third recall; the initial one occurred in 2023, addressing the Anker 535 Power Bank due to similar fire hazard concerns.
Apple’s New Macs Thrive Amidst Market Challenges and Competition
Recent estimates from supply chain analysts indicate that Apple may have gained market share in the computing sector during the first quarter of 2025. However, it’s important to note that shipment figures do not equate to actual sales.
Apple has been pushing hardware into channels in anticipation of potential tariff impacts, which skews the true picture of consumer demand. According to Canalys data released on July 1, Apple experienced significant shipment growth of 28.7% in the Mac category at the beginning of 2025.
In comparison, competitors such as HP, Dell, and Lenovo only achieved single-digit growth. Apple shipped approximately 2.7 million desktops and laptops, raising its share of the U.S. PC shipment market to around 16%, up from just over 14% the previous year.
However, these statistics reflect products sent to retail, not necessarily those purchased by consumers. In total, PC shipments reached 16.9 million units, showing a year-over-year increase of nearly 15%.
This surge indicates that vendors rushed to fill U.S. channels with inventory before tariffs on Chinese-made devices took effect. While this strategy enabled them to secure lower import costs, it also raised the risk of excess unsold stock.
The introduction of new M4 chip MacBook Air models in March significantly boosted Apple’s shipment figures, making the devices more attractive to students and professionals due to their improved design and performance. Alongside the Mac Studio refresh, which drew creative professionals, Apple effectively pushed hardware into the market before the anticipated tariff increases.
However, this front-loading of shipments has inflated short-term numbers without guaranteeing sales to end users. Analysts predict that, while retail inventories will be full, clearing existing stock could inhibit future shipments as consumers hold off on purchases.
Canalys forecasts only 2% growth in total U.S. PC shipments for 2025, signaling a decline after the initial quarter. Commercial demand appears to provide some stability, with an expected 8% rise in business PC shipments, yet it may not be sufficient to offset a predicted drop of over 4% in consumer demand.
High prices and the complexity of specifications may discourage upgrades, especially as retailers work through surplus inventory. Apple’s ability to navigate this landscape lies in its loyal customer base and strong ecosystem integration.
Its new Macs have attracted significant interest, yet the company must continue converting inventory into actual sales to sustain its gains.