Latest news with #softwareupdate
Edmunds
18 hours ago
- Automotive
- Edmunds
A Software Update Fixed Our Volvo EX30's Most Annoying Quirk
I watched a whole bunch of videos on YouTube showing European-spec EX30s where the feature could easily be turned off, but the menus on our U.S.-spec EX30 are different. A Volvo spokesperson confirmed that our car would need a software fix to resolve this issue, and unfortunately, despite having over-the-air update capabilities, the EX30 would need to make a trip to the dealer. My advice: If you own a Volvo EX30 and are similarly annoyed by this undefeatable feature, take your car to the dealer and ask for the version 1.5.3 software upgrade. It can be turned around the same day and doesn't cost anything. Don't wait around for an over-the-air update that'll never come. Are all of our tech issues resolved? Not quite … The EX30 is so much nicer to live with following the 1.5.3 update; 27 audio notifications over the course of 22 miles is just insane. But our subcompact Volvo isn't free of tech gremlins — at least, not yet. For what it's worth, we also had some problems with a recent Volvo EX90 test. We're still having trouble maintaining reliable wireless Apple CarPlay connections while driving. On a couple of occasions now, the CarPlay portion of the EX30's infotainment screen will go completely black. Meanwhile, the rest of the software operates as intended — well, mostly; when this CarPlay freakout happens, the audio volume controls stop working, which is weird.
Bloomberg
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Bloomberg
Ford Halts Dealer Sales of Electric Mustang Over Lock Glitch
Ford Motor Co. has instructed its dealers to stop selling the electric Mustang Mach-e because a software defect could lock the doors, potentially trapping occupants inside. The automaker said in a statement that it is recalling about 317,000 Mach-e models in the US and overseas from model years 2021 through 2025 due to the issue. Ford told its dealers not to deliver the EV, which is made in Mexico, until the vehicles receive a software update to fix the flaw, which is coming soon, a spokesman said.
Geeky Gadgets
6 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
iOS 26: Early Verdict - Success or Failure?
Apple has officially launched iOS 26, introducing a range of updates aimed at enhancing functionality and user experience. This latest iteration of the operating system seeks to refine usability, improve performance, and maintain Apple's reputation for innovation. However, as with any major release, it raises questions about whether it meets user expectations or falls short in critical areas. By examining its features, performance, compatibility, and market impact, we can evaluate whether iOS 26 represents meaningful progress or a potential misstep for the tech giant. The video below from iDeviceHelp gives us more information on the new iOS 26 software update for the iPhone. The software is currently in beta, with the final version expected in September 2025. Watch this video on YouTube. Key Features and Design Updates iOS 26 introduces a variety of updates designed to enhance both functionality and aesthetics. These updates include: Enhanced Privacy Tools: New privacy settings provide users with greater control over data sharing and app permissions, reinforcing Apple's focus on security. New privacy settings provide users with greater control over data sharing and app permissions, reinforcing Apple's focus on security. Improved Multitasking: Advanced multitasking capabilities allow for smoother transitions between apps, boosting productivity for users juggling multiple tasks. Advanced multitasking capabilities allow for smoother transitions between apps, boosting productivity for users juggling multiple tasks. Redesigned Interface: A refreshed user interface offers customizable widgets and more intuitive gestures, creating a modern and personalized experience. While these updates aim to streamline the user experience, they come with a learning curve. Longtime users accustomed to previous versions of iOS may find the adjustments initially challenging. However, the changes align with Apple's ongoing commitment to delivering a sleek and contemporary aesthetic, making sure the operating system remains visually appealing and functional. Performance: Faster, But Not for Everyone Performance improvements are a cornerstone of iOS 26, with Apple promising faster app launches, smoother animations, and enhanced battery efficiency. On newer devices, early benchmarks largely validate these claims, showcasing noticeable improvements in speed and responsiveness. However, the experience is less consistent for users of older devices. Reports of slower response times, occasional lag, and reduced battery life have surfaced, highlighting the challenges Apple faces in balancing innovation with backward compatibility. This disparity raises concerns about whether the operating system can deliver a uniformly positive experience across its entire user base. Compatibility: A Dividing Line Device compatibility plays a pivotal role in the adoption of iOS 26. While the update supports a wide range of Apple devices, certain features are exclusive to the latest iPhone and iPad models. For example: Advanced multitasking tools are only accessible on devices with newer hardware. Some interface enhancements require higher processing power, limiting their availability to recent models. This selective approach has sparked debate among users. While some appreciate the optimization for newer devices, others feel alienated by the exclusion of older models. This divide underscores a recurring tension in Apple's strategy: balancing innovative innovation with inclusivity for its diverse user base. Technical Issues: Bugs and Fixes As with any major software release, iOS 26 has encountered its share of technical challenges. Early adopters have reported several issues, including: App crashes and freezing during routine use. Connectivity problems, particularly with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Glitches in the redesigned interface, such as unresponsive widgets and navigation errors. Apple has responded promptly by rolling out minor updates to address these problems. While this demonstrates the company's commitment to resolving issues, it also highlights the importance of rigorous pre-launch testing. For some users, these early bugs may overshadow the benefits of the new features, potentially impacting their overall satisfaction with the update. Market Impact and User Sentiment The reception of iOS 26 has been mixed, reflecting both praise and criticism. On one hand, the operating system has been lauded for its innovative features, enhanced privacy tools, and polished design. On the other hand, it has faced scrutiny for its compatibility limitations and the technical issues encountered by early adopters. Market analysts suggest that these factors could influence Apple's reputation, particularly as competition in the mobile operating system market intensifies. Competitors like Android continue to push boundaries in areas such as customization, affordability, and device flexibility, creating a challenging environment for Apple to maintain its dominance. How iOS 26 Stacks Up Against Competitors When compared to other mobile operating systems, iOS 26 excels in several key areas: Security: Apple's robust privacy measures remain a significant advantage, appealing to users who prioritize data protection. Apple's robust privacy measures remain a significant advantage, appealing to users who prioritize data protection. Ecosystem Integration: Seamless connectivity across Apple devices enhances convenience and reinforces brand loyalty. Seamless connectivity across Apple devices enhances convenience and reinforces brand loyalty. User Experience: The cohesive design and polished interface set iOS apart from competitors, offering a premium feel. However, iOS 26 falls short in terms of device flexibility and affordability. Android, for instance, offers a broader range of devices at various price points, making it more accessible to a wider audience. This contrast highlights the ongoing debate about whether Apple's premium approach aligns with the needs of its diverse user base or risks alienating potential customers. Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities iOS 26 represents both progress and challenges for Apple. Its new features and design updates showcase the company's commitment to innovation, while its technical issues and compatibility limitations reveal areas for improvement. Moving forward, Apple's ability to address these concerns and adapt to user feedback will be critical in determining the operating system's long-term success. As competition in the mobile operating system market continues to grow, Apple must strike a delicate balance between innovation and reliability. Whether iOS 26 is ultimately remembered as a step forward or a misstep will depend on how effectively the company navigates these challenges in the months ahead. Here are additional guides from our expansive article library that you may find useful on iOS 26 features. Source & Image Credit: iDeviceHelp Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Phone Arena
7 days ago
- Phone Arena
Feature in iOS 26 will reduce one major fear about software updates for iPhone users
Have you ever been caught in a situation where you have a software update to load on your iPhone but don't have enough storage space remaining? So you are forced to go through your apps to decide which ones you really need. Do you really want to keep CSPAN? Do you really need all 22 weather apps you've downloaded on your iPhone? So you delete some apps and hope that you've opened up enough space to load the software update. The actual part of the release notes discussing this new feature says, "Depending on the amount of free space available, iOS might dynamically reserve update space for Automatic Updates to download and install successfully." Think about how big this could be for app hoarders or even just those iPhone users who love shopping at the App Store. What we don't know yet is how the dynamic storage reserve works, how much storage Apple will be able to create in reserve, whether iPhone users will be allowed to opt out of the feature, and whether iPhone users will receive a notification telling them that they have a certain amount of storage held aside for the next software update. With the new feature, the process of installing software updates on your iPhone will be more seamless and less of a worry assuming that the dynamic storage reserve does its thing. Seeing a notification like this on your iPhone might be a thing of the past once iOS 26 is installed. | Image credit-Cisdem Currently, iOS uses a temporary feature that requires storage to be temporarily created and employed during an iOS update. This temporary working space can be two to three times the size of the file being downloaded as a software update. This space is needed during the update process to hold the files being unpacked. It's at this point in the updating journey that you might receive a message reading "Not Enough Storage." While iOS 26 Developer Beta 1 is available now, you don't have to be a developer to install it. Make sure to back up your phone first. There are bugs, as you can expect, and your battery life will be shorter. The first Public Beta for iOS 26 will arrive next month and the stable version of the new major iOS build should be released in September alongside the iPhone 17 series.
Phone Arena
12-06-2025
- Phone Arena
Mandatory update coming soon to Pixel 6a units and owners won't like it
Pixel 6a is not the first Google phone affected by an overheating issue | Image credit: PhoneArena If you're still using a Pixel 6a, there's a chance that you're eligible for a 'mandatory' software update that Google plans to release in the coming weeks. The reason this update is mandatory is because some Pixel 6a units have major issues with the battery, and the update is meant to reduce the risk of heard about this not long ago when it's been discovered in the latest Android 16 beta that Google plans to roll out a software update to the Pixel 6a that specifically targeted the phone's battery performance. Earlier today, Google confirmed to 9to5google that it will indeed start informing Pixel 6a users in July that they will receive a software update that will reduce the capacity of their phone's battery. – Google, June 2025. Unfortunately, we don't know how many Pixel 6a units are affected by this issue, but apparently not all will receive the update. Google also said that even though customers who own one of the affected Pixel 6a units will be contacted next month, the update might not arrive immediately for those of you who plan to circumvent the update in order to avoid having your phone's battery capacity reduced by purchasing a new one, it's probably not going to be a successful approach in the long term. As Google notes in the message to 9to5google , once your battery hits 400 charge cycles, the mandatory update will be automatically installed on your phone in case it's one of the affected devices. Pixel 4a was also the target of a similar update not long ago | Image credit: PhoneArena Google's decision to push out this mandatory update follows a series of reports from Pixel 6a owners claiming their phones caught fire while charging. These reports only recently emerged online, although the Pixel 6a hit shelves three years ago. Sadly, this is not the first Pixel device that exhibits overheating issues. Google recently rolled out a similar update to a number of Pixel 4a units that were affected by a similar overheating issue. Some Pixel 4a owners were offered free battery replacements.
