Confused by Apple’s naming conventions? You’re not the only one. According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple is planning a major overhaul of its operating systems during this year's WWDC. This overhaul will include a significant change in how the company denotes the versioning of its software. Instead of the traditional version numbers, Apple will begin labeling each OS version by the year of its release, starting with next year’s versions. This means the updates showcased at this year’s WWDC will be referred to as iOS 26, watchOS 26, and so forth, moving away from iOS 19 and watchOS 12.
This new naming strategy is part of a broader initiative aimed at creating a more cohesive user experience across all Apple products. The redesign may not only involve new names but could also introduce updated icons, apps, buttons, and an entirely fresh design language. Given that Apple’s user interface is a fundamental aspect of its brand identity, it will be intriguing to observe how customers respond to these changes, especially considering the mixed reactions to previous redesigns like the one for Apple Photos.
Mark your calendars, as WWDC is set to kick off on June 9 at 1 PM ET, where we will gain a clearer understanding of Apple’s exciting new direction.
After a modest introduction of features with the launch of the OnePlus 13 in January, the company is now diving headfirst into the realm of AI technology for its smartphones. Similar to the innovative approach taken by Nothing with their Phone (3a) series, OnePlus is set to introduce a dedicated AI button on the side of its devices. This new feature, known as the Plus Key, will replace the original OnePlus Alert Slider and can be customized to launch specific apps or shortcuts, mimicking the functionality of Apple’s Action Button.
By default, the Plus Key activates the AI Plus Mind system, designed to save whatever content is currently displayed on the screen for later reference. For instance, if you come across an advertisement for a concert or receive an event invitation, pressing the Plus Key allows you to save the relevant details in the app. The app will then extract useful information to help you create a calendar event automatically.
The Plus Key and AI Plus Mind will debut with the OnePlus 13s, launching in select markets this June, although it will not be available in the US. Later this year, these AI features will extend to the broader OnePlus 13 series, with plans for implementation on additional devices in the future. OnePlus is also actively developing more innovative features, including AI VoiceScribe for recording and summarizing calls, AI Translation for consolidating translation capabilities, and AI Reframe for enhancing photo compositions using generative AI.
Samsung is gearing up to unveil its next generation of folding phones, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, this summer. The company confirmed this exciting news in a blog post announcing the rollout of the One UI 8 beta program. One UI serves as Samsung’s customized layer on top of Android, with version eight set to be based on the upcoming Android 16. While the beta program will be accessible for existing devices, One UI 8 is expected to debut on Samsung’s newest foldables this summer, making them the first devices to run Android 16.
This marks a significant departure from the usual trend where Google's Pixel devices are the first to feature the latest Android version. The change is likely attributed to Google moving up the release timeline for Android 16, which will now arrive in midsummer instead of the typical October release.
On May 28, Google Photos celebrated its 10th anniversary, introducing a suite of new features to mark the occasion. Among these updates are several exclusive capabilities for the Pixel 9, such as the Reimagine and Auto Frame AI features, which are now available to a broader audience. A redesigned editing interface will also provide users with a more streamlined experience, displaying a range of editing tools at a glance. Users can now easily select specific parts of an image to pull up relevant editing tools, enhancing the overall usability.
A new AI Enhance button will merge various Google AI capabilities, including the popular Magic Eraser, with standard editing tools for quicker edits. This redesigned layout will roll out to Android devices in June, with iOS users receiving the update later this year. Additionally, users will now have the ability to generate QR codes to share albums, enabling others to contribute their images to collaborative albums for events.
Ricoh has announced the launch of the GR IV pocket camera, the successor to the acclaimed GR III. This new model features an upgraded lens consisting of seven elements while maintaining the same focal length of 18.3mm f/2.8 (approximately equivalent to 28mm in 35mm terms). While there are no current plans to release a GR IVx model with a 40mm lens, the GR IV boasts an enhanced APS-C sensor, which slightly increases the resolution from 24 megapixels to 26 megapixels.
While the exterior design has been updated with slightly different buttons, the basic silhouette remains intact. Notably, the GR IV retains the neutral density filter, but lacks a built-in flash—a feature that was present in the GR II. However, the GR IV offers an impressive ISO range, reaching up to 204,800, which enhances its performance in low-light conditions. The camera also includes five-axis stabilization, improving upon the three-axis stabilization found in the GR III.
Another noteworthy improvement is the introduction of face and eye detection autofocus tracking, which suggests enhanced autofocus capabilities—an area where the GR III had room for improvement. The GR IV will also feature 53 gigabytes of usable built-in storage, ideal for a compact camera. However, it will use microSD cards instead of full-size SD cards. This new pocket camera is expected to arrive in fall 2023, with an additional model featuring a Highlight Diffusion Filter set to follow in winter 2025. Interestingly, Ricoh has announced that production and shipment of the GR III will cease in July 2025 due to difficulties in procuring parts, while the 40mm GR IIIx will continue to be available for the time being.
