Apple Update offers more controls over Liquid Glass #12

About this episode

Apple has rolled out the final 26.1 updates for its entire lineup of operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, and the HomePod OS. This marks the first major update since their September releases, and it brings a unified year-based version numbering system across all platforms. The update addresses early bugs and user complaints, introducing meaningful tweaks and improvements that refine the experience for users who have already adopted the new systems.

One of the standout changes is the new translucency control for the Liquid Glass interface, which now lets users choose between a clearer, glassier look or a more opaque, tinted background. This adjustment is designed to improve readability without sacrificing the signature Apple aesthetic. iPad users will also notice the return of an updated Slide Over multitasking mode, which now allows for easier movement and resizing of app windows, though switching between apps in Slide Over has become a bit less fluid.

Smaller but notable changes include a redesigned alarm clock in iOS, making it harder to accidentally turn off alarms, and the option to disable the lock screen’s swipe-to-open camera gesture. Mac users should see improved FaceTime audio quality in low-bandwidth conditions, and Apple Music fans get new AutoMix transitions over AirPlay. While Apple has promised a “more personal Siri,” that feature is still in development, with executives assuring users that improvements to Apple Intelligence are underway and a release is planned for next year.

WhatsApp has finally arrived on the Apple Watch, making messaging even more accessible on the go. Over on Facebook, group admins now have more flexibility and tools to protect member privacy, reflecting ongoing changes in social media management.

Gaming news is equally exciting, with the Nintendo Switch 2 smashing sales records by moving 5.54 million units in the latest quarter. Meanwhile, Microsoft has launched its first in-house AI image generator, MAI-Image-1, and is also addressing a Stream Deck device error that should resolve itself with a simple login. Apple Podcasts is getting smarter, now generating automatic links and chapters for easier navigation.

On the security front, there’s a lot to watch: cybersecurity experts are under scrutiny for allegedly conducting their own ransomware attacks, and Microsoft has warned that a key OpenAI API is being exploited for cyberattacks. AMD has confirmed a worrying security flaw in some Zen 5 CPUs, and Microsoft Edge has received an upgraded scareware blocker to better protect users. Android’s AI is reportedly blocking more scams than iPhone, and phishing scams are on the rise, prompting businesses to reassess their defenses.

Elsewhere, Linux has finally cracked 3% market share on Steam, IBM is undergoing significant layoffs, and Microsoft is expanding its AI cloud capabilities with a $9.7 billion deal. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is seeking more biometric data, even from citizens, and Windows 10 continues to linger despite Microsoft ending support. There’s also a notable flaw in Microsoft Teams that could allow message tampering and spoofing.

In the world of hardware and innovation, Canon is teasing a new mirrorless camera, and a modified CMF Phone 2 Pro aims to help parents protect their children from doomscrolling and TikTok addiction. Pebble has released open-source files for its new Pebble 2 Duo, and there’s a new USB 2 hub with per-port power and MTT. Young tech creators are being celebrated for their projects, and there’s news of industrial robotics collaborations, advances in lithium iron phosphate cells, and the importance of BOM version control in electronics manufacturing. Finally, ham radio operators are preparing to support an Indian Ocean tsunami exercise, and there’s a local Taranaki Ham Cram event on the horizon.

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• Apple releases iOS 26.1, macOS 26.1, other updates with Liquid Glass controls and more
• Introducing WhatsApp for Apple Watch
• New Facebook Update Gives Group Admins More Flexibility While Protecting Member Privacy
• The Nintendo Switch 2 is breaking sales records, selling 5.54 million units in latest quarter
• Microsoft AI’s first in-house image generator MAI-Image-1 is now available
• Your Stream Deck’s ‘device not supported’ error should fix itself if you log in
• Apple Podcasts is generating automatic links and chapters
• Apple reveals a host of iOS and iPadOS security flaws needing urgent attention – so patch now
• Canon just teased its next mirrorless camera and it’s coming in two days – here’s what to expect
• This modified CMF Phone 2 Pro wants to save your child from doomscrolling and TikTok addiction – here’s how
• Cybersecurity experts accused of carrying out their own attacks using dangerous ransomware
• Microsoft warns a key OpenAI API is being exploited to launch cyberattacks
• AMD confirms some Zen 5 CPUs have a worrying security flaw that could put users at risk
• ChatGPT Go is now free in India – and U.S. users are wondering if they’re next
• Edge gains an upgraded Scareware blocker and sensor system to shield Windows and Mac users
• Windows news you can use: October 2025
• Android’s AI Blocks 58% More Scams Than iPhone, Study Shows
• Linux finally cracks 3% on Steam
• Microsoft Seeks AI Cloud Expansion With $9.7B Iren Deal
• IBM cutting several thousand jobs in latest layoffs
• DHS wants more biometric data – even from citizens
• Windows 10 still clinging on after Microsoft pulls support
• Microsoft Teams flaw could allow message tampering, spoofing
• Celebrating young tech creators: Coolest Projects 2025 and what’s next in 2026
• A USB 2 hub with per-port-power and MTT
• DOOM on a Satellite
• Pebble releases the KiCad files and schematic for their new Pebble 2 Duo
• NEC and Siemens hook up on industrial robots
• More power from EAS lithium iron phosphate cells
• BOM Version Control in Electronics Manufacturing
• GD32 MCU Family Expands High-Performance Portfolio
• Ham Radio Operators to Support Indian Ocean Tsunami Exercise
• Taranaki Ham Cram
• Internet over ham radio: RWS project needs testers and server hosters : r/amateurradio