We are so excited that recent months have brought us new Operating System (OS) updates from Apple and Android! In this blog, we will go over what new features these updates have and how you can utilize them when it comes to function, security and visual improvements.
Android
The latest update of Android 13, released in August of 2022, has been a generous offering to Android users, providing tons of new features and functions. Users can expect new features such as the new Reading Mode, Privacy Photo Picker and new widget settings.
Function:
One of the cool new functions that the new update brings is the Digital Car Keys. This feature allows Android 13 users to unlock, lock or switch on their compatible vehicles. Users can also share their digital key with friends and family. Although not an Android 13 exclusive, this feature is extremely handy for Android users that drive qualifying cars. Another cool function that this update has is the New Reading Mode, which improves accessibility to those who are dyslexic, blind or have low vision.
Security:
When it comes to keeping your phone secure, Android 13 has you covered with the Private Photo Picker. This feature pops up when sharing a document with an Android app, and is proven to be more secure than previous Android releases.
Visual Improvements:
If you’re looking to spruce up the way you look at the time, the new Android 13 OS comes with a widget setup where you can toggle between two clock styles on the lock screen. If you want to explore and implement this feature, do the following:
- Go to “Settings”
- Click on the “Display” button
- Click on “Lock Screen” and pick the clock that you enjoy the most
Apple
Released in December 2022, Apple’s iOS 16.2 has everything you’d ever want out of an Operating System update. From handy tricks such as deleting duplicate pictures to widgets that help monitor your sleep schedule, we are positive you are going to love this update!
Function:
The newest offering from Apple comes with quality features that prioritize functionality and organization. One such feature is setting up iPhoto to remove duplicate pictures, which is a problem many users have. Over the years, it is easy to have an abundance of photos that take up precious storage space that can be used for other photos, videos, songs and more. To make use of this feature, just do the following:
- Go to “Photos” and select the “Albums” tab
- Scroll down to the bottom and select “Duplicates”
- You can now go through all of your photos and videos and tap on “Merge” for select photos or tap “Select” then “Select All” and “Merge” to delete all of your duplicate media at once
Security:
When it comes to keeping your information safe, security improvements to iCloud are incredibly important. Fortunately, the new iOS update has you covered, with updated end-to-end encryption to make sure that all data on the iCloud is kept secure.
Visual Improvements:
The newest Apple iOS update may seem pretty normal to the naked eye, but there have been improvements to the lock screen, as well as the ability to hide your wallpaper when the Always-On display is activated on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone Pro Max. Always-On display helps save battery by making your phone screen go dark in a variety of idling situations.
To activate the Always On Display, do the following:
- Go to “Settings”, go to “Display and Brightness” and select “Always-On Display”
- Turn “Always-on” to on or off
This update also comes with a couple of very useful widgets, such as the Sleep Widget and the Medications Widget. The Sleep widget informs you of things such as your sleep patterns, while the Medications widget reminds you when to take your medications.
We hope that these new features have you excited to check out the new Apple and Android updates! If you don’t have a device that supports these updates, you can check here for the latest and greatest devices that Consumer Cellular has to offer!