iOS 14.5 introduces Waze-like features to Apple Maps

It's widely known that Apple Maps is lagging behind its competition. But the company is working on bringing it up to par with what Google offers with its Maps and Waze apps. With the beta 4 release of iOS 14.5, Apple Maps gets Waze-like crowdsourcing features so you can report accidents, speed checks, and hazards along the way. There's a new Report button in the app that you can access through your iPhone or CarPlay.

While not related to the beta release, Apple Maps has also rolled out in the US a way to look for COVID-19 vaccination sites in the country. Apple users in the US can search "COVID-19 vaccines" on Maps or ask Siri, "Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccination?" Both features use data from VaccineFinder.

iOS and iPadOS 14.5 beta 4: AirPlay 2 for Apple Fitness+, third-party controller support

With the release of iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 beta 4, it brings with it some features you might find helpful. 

These include the addition of AirPlay 2 support for Apple Fitness+. It will let subscribers to Apple's fitness service begin a workout on an iPhone or iPad and then AirPlay this to a compatible smart TV or set-top box. AirPlay 2 supports audio and video, but it won't show on-screen workout metrics.

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watchOS 7.4 beta 4 release has the iPhone mask unlock option

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Apple has just rolled out the latest beta releases for most of its major platforms, including beta 4 for watchOS 7.4 and iOS 14.5. This update brings the ability to use your Apple Watch to unlock your iPhone while you're wearing a mask.

For public beta testers and developers, you can now try this feature out. The Apple Watch needs to be nearby or on your wrist as well as unlocked and protected by a passcode for this feature to work. And you'll need to have iOS 14.5 on your iPhone, too. 

9to5Mac points out that if you unlock your Apple Watch with your iPhone using Face ID before putting on a mask, you can skip the step of entering a passcode on either device.

SaskTel picks Samsung to deploy tech for 5G network

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SaskTel has announced that Samsung Electronics Co. will be the sole supplier of its 5G network. The tech company will provide all hardware, software and associated expertise for SaskTel's end-to-end 5G solution.

"SaskTel's deployment of a transformational 5G network will foster continued innovation and support the growth of Saskatchewan's technology sector," Don Morgan, the minister responsible for SaskTel, said Monday in a statement.

SaskTel has invested over $3 billion in capital since 2010 throughout Saskatchewan to improve its network and address future demand, including 5G technology. The company plans to invest $324 million of capital across Saskatchewan in 2020-21 and over $1.6 billion to 2025.

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