Apple’s new USB-C Pencil: A cheaper alternative for iPad users

Apple

Apple unveiled a new USB-C Apple Pencil on Tuesday for $109. It will launch in early November with the other Apple Pencils, which cost $129 and $169. The USB-C Apple Pencil is a cheaper option for iPad users who don’t need all the features of the more expensive models. It has the same low latency and tilt sensitivity as the $169 second-generation Apple Pencil, but it lacks its pressure sensitivity, wireless charging, and double-tap gesture. It also doesn’t offer free engraving. 

However, it supports the hover gesture for previewing markups on the iPad Pro and can magnetically attach to compatible iPads. This makes it better than the $129 first-generation Apple Pencil in some ways, but not in others.

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A 'cheaper' Apple Vision Pro might be in the works

Apple

Apple may release a "cheaper" Vision Pro headset with fewer features and an iPhone chip instead of a Mac chip, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. He wrote in his Power On newsletter that this could lower the price between US$1,500-$2,500 (around CA$2,043-$3,405) for a budget model. Of course, that's still a premium price tag, but that's still less than its US$3,500 (CA$4,767) starting price.

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Apple can reportedly update iPhones in their packaging

Apple Insider

Apple might be able to update your iPhone even if they're still in their packaging and Apple's stores. Typically, when you buy new hardware, you would need to update the device when you first open it. But Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports in his newsletter that Apple has a system that can update the iPhone's operating system before they get sold. And they don't even have to be taken out of the box.

There will be a "pad-like device" in stores where employees can place unopened iPhone boxes to trigger an update. This pad will wirelessly turn on the iPhone, run the software update, and then turn it off again. This system might be in place before the year ends.

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Respeecher helped 'Cyberpunk 2077' honour a dead actor’s voice

CD Projekt Red

Cyberpunk 2077 developer CD Projekt Red has confirmed that it reconstructed the voice of a deceased actor for its Phantom Liberty DLC using AI voice cloning software. Actor Miłogost Reczek voiced the character Viktor Vektor in the Polish version of the game. He would've been tapped to reprise the role for the DLC (which came out last month), but he died in 2021 before its production. The developer chose to go this route to "pay tribute to his wonderful performance," they told Bloomberg. And the developer said they obtained consent to do so from his family.

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