Code in iOS 12.3 suggests support for additional forms of mass transit

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Looks like there’s something useful coming in the next big iOS 12 update. Tap Down Under found within the code of iOS 12.3 hints that Apple might support EMV payment cards within Apple Pay Express Transit. This feature lets users pay for public transportation fare in New York and other areas where EMV is an option. It also lets you set a preferred card to use, so you don’t use your usual card for subway rides. There is no guarantee it’s coming yet or when. iOS 12.3 has had four betas already but the final version hasn’t been announced yet.

This plan though could coincide with a bigger plan to add more mass transit cards to its network. Rumour has it that this will be coming in iOS 13. For now, we have to wait and see if there’s any truth to that.

Source: Engadget

Arguing the merits of an update to iPhone SE

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

I recently re-activated my iPhone SE as I missed the device's small form factor and exquiste build quality. after updating to the latest version of iOS and installing my favourite apps and services, I marvelled at how good this two year old device still rocks.

A lot of it is iOS 12, which runs smoothly on older hardware. The iPhone SE's small 4-inch display and lower resolution is less demanding on the hardware and I found performance and battery life to be outstanding.

The iPhone SE is basically a souped-up iPhone 5 with iPhone 6S specs and an improved 12-megapixel camera. The iPhone SE, like the iPhone 5S before it, is impeccably balanced and precisely engineered. It really stands above other iPhone designs. Solid stainless steel and glass enclosure, a headphone jack and no unsightly camera bump.

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Microsoft Edge for iOS gets instant translations

Microsoft updated its Edge browser on iOS to add a useful feature. The v42.11.4 .build now offers instant translations of web pages that aren’t in your native language. The company uses its own Translator tech to bring this to life. Aside from this, you can add company account or educational institutions, access intranet sites securely, and view web pages in the PC timeline. There are the usual bug fixes and improvements thrown in as well.

Source: MSPowerUser

Apple releases first public beta of iOS 12.2

If you’ve signed up to be part of Apple’s beta testing program, the company has started seeding the first beta of the upcoming iOS 12.2 to its public beta testing group. It should come as an over-the-air update after installing the proper certification on an iOS device. If you’re interested in trying it out, you’ll need to sign up for the beta program.

Some of the expected features coming to iOS 12.2 includes the expansion of Apple News to Canada for the first time with Canadian iPhone and iPad users able to access news stories in either English or French. The update also introduces infrastructure to support AirPlay 2 and HomeKit on third-party TVs as well as a redesigned TV remote in Control Center. There are also tweaks to the Wallet app, Downtime feature in Screen Time, new icon changes, and changes to Safari, among others. It’s also being rumoured that iOS 12.2 ushers in the launch of AirPods 2 as well as a subscription service for Apple News.

Source: MacRumors