iOS 11.3 now available with battery tool, AR experiences and new Animoji

Apple has released a new major update to iOS for the iPhone and iPad. iOS 11.3 adds a battery monitoring feature which determines battery health. This is specially important for older iPhones experiencing throttling and shutdown issues.

Also available in this new update are additional Animoji characters including a lion and a dragon. Apple has also added a lot of functionality under the hood. This includes a Health Records feature for US users, Business Chat (also limited to the US), which makes it possible to communicate with people (not bots) in a business. Another timely update focuses on Data and Privacy which bolsters the security of user data

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Huawei sets the bar high with new P20 and P20 Pro with a 68 megapixel Triple-Lens camera

Huawei has announced the P20 and  P20 Pro smartphones. The HUAWEI P20 Pro features the world’s first Leica triple camera with 68 megapixels and both devices include unprecedented AI advances, combining technology and art to bring to life a groundbreaking smartphone experience.

Huawei set new expectations for smartphone photography with the launch of the HUAWEI P9, the first Leica dual camera. With the debut of the Huawei P20 Series, Huawei makes capturing professional quality images a truly effortless experience for everyone.

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Apple launches education-focused iPad with Pencil support

Apple's unveiled a new iPad focused on the education market that can now work with the Apple Pencil. This new iPad features the Apple-designed A10 Fusion chip with 64‑bit desktop-class architecture, delivering 40 percent faster CPU and 50 percent faster graphics. Pricing in Canada will be $429 and the Apple Pencil will cost $129 and is an optional accessory.

Apple is trying to sweeten the deal for schools by giving them an educational price of $399 for the entry-level 32GB iPad and the Apple Pencil has been discounted to $115. The tablet is available for preorder today and availability begins next week.

Apple is also giving 200GB free iCloud storage for every Managed ID Account. The company also revealed a new ClassKit educational framework  that allows integration with educational apps.

Foxconn buys Belkin, Linksys and Wemo for $866 million

Foxconn, who is known for manufacturing Apple products in Taiwan, has bought consumer electronics brands Belkin, Linksys and Wemo fo US $866 million.

A subsidiary of Belkin FIT Hong Ten will acquire Belkin by way of a merger. The acquisition of Belkin includes Linksys, Phyn and Wemo. With the merger, FIT will own all 700 of Belkin’s patents, which will come in handy in developing new smart home and networking businesses.

Belkin has built a reputation for creating quality accessories for Apple products and is well-represented in Apple Retail Stores.

Source: 9to5Mac