Technology

Which iPhone 16 is right for you? Discover your perfect match

Published

6 days ago

September 20, 2024

Which iPhone 16 is right for you? Discover your perfect match

Apple’s latest iPhone lineup introduces four distinct models, each designed to cater to different preferences and needs.

With so many options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.

We will walk you through the key features, specifications and pricing of each model, helping you determine which iPhone 16 is your perfect match.

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iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max (Apple)

Is it time for me to upgrade to a new iPhone?

Deciding whether to upgrade to the iPhone 16 or consider other options depends on your specific needs and preferences. The iPhone 16 offers several impressive features, such as the powerful A18 chip, an enhanced ultrawide camera with macrophotography support and the new Action Button and Camera Control button. However, if you’re looking for alternatives, there are previous models sold at a reduced price you may consider. Ultimately, consider what features are most important to you, such as camera quality, battery life or software experience, and weigh them against the cost and benefits of upgrading to the iPhone 16 or choosing another high-quality smartphone. Read more here.

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The iPhone 16 family is AI-ready

All four iPhone 16 models share several features, including an Action Button, a new Camera Control center, Dynamic Island and Apple Intelligence. They also come with the same main and selfie cameras, wireless communication systems (such as cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS) and run on iOS 18. However, there are notable differences that set the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus apart from the Pro models. Let’s explore what makes each model unique.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus (Apple)

APPLE’S BOLD MOVE INTO AI: NEW IPHONE 16, AIRPODS AND WATCHES

iPhone 16 is the newest entry model

Design and display

6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display (2556 x 1179 pixels)
60Hz refresh rate
Aluminum frame with color-infused glass back
Colors: black, pink, teal, ultramarine, white

Performance and battery

A18 chip with 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU
8GB RAM (assumed for Apple Intelligence support)
Up to 22 hours of video playback

Camera system

Dual rear cameras:

48MP main (f/1.6 aperture)
12MP ultrawide with macro mode
12MP TrueDepth front camera
Vertical camera alignment for spatial video capture

New features

Action Button
Camera Control button
Apple Intelligence support (coming in October)

Pricing

128GB: $799
256GB: $899
512GB: $1,099

Save money by purchasing with phone providers. Details below.

IS IT TIME FOR ME TO UPGRADE TO NEW IPHONE?

iPhone 16 Plus kicks it up a level in size

Design and display

6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display (2796 x 1290 pixels)
60Hz refresh rate
Aluminum frame with color-infused glass back
Colors: black, pink, teal, ultramarine, white

Performance and battery

A18 chip with 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU
8GB RAM (assumed for Apple Intelligence support)
Up to 27 hours of video playback

Camera system

Dual rear cameras:

48MP main (f/1.6 aperture)
12MP ultrawide with macro mode
12MP TrueDepth front camera
Vertical camera alignment for spatial video capture

New features

Action Button
Camera Control button
Apple Intelligence support (coming in October)

Pricing

128GB: $899
256GB: $999
512GB: $1,199

Save money by purchasing with phone providers. Details below.

BEST AFFORDABLE CELLPHONE PLANS

iPhone 16 Pro has slimmer bezel, more screen

Design and display

6.3-inch ProMotion display (2622 x 1206 pixels)
1-120Hz variable refresh rate
Titanium frame with textured matte glass back
Colors: black titanium, white titanium, natural titanium, desert titanium

Performance and battery

A18 Pro chip with enhanced GPU performance
8GB RAM
Up to 27 hours of video playback

Camera system

Triple rear cameras:

48MP main (f/1.78 aperture)
48MP ultrawide
12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom
12MP TrueDepth front camera

New features

Action Button
Camera Control button
Apple Intelligence support (coming in October)
Thinner bezels

Pricing

128GB: $999
256GB: $1,099
512GB: $1,299

Save money by purchasing with phone providers. Details below.

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iPhone 16 Pro Max is the go big or go home ultimate pick

iPhone 16 Pro Max (Apple)

Design and display

6.9-inch ProMotion display (2868 x 1320 pixels)
1-120Hz variable refresh rate
Titanium frame with textured matte glass back
Colors: black titanium, white titanium, natural titanium, desert titanium

Performance and battery

A18 Pro chip with enhanced GPU performance
8GB RAM
Up to 22 hours of video playback

Camera system

Triple rear cameras:

48MP main (f/1.78 aperture)
48MP ultrawide
12MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom
12MP TrueDepth front camera

New features

Action Button
Camera Control button
Apple Intelligence support (coming in October)
Thinner bezels

Pricing

256GB: $1,199
512GB: $1,399
1TB: $1,599

Save money by purchasing with phone providers. Details below.

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Choosing the right iPhone 16 for you

When it comes to selecting your ideal iPhone from the iPhone 16 lineup, the standard iPhone 16 is likely the best choice for most people, offering a balanced mix of features and price. With its 6.1-inch display, A18 chip and dual-camera system, it provides excellent performance for everyday tasks and photography.

For those who prefer a larger screen without a significant price increase, the iPhone 16 Plus is a great option, featuring a 6.7-inch display and longer battery life.

If you prioritize advanced photography or videography capabilities in a relatively compact size, the iPhone 16 Pro is the way to go. It boasts a triple-camera system with a 48MP main sensor, 48MP ultrawide and a 5x optical zoom telephoto lens, all powered by the more robust A18 Pro chip.

For those of you who want the ultimate in features, including the largest display and most advanced camera system, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the top choice, offering a 6.9-inch ProMotion display and the best battery life in the lineup.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

All models now include the new Camera Control button and Action Button, bringing pro-level features to the entire range. However, the Pro models still maintain their edge with ProMotion displays, more advanced camera systems and the A18 Pro chip. Your choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget and preference for screen size and camera capabilities.

See how you can get these phones for next to nothing based on a contract with your phone provider below.

Looking for the best deal on a new iPhone 16? Consider these 5 wireless carrier offers

If you’re in the market for the latest iPhone 16, one of the best ways to get a great deal is through the various promotions and deals offered by phone carriers. Here are a few reasons why:

Substantial discounts: Many carriers offer significant discounts on the latest iPhones, especially if you sign up for a new plan or upgrade your existing one. These discounts can make a big difference in the overall cost. And remember these are limited-time offers that are subject to change. These deals often come with specific terms and conditions, such as eligible trade-in values, minimum monthly plan requirements and credit qualifications.

AT&T

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro: Free with eligible trade-in and an unlimited plan. Additional terms and conditions on AT&T site.
iPhone 16 Plus: Up to $830 off with eligible trade-in. Additional terms and conditions on AT&T site.
iPhone 16 Pro Max: Up to $1,000 off with eligible trade-in. Additional terms and conditions on AT&T site.

Verizon

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max: Up to $1,000 off with eligible trade-in on the Unlimited Ultimate Plan. Additional terms and conditions on Verizon site.
New customers: iPhone 16 Pro for $10/month for 36 months on Unlimited Ultimate or $15/month for 36 months on Unlimited Plus. Additional terms and conditions on Verizon site.

T-Mobile

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro: Free with eligible trade-in and an unlimited plan. Additional terms and conditions on T-Mobile site.

Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile: Get up to $1,000 off the iPhone 16 lineup with no trade-in required. Additionally, Boost Mobile offers a free year of their $25/month unlimited plan with the purchase of an iPhone 16 at full price. Additional terms and conditions on Boost Mobile site.

Visible

New members: Save up to $360 via monthly bill credits when purchasing an iPhone 16 on the Visible+ plan. Additional terms and conditions on Visible site.

Trade-in offers: Carriers often provide trade-in deals where you can exchange your old phone for credit toward your new iPhone 16. This can further reduce the price you pay.

Monthly payment plans: Instead of paying the full price upfront, carriers typically offer monthly payment plans that spread the cost over a period of time. This makes it more affordable and easier on your budget.

Bundled services: Some carriers bundle additional services like streaming subscriptions, extra data or international calling with your new iPhone purchase. These added perks can enhance the overall value of the deal.

Exclusive promotions: Carriers frequently run exclusive promotions, such as limited-time offers or special discounts for existing customers. Keeping an eye on these promotions can help you snag the best deal.

Before making your purchase, be sure to compare the offers from different carriers to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Whether you’re searching for a reliable everyday device, a larger screen for media consumption or advanced photography capabilities, there’s an iPhone 16 tailored just for you. With innovative features like the Action Button and enhanced camera systems across all models, Apple continues to push the envelope in smartphone technology. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your personal preferences and how you plan to use your device.

What features are most important to you when choosing a new iPhone: camera quality, battery life or overall performance? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Agatha All Along’s practical effects were key to bringing its magic to life

Published

7 hours ago

September 26, 2024

Press Room

Agatha All Along’s practical effects were key to bringing its magic to life

While WandaVision featured a smorgasbord of digital VFX, the series’ clever practical effects were a huge part of what established it as one of Marvel’s most imaginatively crafted projects. The show’s use of old-school Hollywood tricks made each episode feel like a different kind of classic sitcom, all while teasing out its major magical twists.

Instead of WandaVision’s references to sitcoms like I Love Lucy and Bewitched, Disney Plus’ new follow-up series, Agatha All Along, pays homage to supernatural horrors like Rosemary’s Baby and The Craft. It tells the story of how parasitic witch Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) sets out to regain her powers with the help of an unlikely team of friends and enemies. After being freed from a years-long hex that convinced her she was living in a gritty crime drama, Agatha realizes that her one hope of getting back on top is to put together a new coven and walk the Witches’ Road — a magical dimension only accessible (by song, naturally) to covens of magic users.

The show’s premise makes it seem like the sort of Marvel joint that would involve a lot more of the (at times very iffy) CGI that the studio’s live-action projects have become known for. But during the series’ recent press junket, showrunner Jac Schaeffer and executive producers Mary Livanos and Brad Winderbaum said that, in order to make Agatha All Along feel distinct and like a deep dive into the MCU’s mystical underbelly, they wanted to lean even more heavily into practical effects.

Much of WandaVision’s emphasis on practical effects stemmed from the show’s need to evoke the visual styles of shows from specific decades throughout the 20th century. But Schaeffer saw Agatha All Along as an opportunity to pay homage to the big-screen fantasies that shaped her storytelling sensibilities — many of which were known for their intricate sets and use of puppetry.

“On WandaVision, it was very precise which shows we were [mimicking,’] but [Agatha All Along] is really kind of broken open. It’s a lot of my personal influences. I’m a NeverEnding Story, Dark Crystal, Labyrinth kind of gal,” Schaeffer said.

There are flashes of witchiness sprinkled all throughout Agatha All Along’s premiere, but you can see the otherworldly whimsy Schaeffer’s talking about most clearly in the show’s third episode. “Through Many Miles of Tricks and Trials” transports Agatha’s coven from a New Jersey basement to the Witches’ Road where it’s perpetually twilight and the ground comes to life, ready to swallow people up if they aren’t careful about where they step.

Though the Witches’ Road — a realm that features largely in James Robinson and Vanesa Del Rey’s 2016 Scarlet Witch comic series — feels like the sort of glowy, metaphysical place Disney would usually create using Volume VFX sets, Livanos said that Agatha All Along’s effects were “almost wholly practical.” Winderbaum added that, for the Road itself, where much of Agatha All Along takes place, “there wasn’t a single green screen in sight on that set.”

Patti LuPone as Lilia Calderu and Sasheer Zamata as Jennifer Kale.

Disney Plus / Marvel

Marvel’s past use of green screens and other digital effects has prompted some of the studio’s stars to speak out about how difficult it can be to deliver solid performances while acting in a neon void. WandaVision’s Elizabeth Olsen recently opened up about her own frustrations performing inside the physical nothingness required to bring Marvel’s big-budget projects together in post-production. But Hahn pointed to the Witches’ Road set as one of the big reasons why working on Agatha All Along felt like an immersive acting experience that didn’t require her “to shake off the outside world.”

“You felt so implanted in this magical place, and because it was mostly practical, it wasn’t something you had to imagine,” Hahn said. “It was like right there, which was very helpful and unexpectedly trippy.”

Because it’s a Marvel show about people casting spells and fighting demons, Agatha All Along still features its fair share of digital wizardry that works to make some of its more action-packed scenes pop. As a fan of stories that highlight characters’ physical transformations, though, Schaeffer jumped on every opportunity to put her witches through a crucible that left them literally “filthy, scarred, and scratched” by the show’s end.

“The cast were such troopers because all of that was real. There’s no adding digital blood and digital mud. These ladies were messed up for a long time. Cold; wet; muddy. Chocolate pudding all over their heads.”

Technology

Ukraine shows off capabilities of new drone-dropped, flamethrowing robotic war dogs: video

Published

8 hours ago

September 26, 2024

Press Room

Ukraine shows off capabilities of new drone-dropped, flamethrowing robotic war dogs: video

The Ministry of Defense in Ukraine took the opportunity this week to highlight the capabilities of its newest assets to help in the fight against Russia: robotic dogs with the option of adding flamethrowers to their arsenal.

The robotic “war dogs” were provided to Ukraine by the United Kingdom, and according to manufacturer Brit Alliance, the dogs have already exhibited exceptional mobility and agility crucial for traversing complex and hostile environments.

The dogs have the ability to navigate through debris, climb obstacles and move stealthily across open ground.

In a video posted to X on Monday by UkraineNewsLive, a drone is shown delivering a “combat robot scout” to a field in an undisclosed location. Once on the ground, the robotic dog rises onto its feet and walks in place.

DOGS OF WAR: BRITAIN’S NEW ROBOTS AIDING UKRAINE, TERRORIZING RUSSIA AS DRONES CONTINUE DOMINATING BATTLEFIELD

Ukraine shared video of its newest asset, a robotic war dog. (Ukraine Ministry of Defense)

Another video shared by the Ministry of Defense in Ukraine and posted by the armed forces Khortytsia unit shows a dog accompanying a Ukrainian soldier. The soldier is then seen using the dog’s thermal imaging camera to conduct surveillance in a wooded area.

The dogs in both videos are part of Ukraine’s combat unit dubbed “Medoid.”

In August, Ukraine unveiled the British second-generation Brit Alliance Dog (BAD2), which took to the battlefield, utilizing remote-sensing technology and a thermal-infrared camera to navigate the tricky landscape and perform a wide range of wartime tasks, such as delivering equipment or reconnaissance.

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Ukraine shared video of its newest asset, a robotic war dog. (Ukraine Ministry of Defense)

Ukrainian troops have taken over 30 of the dogs, which are effectively sophisticated land drones. Each unit costs around $9,000 to produce, and Brit Alliance has promised to update the units based on feedback from the Ukrainian troops.

Brit Alliance said in August that it believes the battlefield demonstration of the BAD2 unit will help turn it into a “cornerstone of modern military logistics.” The unit can move at just over 9 mph and move for five hours to a distance of over two miles, according to East2West.

Cleveland, Ohio-based Throwflame sells a version of the robotic dog called the Thermonator, which is outfitted with a flamethrower. The dog sells for about $9,420.

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According to the company, the dog can be used for things like controlling and preventing wildfires and removing snow and ice.

Drones have increasingly played a pivotal role in the conflict for Ukraine, which has found drones a means of getting better return on its investment as the conflict drags on, and each side needs to prove more resourceful.

Ukraine deployed the “Sea Baby” drone earlier this year to try to destroy the Crimean Bridge, causing structural damage with the naval drone that has a one-ton payload and can travel up to 62 mph, according to Ukrainian outlet EuroMaiden Press.

Russia has responded in kind with its own land-based drones, but those models resemble remote-controlled cars. The drone, known as Scorpion-M, also has kamikaze capabilities and has seen increased use in the Donetsk region over the summer.

The Scorpion-M can carry up to 55 pounds of explosives and has been used to destroy underground hideouts and other facilities that conventional bombing has had trouble hitting. Experts touted the drone’s maneuverability, but they noted that the real advantage is the difficulty in jamming the units.

In that sense, the BAD2 will have similar advantages, plus better maneuverability: Christopher Alexander, a U.S. Army vet with experience in Strategic Operations Command, previously told Fox News Digital that he found it difficult to imagine “anyone in the current state of technology or deploying these things at the company/battalion level.”

Fox News’ Peter Aitken contributed to this report.

Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.

Story tips and can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.

Technology

SteelSeries is launching $160 gaming earbuds for your Xbox, PlayStation, or PC

Published

18 hours ago

September 26, 2024

Press Room

SteelSeries is launching 0 gaming earbuds for your Xbox, PlayStation, or PC

SteelSeries has created new earbuds that are designed to pair with Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch consoles, or even PCs and mobile phones. The $159.99 Arctis GameBuds include active noise cancellation (ANC), Qi wireless charging, and the ability to instantly swap between mobile Bluetooth usage and console or PC gaming.

I’ve been trying them out for the past few days, and so far, I’m impressed, but I’ll need more time for a full review.

The Arctis GameBuds look very similar to most earbuds on the market, complete with a variety of silicone tips to fit different ear shapes. SteelSeries is using a four-microphone ANC system to block out sounds while you’re gaming, and there’s a transparency mode if you want to hear the environment around you.

The Arctis GameBuds fit into a wireless charging case.

Image: SteelSeries

The GameBuds connect to an Xbox or PlayStation through a tiny USB-C dongle that provides 2.4GHz wireless connectivity. You can triple-tap a button on the earbuds to swap between Bluetooth 5.3 for mobile devices and the 2.4GHz wireless signal for consoles and PCs. It’s surprisingly quick at swapping the audio over, but it doesn’t support simultaneous audio over Bluetooth and 2.4GHz like Sony’s Pulse Explore earbuds do.

I’ve been immediately impressed with the EQ settings in the mobile companion app. It includes more than 100 audio presets for popular games like Call of Duty, Destiny 2, EA Sports FC 24, Fortnite, and Valorant. These largely mirror the same EQ presets that can be found in SteelSeries’ GG desktop PC app with Sonar, and the results are impressive in games like Valorant, where you need to hear every footstep possible.

You can also toggle ANC and transparency modes in the mobile app or adjust the level of how much noise is being canceled out or allowed in. Both the mobile and desktop SteelSeries apps will allow you to control these settings and show the battery life levels for each earbud and the charging case.

The GameBuds come with a useful mobile app.

Image: SteelSeries

The ANC does a good job of filtering out sounds around you if you’re playing music or a loud game, but you’ll still hear some ambient sounds if you have the volume low or your game doesn’t have a ton of audio.

SteelSeries promises that the charging case delivers 40 hours of battery life, with 10 hours for each use and three extra charges thanks to the case. I’ve found that the battery drains at around 10 percent an hour using the 2.4GHz connection, so the battery life looks like it will be solid. The case also offers wireless Qi charging (not Qi2) and a USB-C connection at the rear that will provide around three hours of play with 15 minutes of fast charging.

While the GameBuds work across consoles and PC, there are separate models for both Xbox and PlayStation. If you purchase the PlayStation model, it will only work on Sony’s consoles, PC, and mobile, but the Xbox version works across all platforms. The Xbox variant includes an additional chip to adhere to Microsoft’s security policies and a slider button to switch to Xbox compatibility. The white model is exclusive to PlayStation, and there is a black variant for both Xbox and PlayStation.

There is a black version of the GameBuds for Xbox players.

Image: SteelSeries

SteelSeries is entering an increasingly crowded earbud market for gaming, going up against Sony, Razer, and Logitech. The $159 price of the Arctis GameBuds is less than the $199 Sony asks for the PlayStation Pulse Explore, and the GameBuds even include the ANC support that Sony surprisingly omitted. Sony offers ANC on its $199 InZone Buds with impressive 12-hour battery life, but those still lack the wireless charging case that SteelSeries provides.

While the $149 Razer Hammerhead HyperSpeed buds include ANC, they only deliver three hours per charge. Logitech’s $179 G Fits have better battery life at seven hours but lack ANC. SteelSeries has clearly found a gap in the market where it can offer low-latency earbuds with Bluetooth connectivity, a mobile app, ANC, and a wireless charging case, all for $159.

The Arctis GameBuds are available to preorder today in black and white versions, priced at $159.99 (€169.99). The GameBuds will be released worldwide on October 29th.