A new report produced by Realtor.com has shown homes in the United States to now have the highest number of extra bedrooms in the recorded history of the U.S. Census.The record-high amount of excess bedrooms is likely driven by both an increase in the number of bedrooms per home and a simultaneousdecline in the number of persons per household, the report states. In 2023, that number equaled31.9 million nationwide.There has been no change, however, in the average number of rooms per home (2.8 nationwide) recorded since 2013. Danielle Hale, the chief economist for Realtor.com, stated that the trend began in the 1980s.The trend is said to be most pronounced in the Mountain West and South regions.

Archinect has received images of a new private residential design in the coastal city of Guaruj, Brazil. Studio MK27s Canopy House was completed in July of 2023 under the direction of architect Marcio Kogan and co-designers Regiane Leo and Marcio Tanaka.Photo credit: Fernando GuerraA blend of references to forestry and Brazilian culture, the suspended white prism design is supported by a sequence of concrete stilts. Above the main volume, an elevated platform was constructed that blurs the line between interior and exterior spaces and establishes a living area that "fosters a sense of immersion in the vibrant canopy of the Atlantic Forest."Photo credit: Fernando GuerraPhoto credit: Fernando GuerraInside, subtle transitions between the living and social spaces emphasize a "fluid interplay between architecture and nature." The architects say: "The strategy leaves no indoor alternative for the connection of spaces; it is a radical experience of the weather, the winds, the smells...

The latest edition ofourcurated jobs roundupfrom theArchinect Job boardhighlights 10 architecture schools seeking additional faculty, academic leaders, staff, and fellows to their institutions.To explore specific job titles from the architectural profession, consultArchinect's Guide to Job Titlesseries. Also, follow ourArchinect Tipsseries to improve your portfolio, resume, and interviewing skills, to increase your overall chances of getting that next job.Teaching PositionsImage courtesy Virginia Tech College of Architecture, Arts, and Design/FacebookVirginia Techseeks an Open Rank - Assistant/Associate/Full Professor, Architecture in Alexandria, VA"The successful candidate will be capable of connecting theory and innovative practice through teaching, scholarship, creative practice, and engagement with the city. Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to architecture and human well-being at multiple scales across the built environment. Qualified candidates wi...

Microsoft is warning users that some manually made Windows 11 installer media could contain a bug where new PC installs may not get future security updates. It affects USB and CD installers made with October and November release patches, which may be relevant to professional users who set up PCs within business or education environments, or enthusiasts who recently built their own PCs.Microsoft published the bug in its known issues page for Windows 11 (version 24H2):When using media to install Windows 11, version 24H2, the device might remain in a state where it cannot accept further Windows security updates. This occurs only when the media is created to include the October 2024, or November 2024, security updates as part of the installation (these updates were released between October 8, 2024 and November 12, 2024).This does not affect PCs that received the October or November patches through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog website. Mitigating the problem will require you to rebuild your Windows 11 media installers with the December 2024 patch update included (released on December 10th) and reinstall Windows. (To avoid it altogether, Microsoft suggests that that media used to install Windows 11, version 24H2, includes the December 2024 monthly security update.) Microsoft says its working on a permanent fix.Bleeping Computer reported that Windows 11 24H2 also had other bugs in tow, including problems with specific audio devices,issues launching Outlook with an outdated Google Workspace Sync, and others. There was also that weird 24H2 compatibility issue with some Ubisoft games, which are slowly receiving fixes.

LatestMachine LearningModeling Digital Coin Trends 0 like December 26, 2024Share this postAuthor(s): Shenggang Li Originally published on Towards AI. This member-only story is on us. Upgrade to access all of Medium.Leveraging Attention Neural Networks to Analyze Competition, Regulation, and Market TrendsPhoto by Traxer on UnsplashAre you curious about digital coins where they come from and where theyre headed? Are they set to grow forever, or could the hype around Bitcoin fizzle out? And what about investing in digital coins is it a golden opportunity or a high-stakes gamble? I tackle these questions using AI to uncover insights.Originally designed for transformers in AI, attention-based neural networks are powerful tools for understanding the evolution of digital currencies in competitive markets. These models can simulate the interplay of key factors, such as user adoption, transaction costs, government regulations, and market disruptions. They also uncover hidden drivers influencing a coins dominance and stability over time, offering a unique perspective on this fast-changing space.This research combines attention mechanisms from neural networks with economic principles to analyze competition among digital coins, assess the impact of regulations, and predict market trends. It also incorporates stochastic processes to reflect real-world uncertainties in the digital coin ecosystem.By digging into these dynamics, this research opens up new possibilities for future studies to:Use AI to explore how things Read the full blog for free on Medium.Join thousands of data leaders on the AI newsletter. Join over 80,000 subscribers and keep up to date with the latest developments in AI. From research to projects and ideas. If you are building an AI startup, an AI-related product, or a service, we invite you to consider becoming asponsor. Published via Towards AITowards AI - Medium Share this post

Even with Christmas over, there are still many great deals available that you can score before they're gone. Here are the best deals for Thursday, December 26. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 for $44.99Xenoblade Chronicles 2 - Nintendo SwitchXenoblade Chronicles 2 follows the story of Rex and the Aegis, who aim to reach the fabled land of Elysium. This massive RPG takes place across the world of Alrest, a land covered in clouds, where there are only a few landmasses remaining. With incredible music, exciting gameplay, and a memorable story, this is a fantastic deal for only $44.99. Simply put, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is one of the best games available on Nintendo Switch. I've put over 600 hours into the massive adventure, with all sorts of quests and exploration to be discovered. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition for $44.99Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive EditionIf you recently completed the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, this is the perfect game for you. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Defintive Edition is the newest mainline title in the series, and there is so much it offers. For many, this is one of the best Dragon Quest games out there, and you can't go wrong picking this up for only $44.99.Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for $39.99PlayStation 5Final Fantasy 7 RebirthAmazon Exclusive EditionFinal Fantasy VII Rebirth was one of 2024's biggest games, continuing the story from 2020's Final Fantasy VII Remake. Cloud, Tifa, Aerith, Barret, and Red XIII begin their journey outside Midgar, meeting characters like Yuffie, Vincent, and Cid along the way. This experience offers well over 100 hours of content, with 36 sidequests and a main story over 40 hours long. Plus, there are dozens of minigames to discover.Save on WD_BLACK Xbox Series X|S Expansion CardsWD_BLACK 2TB C50 Expansion CardWD_Black 1TB C50 Expansion CardBoth Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S cannot use standard NVMe SSDs. Instead, you can expand the storage of the internal SSD by plugging in an expansion card. Today, you can save on both a 1TB and 2TB model from WD_BLACK, which is perfect for downloading many more games to your system. If you find yourself quickly running out of storage, don't pass up this sale. Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics for $34.99Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics - Nintendo SwitchYou can score Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics for only $34.99 this weekend at Amazon. This collection packs in seven different titles, including the beloved Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes. At last, you can play these classic titles on modern platforms. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD for $39.99The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HDThe Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is the long-awaited remaster of the classic Wii game. Set at the beginning of the Zelda timeline, Skyward Sword takes Link to the skies as he traverses across the world to save his childhood friend Zelda. You'll uncover the Master Sword was created as part of this journey, among other things. For $39.99, this is an excellent title to add to your Switch collection.Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven for $39.99Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the SevenRomancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is arguably the best entry point into the SaGa series at this time. Acting as a full 3D remake of the 1993 release, this game features English and Japanese voiceovers, rearranged music, retooled gameplay, and more. If you're still unsure about Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven, you can check out the free demo across all platforms! WD_BLACK NVMe SSDs On SaleWD_BLACK 1TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSDWD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSDWD_BLACK 4TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSDFinally, you can save on WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSDs. These are perfect for any gaming PC, and you can even use one of these in a PlayStation 5, as long as you have a heatsink attached. The SN850X has speeds up to 7,3000 MB/s acoss all models, which is essential for quick and speedy load times. If you're purchasing for PS5, there are heatsink models available, though the sale on the standard models makes these SSDs much cheaper.

Choosing a tablet is tough, we know. On Apples side, theres quite a wide variety of options to choose from, and its not always clear whats so different between them. Unless youre versed in all the jargon, the difference between a Liquid Retina display and a Ultra Retina Tandem OLED with Pro Motion might not be obvious. There are also major differences under the hood with Apple currently offering devices featuring an older A14 Bionic chip at the low end and an exceedingly fast M4 chip at the high end. And all of that is just Apple. The Android tablet market only widens the field that much more. Where Apple tends to trim off the older, outmoded tablets in its stable, the Android tablet market will still readily show you devices you shouldnt have bought when they were new, let alone years later. And just like Apples devices, theres a considerable range of hardware options that go from severely underpowered to totally overkill at which point a Windows tablet could make more sense. What makes Android tablet shopping even more complicated is the software support. Apple keeps its tablets running on the latest operating systems for a long time, but how long any given Android tablet will stay up to date is a much harder question to answer. After looking at the market, considering the iPad and Android tablets weve tested, and weighing what actually makes sense when purchasing a tablet, weve narrowed down a handful of options that strike the right balance. Additional contributions by Mark KnappFeatured in this articleOur Top PickApple iPad (10th Generation)OnePlus Pad 2Apple iPad Pro (M4, 2024)Apple iPad Air (2024)See it at AmazonApple iPad (9th Generation)A combination of power, versatility, and portability has helped cement tablets place in the portables market. So, no matter your need, whether you just want a device to entertain you at the end of a busy workday or require something more robust for video editing on-the-go, theres a tablet out there for you. To help you with your search, weve gathered the best tablets on the market. Check them out below. Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Michelle Rae Uy1. iPad (10th Generation)Best TabletOur Top PickApple iPad (10th Generation)A repositioned 12-megapixel front-facing camera, upgraded design, a faster A14 Bionic processor, and a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display make this iPad a standout.Product SpecificationsCPUApple A14 Bionic chip 6-core CPU + 4-core GPURAM4GBStorage64GBDisplay10.9-inch 2360 x 1640 Liquid Retina displayCameras12MP (rear), 12MP (front)PROSSpeedy A14 Bionic processorStunning Liquid Retina displayCONSOnly supports 1st gen Apple Pencil and needs an adapter to chargeIts hard to argue against the tried and true original Apple iPad, and its colorful 10th gen iteration brings a new design with a faster chip to make it as powerful as ever. You finally lose the home button with Apple opting to put Touch ID on the power button, giving you more Liquid Retinathough still not fully laminatedscreen space to play around with. And theres a good deal of oomph behind that display to handle multitasking and some light gaming with ease thanks to the A14 Bionic chip, though we question why Apple decided against using the newer A15 chip. Now, the 10th gen Apple iPad continues to remain affordable like previous generations of the tablet, coming in well under $500, but that does mean it has some tradeoffs. This device only works with Apples Magic Keyboard, not the more affordable Smart Keyboard. You also dont get support for the feature-full 2nd gen Apple Pencil, only the first gen, and youll need to grab a $9 adapter just to charge it. Or you could just, you know, grab one of the dozens of Apple Pencil alternatives out there instead.See our guide to the best iPad models for more options.2. OnePlus Pad 2Best Android TabletOnePlus Pad 2Packing higher-end hardware than you'd expect for the price, the OnePlus Pad 2 is an exceptional option for those on the hunt for a worthy Android tablet.Product SpecificationsScreen size12.1-inch, IPS, 2120 x 3000ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Storage128GBCameras13-megapixel rear, 8-megapixel front-facingPROSLarge, smooth displaySolid performanceCONSShorter-term OS support than AppleIm not convinced theres any Android tablet worth spending $1,000 on sorry, Samsung, but at that price you can get a competent 2-in-1 Windows machine that will have clearer longevity (like the Asus ProArt PZ13). And many of the cheaper options out raise a lot of concerns. But the OnePlus Pad 2 is neither a shoddy budget Android tablet nor an unreasonably expensive one, and it brings a ton to the tablet. It pulls on its flagship-killer roots to prove a tablet that wont leave you wanting for much more. First, it comes packing a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which was the flagship chipset from Qualcomm for mobile devices until very recently and has yet to be supplanted in tablets. This gives the OnePlus Pad 2 excellent performance. 12GB of memory also helps it better keep up with the multitasking youre liable to get up to on a tablet, which has a bigger screen better up to the task. Speaking of screens, the OnePlus Pad 2 packs in a sizable 12.1 inch display with a 2120x3000 resolution. It may only be an IPS panel, but it offers a 900-nit peak brightness and 144Hz refresh rate. That makes for easier visibility and smoother motion across the board. That 144Hz refresh rate can also help in the inking experience, as the OnePlus Pad 2 works with a stylus (that also charges while magnetically attached to the tablet take a note, Apple).The OnePlus Pad 2 even gets decent treatment where software is concerned. OnePlus launched it on Android 14 and promised 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security updates. In a market of tablets launching on outdated operating systems with next to no promise of updates, its refreshing to see an option thats not destined to be outdated right out of the gate.While the OnePlus Pad 2 launched at $550 and still proved a good value at the price, it has more often been running for $450 from OnePlus lately, and can include a free accessory, like the keyboard case. iPad Pro 2024 Photos3. iPad Pro (M4, 2024)Best Tablet for Creative WorkApple iPad Pro (M4, 2024)This stunning tablet has a OLED display and runs on Apple's powerful M4 processor, making it perfect for creatives.Product SpecificationsCPUApple M4 RAM8GB/16GBStorage256GB 2TBDisplay12.9-inch Tandem OLEDCameras12MP wide camera (rear), Landscape 12MP ultra-wide camera (front)PROSPowerful M4 chip ready for video editing and 3D renderingTandem OLED display is the best you're going to get in a tablet right nowCONSThe most expensive tablet most people will ever buyWhen I first opened the iPad Pro, I wasn't sure what to make of it. Apple was branding it as a permanent workstation replacement, but it still wasn't running Finder or the desktop applications I would want in that kind of device. However, after a month of using the iPad Pro, it's become one of my go-to daily devices. The Tandem OLED display alone is enough to get most people hooked, even if the price tag makes you wince a bit. The iPad Pro with an M4 is quite simply the most powerful tablet on the market right now. The M4 that powers the thing is packed with an 8-core CPU clocked at 3.49GHz, which is accompanied by a 10-core GPU that will make easy work of any game you throw at it. Just keep in mind, however, that the amount of RAM you get depends on the storage configuration you go with. As long as you get a 1TB model, you're getting a respectable 16GB of RAM, but the 512GB and 256GB models will have to make do with half the memory. If you're not planning to use the iPad Pro for heavy creative workloads, this is going to be a non-issue. After all, iPadOS isn't exactly known for being super memory-intensive. If you're doing a lot of work in Photoshop or Premiere, you're going to feel it, though. Artists will also want to pair this tablet with the Apple Pencil Pro, or one of the myriad Apple Pencil alternatives out there. With a stylus in hand, the iPad Pro becomes an incredible creative powerhouse, even with the limits that come with working with what's essentially a souped-up version of iOS. 4. iPad Air (2024)Best Thin and Light TabletApple iPad Air (2024)Upgraded to an M2 chip and slightly larger display, the 2024 iPad Air is a great portable option and an exceptionally thin oneSee it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCPUApple M2RAM8GBStorage128GB/256GB/512GB/1TBDisplay11-inch 2360 x 1640 Liquid Retina displayCameras12MP (rear), 12MP (front)PROSImpressively thinExcellent performanceCONSCan get hot under loadApple put together a wonderful little package with the 2024 iPad Air. It upgraded from its predecessors with a thinner design, a selfie camera upgrade, and a newer chip under the hood. You can snag the iPad Air with either an 11-inch or 13-inch display, and beyond a corresponding adjustment to resolution, most of the specs of the two tablets otherwise remain the same. Either option gets you an Apple M2 chip backed by 8GB of memory. In our testing, we found this provided ample performance for everyday uses, like streaming movies and browsing, and it even held up for extended gaming sessions in Zenless Zones Zeroes. The thin design of the tablet can result in some heat build-up though, so be mindful of that if youre looking to do serious gaming. The new design of the iPad Air trims its depth down to just 6.1mm, which is even thinner than an iPhone 16. Between that and the tablet weighing just a hair over one pound, its exceptionally portable, which you should want from your tablet. Its also boasting a quality build with an aluminum frame and back not that Id expect any less from Apple. The display on the iPad Air isnt as bright as some of its competition, hitting 500 nits, but it offers a wide color gamut that looks great for TV and movies. It also works well with the Apple Pencil Pro, providing smooth inking for drawing and note taking. And, for those looking to incorporate the tablet into a broader device ecosystem, youll get the benefit of a USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port on the bottom of the tablet, supporting faster data transfers and DisplayPort output. 5. iPad (9th Generation)Best Budget iPadOS TabletApple iPad (9th Generation)Spend less with this budget tablet that still delivers a solid performance and a crisp 10.2-inch Retina display.Product SpecificationsCPU A13 BionicRAM4GBStorage64GBDisplay10.2-inch 2160 x 1620 LED-backlit Multi-Touch Retina displayCameras8MP (rear), 12MP (front)PROSUltra affordable price tagUpgraded front-facing cameraCONSProcessor isnt as fast as other iPad modelsThe original iPad is back and better than ever, with much snappier performance, an upgraded front-facing camera for all your FaceTime needs, and a display that now touts Apples True Tone technology. In the shadow of Apple's newer and mightier chips, the A13 Bionic on this 2021 iPad might seem a tad late to the party.However, its plenty powerful for the rest of the tablet users who mostly rely on their devices for casual, everyday tasks like doing video calls with friends and family, streaming shows and movies, gaming, and sending the occasional email. Luckily, its also cheaper than the rest of Apples tablet offerings, which means its the best value for most people. How to Choose the Best TabletThe first step when deciding on a tablet is setting a budget. Looking to just stream shows and scroll socials? A cheap slate should suffice. However, you'll need to up your spending if youre after a productivity tool that performs similarly to a laptop. You can even slap a keyboard onto some tablets, essentially turning them into the best detachable laptops, albeit with the limits of their hardware and operating system.Next, design should be taken into consideration. You want an option thats lightweight but still durable for on-the-go use. A sizable, crisp, and responsive display ensures the best user experience, while OLED panels are a more premium option with deep blacks and richer colors over their LCD counterparts.Of course, the internal components are just as important, as you dont want a sluggish device that leads to you reaching for one of the best smartphones or laptops instead. To prevent that from happening, a solid processor and at least 4GB of RAM is a must. For gaming or creative work, upgrading those specs can make a world of difference. Beyond that, youll want to ensure your software is up to date. Android OS is in its 15th generation while iPadOS 18 is Apples latest.Other features like long battery life, great-sounding speakers, crisp cameras, and stylus support can help improve your experience on a tablet. You may even want to consider getting a 5G tablet that can connect to your cellular network when youre not on Wi-Fi.Tablets FAQ Are iPads better than Android tablets?No. Both types of tablets have plenty of solid models to choose from; its more a matter of personal preference. If you already have the best iPhone and MacBook, it makes sense to grab an iPad for seamless integration into your Apple Ecosystem, including the ability to double as a second screen for a MacBook. iPads are known for their smooth, enjoyable user experience along with their wealth of apps and games, but the pricing is more restrictive.Tablets running on Android OS come from various manufacturers using a wide variety of components and different versions of the Android operating system, meaning performance and the experience is all over the place. But theres a wider selection of slates, from ultra-cheap to high-end. Its just important to do your research, as there are some dudsiPads performance is a bit more consistent. The selection of apps optimized for an Android tablet is also more limited. Still, almost all Android apps should function, just not as well as on your phone.Should you buy a tablet with cellular network support?Most will find that a tablet with cellular network support is unnecessary unless youre constantly on the go with no way to connect via Wi-Fi. Adding that extra line to your cellular plan can be expensive, and your smartphone can usually work as a Wi-Fi hotspot for your tablet when youre in a pinch. However, should you decide youd like cellular network support, many of our picks come in 5G versions, just know you have to make that decision up front.Jackie Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN and the PC components queen. You can follow her @Jackiecobra

If you like to travel as much as we do here at 9to5Mac, Nomad is the perfect service for you. Nomad makes traveling a breeze by removing the headache of keeping your iPhone connected while on the go.Nomad is also running a rare promotion for 9to5Mac readers. Use promo code CHRISTMAS24 at checkout to score a 20% discount on TWO orders. Valid until 12/29 23:59pm PST.What is an eSIM? An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of a traditional SIM card, eliminating the need for a physical card. It offers instant installation and activation, allowing users to quickly switch carriers or plans without waiting for a physical SIM. Being network- and operator-agnostic, eSIMs provide flexibility in connecting to any compatible carrier worldwide. eSIMs are also designed to work with various smart devices, including smartphones, tablets, and wearables, enhancing connectivity and simplifying the user experience.eSIMs are supported by the vast majority of smartphones on the market. This includes all iPhone models and many Android devices across different price categories. Traditionally, travelers faced two frustrating options for mobile data while on vacation.Option 1: Buy a local SIM cardaffordable but inconvenient due to queues and the hassle of swapping SIMs. Option 2: Use data roaming from providers like AT&Tconvenient but expensive at $10/day, with inconsistent quality.Nomad takes the stress and cost out of traveling internationally. It eliminates the hassle of purchasing local SIM cards or relying on unstable Wi-Fi networks. Nomad offers the convenience of digital activation, provides the affordability of local data plans, and ensures a seamless and reliable experience while you travel.What sets Nomad apart is its extensive network of connectivity partners around the globe. This approach means data plans are often 20% to 40% cheaper than other companies. Additionally, Nomad focuses on redundancy, ensuring multiple local networks are available in every covered country. This gives you the flexibility to switch networks if coverage isnt ideal in a specific area.Getting started with NomadNomad is a global eSIM marketplace available in over 190 countries. It offers a seamless experience through its iOS app, Android app, and online web store.All you need to do to get started is create a Nomad account with your name and email address. Then, you can quickly access affordable and reliable connectivity worldwide. Installing and activating a Nomad eSIM is quick and easy and takes you less than five minutes. You can browse and select a plan, install the eSIM with one click, and activate it without hassle. Most eSIMs connect automatically when you arrive at your destination, so theres no need to activate them manually. Just install the eSIM before you leave, as installation requires Wi-Fi or data. If your eSIM does require manual activation, youll find an activation button in the Manage section of the app. Since installing and activating are separate steps, you can purchase and install your eSIM ahead of time and activate it when you arrive.Nomad also has a detailed breakdown of step-by-step instructions on its website should you encounter any problems during the process.Everything is managed through Nomads easy-to-use app, which is quick to set up and highly rated, with 4.8/5 on the App Store, 4.7/5 on Google Play, and 4.5/5 on Trustpilot. Nomad also offers industry-leading customer service that is available 24/7. Exclusive savings for 9to5Mac readersNomad is also running a rare promotion for 9to5Mac readers. Use promo code CHRISTMAS24 at checkout to score a 20% discount on TWO orders. Valid until 12/29 23:59pm PST.Nomad is built to make traveling a breeze and revolutionize the travel experience. Get started today by visiting the Nomad website.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

The first Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.1 included a variety of tools to aid your writing. But iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 expanded those tools in two key ways, including one powerful upgrade that can do all your writing for youabsolutely free.Compose text with ChatGPT via Apple IntelligenceIn iOS 18.2, users get to benefit from Apples new partnership with OpenAI in two ways:ChatGPT is now baked into Siritheres also a brand new Compose featureCompose is a powerful addition to the existing Apple Intelligence writing tools, which provide systemwide assistance in virtually any app youre using.Certain Apple apps like Notes and Mail have dedicated toolbar buttons to access the writing tools. But even if youre using a different app, you can find them in the copy/paste menu. Just tap anywhere in a text field to access that menu.Youll find Compose at the bottom of the writing tools panel. It enables ChatGPT to draft original text for you based on your instructions.Previously, Apples writing tools could only rewrite, proofread, or format existing text. But now thanks to the ChatGPT integration, it can ghostwrite original text almost entirely from scratch.Just tap the Compose button, tell ChatGPT what you need, and it will get to work crafting original text to match your request.After ChatGPT provides its first draft, you can give instructions to refine the draft, or ask for a full rewrite. ChatGPT even provides suggestions for changes that can be made.You can, optionally, upgrade to ChatGPT Plus to get access to more advanced models, but its entirely unnecessary.Whether youre drafting an email, text message, or even an essay, Apple Intelligences new Compose tool is available wherever you need it.Describe the rewrite changes you needTheres one other writing tools upgrade in iOS 18.2: the ability to Describe your change for a custom AI rewrite.In iOS 18.1, Apple Intelligence can perform a standard rewrite on your existing text, where it seeks to retain your existing writing style. It can also rewrite in one of three default styles:FriendlyProfessionalConciseBut if none of these options are getting the results you want, iOS 18.2 adds a helpful new option.Available at the top of the writing tools panel, theres a Describe your change box where you can type specific instructions for the rewrite you want. Apple Intelligence then gets to work crafting revisions that hopefully do the trick.iOS 18.2 writing upgrades: wrap-upApples original set of writing tools in iOS 18.1 was nice, but these 18.2 upgrades expand AIs usefulness significantly. For a lot of people, a blank screen with a flashing cursor is extremely intimidating, making the Compose tool a true asset. And Ive had mixed experiences with rewrites before now, so the ability to describe specific changes is a solid upgrade.Have you used any of the new writing tools in iOS 18.2? How have they worked for you? Let us know in the comments.Best iPhone accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

This is Rumor Replay, a weekly column at 9to5Mac offering a quick rundown of the most recent Apple product rumors, with analysis and commentary. Today: Apples smart doorbell project, new AirPods Pro developments, iOS 19 device compatibility, and more. Here are this weeks Apple rumors.Apples smart home doorbellApple has several new Home devices coming out in 2025, but this week Mark Gurman reported that theres yet another Home product in the works for future release: a smart doorbell.Reportedly, Apples doorbell product would integrate seamlessly with smart locksand maybe even come bundled with one itselfso that when the doorbells camera authenticates you with Face ID, the door can automatically unlock.My takeawaysIve long wanted Apple to take the smart home more seriously. Any and every new Home product the company creates, Im game for. Wed heard previously that an Apple security camera was in the works for 2026, and a smart doorbell makes sense as another device that uses much of the same camera tech.Even if youre not interested in buying premium Apple smart home devices, Apples expansion in this area should lead HomeKit, Matter, and the Apple Home app to all get better. That will be a good thing for every smart home user.AirPods Pro 3 and beyondMark Gurman shared several details this week about Apples work on AirPods Pro 3 and beyond. We learned that the following new features are in development:heart rate monitoring, similar to what the Apple Watch offerstemperature sensing, another health-focused additionand built-in cameras, likely geared toward AI functionalityGurman expects that heart rate monitoring will be ready for AirPods Pro 3, but the other features are likely later additions.My takeawaysThis years iOS 18.1 update for AirPods Pro 2 was a major step toward making AirPods even more indispensable in users lives. Features like Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection are a strong incentive to wear AirPods more often. Apples upcoming features seem set to continue that theme.If AirPods start more and more health data, theres greater reason to keep them in your ears. And with built-in cameras that can proactively analyze your surroundings, AirPods could prove especially vital.iOS and iPadOS 19 supported modelsThe oft-reliable leaker iPhoneSoft shared a list of supported models for the upcoming iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 releases. The list notes that every iPhone model that runs iOS 18 will also be able to support iOS 19. On the iPad front, the news is nearly as good. The only iPad excluded from iPadOS 19 will be the 7th-generation base iPad with an A10 chip.My takeawaysIts impressive that Apple will be able to offer another years support for the same set of iPhones. I do wonder, though, if iOS 19 will continue this years trend of limiting more features than ever to only modern devices.For example, I expect Apple will have a slew of new Apple Intelligence features coming in iOS 19, all of which will require an iPhone 15 Pro or newer. As more and more of iOS becomes AI-based, it may be easier to technically maintain support for older devices while actually withholding lots of features from them.Apples base model iPad is overdue for an update. According to an anonymous source with a solid leak record, the 11th generation iPad should be released in early 2025. The new device is expected to run iPadOS 18.3.Theres not much else we know about this new iPad, but a faster chip and Apple Intelligence support are the main expected additions.My takeawaysiPadOS 18.3 should arrive around early February, so its possible the new iPad could debut then. I also wouldnt be surprised if we see a March release alongside the iPhone SE 4 and more.One way or another, the base iPad is the only model not updated in 2024, so the sooner an upgrade arrives, the better.Which of these Apple rumors are you most interested in? Let us know in the comments.Best HomeKit smart home accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel