Apple's Smart Features Are Not the Catalyst for iPhone Upgrades
Apple Intelligence hasn't convinced people to buy an iPhone 16, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said today. According to Kuo, a supply chain survey suggests Apple Intelligence is not pushing people to upgrade their devices. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The gap between the introduction of Apple Intelligence in June 2024 and its eventual release, which followed the launch of the iPhone 16 models, played a significant role in its diminished popularity. As a result, the appeal of Apple Intelligence has notably decreased when compared to cloud-based services such as ChatGPT. There is also no indication that Apple Intelligence will drive Services revenue, as Apple CEO Tim Cook said in December that Apple has never discussed charging for Apple Intelligence. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple could start charging for Apple Intelligence in 2027 or beyond, but it remains to be seen if that will happen. In summary, Kuo believes that Apple Intelligence is unlikely to enhance Apple's user upgrade rates or revenue in the short term; however, there is some optimism regarding its long-term potential. I remain optimistic about the long-term potential of Apple Intelligence; however, the reasons mentioned previously indicate a lack of evidence supporting its capacity to capitalize on hardware replacement cycles or the service sector. Therefore, it would be wise to be wary of possible downside risks stemming from prior market over-enthusiasm. Apple Intelligence was the main focus of iOS 18, but when the iPhone 16 models launched in September, there were no Apple Intelligence features available. Writing Tools and other capabilities came in the first update to iOS 18 in October, but Image Playground and Genmoji didn't roll out until December. There are still Apple Intelligence features that have not been implemented, including major changes to Siri that are rumored to be coming in April. A December survey suggested that many iPhone users feel that Apple Intelligence has added little or no value to their iPhone experience, though that sentiment could change as Apple Intelligence matures.
Here are my top picks for Android icon packs that are definitely worth the investment.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Andy Walker / Android Authority News There are plenty of ways to customize your Android smartphone. My first port of call is installing a third-party launcher, of which many unique options are available. After this, a nice wallpaper brings out the most of your display. However, one option that always seems to be an afterthought on Android is installing a new icon pack. I’ve spent far too much money on my favorite Android icon packs over the years, many of which I still use to this day. Here are some of the picks I’d be happy to pay for all over again. LineX Icon Collection Developer: JustNewDesigns Icons: 6,000+ Price: $0.99 View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Andy Walker / Android Authority News I love the minimalist yet eye-catching style of this icon pack. It melds line art with neon colors and that combination really pops. The pack also includes its own selection of wallpapers, which complement each icon’s bold, striking hues. However, you could easily pair these icons with a simple black wallpaper, an especially great choice if you own a flagship Android phone with a great OLED screen. This collection is brought to you by JustNewDesigns, a developer that frequently appears in this selection. The great news is that LineX is very affordable. Priced at just under a dollar, it costs less than the majority of seasonal greeting cards. Notably, LineX’s bold colors may not be for everyone. If you’re all about the art style but want something a little toned down, I’d recommend trying BeeLine by AlphaOne, which is available at the same price. Arcticons, an open-source icon pack that’s well worth grabbing, also offers a monotone alternative with over 10,000 icons. Simplicon Icon Collection Developer: JustNewDesigns Icons: 5,800+ Price: $0.99 View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Andy Walker / Android Authority News Unlike LineX, Simplicon adopts a classic approach to icon theming. It maintains vibrant saturation levels while featuring a flat, rounded, and minimalist aesthetic. This design pairs exceptionally well with lighter wallpapers, and if you're in need of options, the pack provides over 100 free wallpapers to choose from. You may receive slightly fewer icons compared to the LineX pack, but so far, I haven't found any significant icons missing from this collection. Additionally, there's a request feature available if you're in need of an icon that isn't included in the pack. There aren’t too many similar icon packs on the Play Store, but Circa by GomoTheGom comes close. It has more icons than Simplicon but also demands a higher price. Neon Retro Icon Collection Developer: Moertel Pixel Art Icons: 4,000+ Price: $2.79 View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Andy Walker / Android Authority News Do you dream of a retro pixel art theme for your Android phone? Grab this icon pack pronto. It’s an incredible piece of design that includes over 4,000 multicolored neon icons. The pack also includes other items to transform your device, including six widgets with color customization options and a dozen wallpapers to match the theme. Moertel also offers a separate free weather widget with hand-drawn weather icons. I appreciate the artistry behind this pack, but it isn’t updated as often as promised. This icon pack is also a little pricier than other designs on this list, but even with that fact, I’d hesitate to call it a budget breaker. There’s also a monotone alternative if you don’t fancy the bright hue, too. Viral Icon Collection Developer: DrumDestroyer Themes Icons: 6,400+ Price: Free View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Andy Walker / Android Authority News Not all fantastic Android icon packs require payment; Viral is a prime example. Created by DrumDestroyer, who has developed numerous high-quality icon packs available on the Play Store, Viral stands out as one of the more refined options. It features a beautiful blend of soft pastel colors and retro-inspired designs. Viral also includes matching KWGT widgets, over 400 wallpapers, and multiple alternative icons for key apps. Honestly, I’m not sure how this pack is available for free; it’s well worth paying for. If you like Viral’s vibe but crave something a bit brighter, Halo is another DrumDestroyer pack that’s worth a place on your phone. Verticons Icon Collection Developer: SpaceMan Icons: 6,100+ Price: $1.79 View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Andy Walker / Android Authority News This unique vertical icon pack offers a refreshing change from the usual square, circle, or squircle designs we typically see on Android. Verticons features more than 6,000 card-style icons that add a distinctive flair to your device. This particular shape isn’t included in Android’s standard shapes collection, yet it effectively conceals icons that aren’t natively supported. Overall, I’ve found it to be an enjoyable addition to my current Android icon pack. The pack also includes over 80 wallpapers, but I prefer using my own backgrounds for this pack. A free version is on offer, but it includes far fewer icons. SpaceMan’s Monotone pack also offers a similar design but trades bright hues for a black-and-white base. Dark Sorcery Icon Collection Developer: DrumDestroyer Themes Icons: 5,300+ Price: $1.99 View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Andy Walker / Android Authority News This vaporwave icon pack is reminiscent of Viral, but trades faded colors for bright purple, pink, blue, and green. Like several icon packs on this list, Black Magic also includes its own wallpapers (some of which struggle to load for me), but I’d suggest pairing these icons with backgrounds from wallpaper apps like Tapet or Backdrops. If you’re looking for a similar aesthetic with a brighter, lighter color palette, I’d recommend Unicorn. It’s a cutesy pink-heavy pack that’ll pair well with gradient wallpapers. Essential Icon Collection Developer: JustNewDesigns Icons: 6,300+ Price: $0.99 View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Andy Walker / Android Authority News If you’re after an even more minimalist aesthetic, look no further than JustNewDesigns’ Essential Icon Collection. This pack includes just over 6,000 icons, each featuring a pleasant pastel palette. The icons do come in more than a single shape, which, I’ll admit, is a particular annoyance for those who demand uniformity. Nevertheless, these subtle deviations also add to the pack’s overall charm. The pack will once again be priced under a dollar, making it a worthwhile purchase for anyone with several Android devices looking to personalize their appearance. Alexis Pie Simple Icon Collection Developer: Bandot Icons: 9,400+ Price: $1.99 View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Andy Walker / Android Authority News Similar to Simplicon but packing some 3,000 additional icons, Alexis Pie uses clean, sharp lines with vibrant colors. This particular pack employs a round icon base, but there is a similar squircle icon pack on offer too. Once more, you can enjoy access to more than 100 wallpapers, consistent support, frequent additions of new icons, and a wide variety of alternative icons for popular applications. Crispy Icon Collection Developer: FLATEDGE Icons: 3,950+ Price: $0.49 View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Andy Walker / Android Authority News Crispy stands out as the most affordable Android icon pack in this selection. While it offers the fewest icons compared to others, it compensates with strong support from its developer, who is open to user requests for additional app icons. The design of Crispy features a freeform style with vivid colors, resembling Minimalist, yet it appears much more lively on OLED displays. FLATEDGE has some other great icon packs, too. Favo trades the freeform design for rounded squares, while Elemento offers a dark gray background, which really pops on darker wallpapers. Delta Icon Collection Developer: Leif Neimczik Icons: 11,700+ Price: Free View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Andy Walker / Android Authority News I aimed to restrict this list to just ten icon packs, but it proved difficult to narrow it down. Delta made the cut easily due to its extensive library of more than 11,000 icons and roughly 200 wallpapers. The icons feature a freeform style with a subtle pastel hue. While this may seem less vibrant than some of the other options I've highlighted, it truly complemented my LG Q6 beautifully back in the day. And indeed, it's been available for quite a while now.
Nucor Towers & Structures is broadening its presence across the country.
Nucor Corp. has announced that its Towers & Structures business unit will build its third utility structures production facility in Brigham City, Utah. The company currently is completing the construction of two utility structures production facilities in Decatur, Ala., and Crawfordsville, Ind. The new $200 million Utah facility, to be located on Nucor's existing Brigham City campus, is expected to create 200 full-time jobs. "Nucor is well-established in the Western United States, and establishing this new facility in Utah allows us to address the increasing need for utility infrastructure in the area driven by distributed energy initiatives, data center expansions, and rising population," stated Leon Topalian, chair/president/CEO. The advanced automated production plant in Utah will obtain plate and sheet materials from Nucor steel mills through rail transport to fulfill its raw material requirements. The three newly established facilities will implement straight-line production methods and will feature hot-dip galvanizing processes. Production is anticipated to commence at the Alabama plant in early 2025 and at the Indiana plant later in the year. Nucor Towers & Structures expects to begin production at its new Alabama and Indiana facilities in the first and second half of this year, respectively.
Chesterville Select Board explores options for new assessment services.
CHESTERVILLE — The Chesterville Select Board met Thursday, Jan. 9, to discuss the town’s assessing services, with representatives from O’Donnell & Associates presenting their offerings. Chair Eric Hilton introduced Paul Bennett from O’Donnell & Associates, who outlined their software and services in detail and took questions from board members and Treasurer Erin Norton. Bennett started by outlining the range of services his company offers, which encompasses property evaluations, adjustments for tree growth, and the handling of tax applications. "Bennett explained, 'We capture images of the properties and formulate a new assessment. Our team handles applications for tree growth and open spaces. Since tree growth rates fluctuate each year, we adjust those assessments on an annual basis.'" He expanded on the ways his team ensures local taxpayers have easy access to their services. "We aim to set aside at least one day each month for a team member to be present in Chesterville," he stated. "This allows taxpayers the opportunity to meet with us, ask questions, or voice any concerns they may have. Additionally, they are always invited to drop by my office anytime." Bennett emphasized the proprietary assessment software created in-house by O’Donnell. Norton expressed worries regarding the compatibility of O’Donnell’s software with the town's current TRIO system, as well as questioning if the software includes sketch programming capabilities. Bennett clarified that their system works effortlessly with TRIO to provide property information, such as images, drawings, and valuation specifics. TRIO software serves as a comprehensive platform for municipal governments in Maine to handle financial management, property assessments, permitting, and various other administrative tasks. "Bennett stated, 'Every town has a dedicated section on our website where residents can access detailed information. They can find photos, sketches, and evaluations of properties. It's designed to be thorough and easy to navigate.'" Nonetheless, Norton conveyed reluctance regarding moving away from TRIO. “She mentioned, ‘Our assessment records are stored in TRIO, along with all the sketches and schedules. I’m currently evaluating the advantages of departing from that system.’” Bennett comforted her by stating, “The only component of TRIO that you would be leaving behind is the assessing module. All other aspects—registrations, collections, and cash receiving—will stay the same.” Norton mentioned that her past experiences with transitioning software were quite challenging. “Norton expressed, 'We recently moved away from proprietary software, and transferring our records into TRIO was a significant challenge. I really hope we don’t have to shift our records from TRIO to another software system. I have many concerns about how that would affect the residents of our towns.'” Bennett recognized the difficulty of the task but highlighted their expertise in managing these types of transitions. “Moving records can be a complex endeavor, regardless of the system in place. However, we have been working with TRIO for several years and are fully engaged in the commitment process,” he stated. Bennett mentioned that O’Donnell collaborates with approximately 38 municipalities. He noted that although a few of them continue to rely solely on TRIO, there is a gradual transition occurring as they move towards O’Donnell’s system, which he described as “more user-friendly.” When Norton inquired about the fate of the town's records in the event that O'Donnell was no longer the assessor, Bennett responded confidently, “You will retain ownership of the software. It's comparable to the way you currently possess your TRIO software.” The conversation also shifted to tax maps, as Norton highlighted that Chesterville had not revised its maps in quite some time. “We update tax maps every year in the towns we serve, but it is a separate cost,” Bennett said. “The cost includes research and plotting, in addition to printing maps.” Another important topic discussed was cost. It was highlighted that Chesterville spends around $21,000 each year on assessing services, plus an extra $3,000 for tax mapping. Bennett projected that O’Donnell’s services would range from $20,000 to $25,000 per year for assessing, while tax map updates would incur an additional expense of $5,000 to $8,000. Bennett emphasized the clarity of their system, pointing out features like an opt-out option for residents who wish to keep their property information offline. “If you prefer not to have your home listed online, there’s an option to opt out,” he explained. “You will remain on the local tax records, but your details will not be accessible to the public.” Hilton mentioned that he had received encouraging responses regarding O’Donnell’s services. “I’ve spoken to individuals who collaborate with O’Donnell, and they express great satisfaction with the customer support and availability.” The board highlighted their strong rapport with the existing assessor, mentioning that they are looking for a new viewpoint as they prepare for an upcoming town reevaluation. The upcoming Select Board meeting is scheduled for January 16. Hilton expressed his hope that a decision will be reached about the town's direction concerning the assessor.
A recent study reveals that many children are using TikTok in breach of established guidelines, resulting in negative consequences for them.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Towfiqu Barbhuiya / Pexels TikTok is currently fighting an existential battle in the U.S. Supreme Court, and so far, it appears that the company’s arguments might not be enough to avoid a ban in the country. The arguments have mostly focused on concerns around national security and free speech, but there is another aspect that could hurt the social media giant. According to fresh research from the University of California San Francisco, a majority of children are using TikTok against the platform’s age-related policies. It further adds that 11- and 12-year-olds also show signs of addiction, and some hide social profiles from their parents. The research, which gathered information from 10,000 children nationwide aged between 10 and 15, concentrated on the use of platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, among others. Kindly enable Javascript to access this content. Jason Nagata, MD, a pediatrician affiliated with UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, pointed out that TikTok ranks as the leading social media platform for children, with a usage rate of 67.1%, emphasizing the possible risks it poses to young users. One-fourth of the children involved in the study reported that they frequently think about social media platforms, and the same proportion indicated that these applications assist them in escaping their issues. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. CottonBro Studios / Pexels图库 Interestingly, 17% of the children expressed a desire to reduce their social media usage but found it challenging to do so, while a significant 11% considered it harmful to their academic pursuits. The research, which has been published in the Academic Pediatrics journal, also underlines how social media usage among underage children, some as young as 11 years old, is linked to elevated depression, disruptive behavior, and eating disorders. The findings are not surprising. The likes of Instagram have received flak for aggravating body image issues among young users. Digital Trend’s investigation also unearthed a dark underbelly of drugs on the Meta-owned platform. Amnesty International’s research recently uncovered how TikTok was serving harmful mental health content to children. Nagata, the lead author of the study, emphasized that "policymakers must consider TikTok as a significant social media concern and implement robust strategies to safeguard children in the digital space." The research paper suggests policymakers should also focus on how platforms like TikTok are harming children. Moreover, the experts recommend stronger age verification on social media platforms, more robust parental control tools, and tighter privacy protocols.
Greenberg Traurig's Life Sciences & Medical Technology Team Presents Webinar on "Emerging MedTech Trends and Opportunities for 2025" at the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP's Life Sciences & Medical Technology Group will host a webinar with the Massachusetts Medical Device Industry Council (MassMEDIC) during the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on Jan. 15. BOSTON, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP's Life Sciences & Medical Technology Group will host a webinar with the Massachusetts Medical Device Industry Council (MassMEDIC) during the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on Jan. 15. Led by Shareholders David J. Dykeman and Andrew (A.J.) Tibbetts, the webinar, "The Future of MedTech: Trends & Opportunities in 2025," features medical technology industry leaders Thomas Busby, director, outcome capital, and Irina Ridley, chief legal officer, Aerin Medical, and will cover the latest in financing and mergers & acquisitions deals, intellectual property (IP), and the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) impacting the health care industry. Greenberg Traurig also will host an in-person networking reception coincident with the conference. To register for the event, click here. Dykeman is co-chair of Greenberg Traurig's global Life Sciences & Medical Technology Group and co-managing shareholder of the Boston office. He focuses on securing worldwide IP protection and related business strategies for high-tech clients, with particular experience in life sciences, medical devices, robotics, materials, and information technology. He provides strategic patent portfolio development and IP advice for clients, including major research institutions, multinational corporations, and startup companies. He serves on the board of directors of MassMEDIC and previously served on the editorial advisory board for Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry (MD+DI) magazine. Tibbetts, an Intellectual Property & Technology shareholder in the firm's Boston office, leverages prior experience as a software engineer to provide practical IP strategies. He counsels on matters related to software-implemented tech across a range of industries, from networking, financial technology, and natural language processing to life sciences, AI, medical records, and medical devices. Tibbetts advises a wide array of clients, ranging from international and publicly traded companies and large research institutions to small and growing companies. He serves on the boards of directors of MassMEDIC and HealthTech Build, helping to support digital health efforts in the New England area. About Greenberg Traurig's Intellectual Property & Technology Practice: With more than 260 intellectual property attorneys and patent agents in the United States, Asia, and Europe, Greenberg Traurig provides a broad range of patent, trademark and copyright protection and strategic counseling. Greenberg Traurig was named a "National Tier 1" Law Firm for IP Litigation, Patent Law and Litigation, Copyright Law, Technology Law, Information Technology, and Trademark Law by U.S. News and Best Lawyers, 2025 "Best Law Firms. In the 2024 report, Greenberg Traurig was named Law Firm of the Year for Information Technology Law. In addition, Greenberg Traurig was named a "Law Firm of the Year" for Trademark Law in the 2020 and 2022 editions of "Best Law Firms." The BTI Consulting Group named Greenberg Traurig's IP Litigation Practice a 'Litigation Standout' in the "BTI Litigation Outlook 2024: Navigating Litigation Spending in the New Unpredictable World." About the Boston Office of Greenberg Traurig: Marking a quarter-century of outstanding legal service, the Boston office of Greenberg Traurig boasts a team of over 90 attorneys specializing in various fields, including banking and finance, corporate law, emerging technologies, energy, environmental law, gaming, governmental relations, intellectual property, labor and employment, life sciences and medical technology, litigation, public finance, real estate, restructuring and bankruptcy, tax law, and white-collar crime and investigations. This office plays a vital role in the firm's global presence, featuring a group of highly regarded attorneys with extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. By working in tandem with the firm’s worldwide network, the Boston team provides clients with a wealth of knowledge and decades of experience in navigating complex legal challenges while maintaining a deep understanding of the local business landscape. About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP has more than 2750 attorneys in 48 locations in the United States, Europe and the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm is a 2024 BTI "Leading Edge Law Firm" for delivering on client expectations for the future and is consistently among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100 and NLJ 500. Greenberg Traurig is Mansfield Rule Certified Plus by The Diversity Lab. The firm is recognized for powering its U.S. offices with 100% renewable energy as certified by the Center for Resource Solutions Green-e® Energy program and is a member of the U.S. EPA's Green Power Partnership Program. The firm is known for its philanthropic giving, innovation, diversity, and pro bono. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com. Press Contact Lisa Murray, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, 978.750.0333, [email protected], gtlaw.com