Apple announces a limited edition AirTag with a snake engraving for the Year of the Snake in Japan, available from January 2nd to 5th. Additionally, customers in Japan can receive Apple gift cards worth up to ¥30,000 when buying a new Apple product, with the amount varying based on the product chosen. Eligible products for a gift card of up to ¥6,000 include Beats Solo Buds, Studio Buds+, and Beats Flex.

Source: https://9to5mac.com/

Source: https://9to5mac.com/

Bluesky has launched a beta version of Trending Topics, allowing users to see what's currently being discussed on the platform. The feature is global and shows the top and recent posts about each topic, but is still in beta and has limitations.

Source: https://9to5mac.com/

YouTube is testing a 'Play something' floating action button (FAB) on its Android app. This button, which has a play icon and white text on a black background, starts a video in the Shorts player when tapped. The FAB displays regular content in a portrait interface with large buttons for interactions and a timeline scrubber at the bottom. The FAB disappears when the miniplayer is active. This feature aims to initiate the primary purpose of the app, considering user video preferences.

Source: https://9to5mac.com/

Apple TV+ is teasing a mysterious announcement for the first weekend of January 2025, with scenes from different shows and the tagline 'See for yourself'. The event will take place on January 4 and 5, 2025, but details are unknown.

Source: https://9to5mac.com/

BYD is offering free car insurance on select PHEVs and EVs from its Ocean and Dynasty lineups, including the Dolphin, Seal, and Sea Lion 07, as part of a sales promotion running from December 26, 2024, to January 26, 2025.

Source: https://9to5mac.com/

China's EV industry has rapidly grown from a global laggard to a leader in just five years. In 2020, EVs made up only 5.4% of China's car market, but the country has since made significant progress.

Source: https://9to5mac.com/

Nomad offers an affordable eSIM service that makes traveling easier by eliminating the need for a physical SIM card, allowing users to quickly switch carriers or plans.

Source: https://9to5mac.com/

The recommended method for installing an international eSIM is through a QR code, which can be found in the app's instructions and via email. For iOS, go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan and scan the QR code. For Google Pixel, go to Settings > Network and Internet > SIMs > Add More > Download a SIM and scan the QR code. For Samsung, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager > Add Mobile Plan > Scan QR code. Remember to turn on 'Data Roaming' to use the data.

Source: https://9to5mac.com/

iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 have expanded writing tools through a partnership with OpenAI. The new Compose feature, accessible in any app, can assist users in writing tasks, even generating text for them using ChatGPT technology.

Source: https://9to5mac.com/