Apple’s iOS 18 has arrived, setting a new benchmark for mobile operating systems with cutting-edge features and performance enhancements. Released in September 2024, iOS 18 delivers a host of improvements designed to enhance user experience, from new personalization options to enhanced security measures. Here's a breakdown of everything you need to know about iOS 18, including its standout features, device compatibility, and potential drawbacks. New Features of Apple’s iOS 18 . Apple Intelligence (Coming with iOS 18.1) One of the most anticipated features, Apple Intelligence, will debut in iOS 18.1, specifically for the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16. Apple Intelligence includes cutting-edge AI tools such as smarter Siri, text summarisation, writing assistance, and generative image creation.  While it is not yet part of the core iOS 18 release, users can experience it via the iOS 18.1 beta. This AI-driven toolset is designed to streamline tasks, make Siri more proactive, and enable users to create visuals effortlessly. Redesigned Photos App With iOS 18, the Photos app received its biggest-ever redesign. Apple has unified the layout into a single view combining a photo grid and a date grid, making it easier to navigate and locate photos.  Users can also filter photos by categories like screenshots or groups, significantly simplifying organization. Additionally, iOS 18 introduces a new ‘Recovered’ album, which stores photos or videos not in the main gallery and reduces risks of database corruption or issues with third-party apps. Read more: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Review: The Biggest and The Best of 2024 Advanced Home Screen Customisation iOS 18 takes customisation to the next level with significant upgrades to the Home Screen. For the first time, users can rearrange app icons and widgets to the bottom or sides of the screen, offering more flexibility for personal layouts.  The dark mode is now available for app icons, and users can apply color tints to match or complement their wallpapers. This enhanced customisation allows for a more personalized and visually pleasing experience. Control Center Upgrades Apple has also made significant improvements to the Control Center in iOS 18. Users can now group controls into distinct function sets, such as Media and Home, and resize Control Center widgets to fit their preferences. For the first time, users can also decide which Control Center widgets will appear on the Lock Screen, adding more functionality at a glance. Messages Upgrades iOS 18 enhances the Messages app with several exciting new features. Users can now react to messages using any emoji, offering more expressive ways to communicate. Apple has also introduced text formatting options, allowing users to bold, italicize, underline, or strikethrough text.  In addition, iOS 18 brings support for the RCS messaging standard, which provides a richer experience when communicating with non-Apple users. Another useful feature is the ability to schedule messages and make it easier to send important texts at the right time. Read more: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Review: Does a Bigger Phone Come with Better Features? New Passwords App iOS 18 introduces a new app called Passwords, designed to be a secure vault for all your passwords, passkeys, and verification codes. The app not only stores this information but also alerts you if any of your passwords are weak or compromised in a data breach. As expected, all data is protected by end-to-end encryption, and the app can be locked using Face ID or Touch ID. Wallet Upgrades The Wallet app in iOS 18 comes with the new "tap to cash" feature, which simplifies peer-to-peer payments. This makes paying friends or splitting bills even easier. Dynamic event tickets also make their debut in the Wallet app which provide users with more interactive ticket designs and additional event information. Messages via Satellite For users with compatible iPhones, iOS 18 expands satellite capabilities, enabling them to send messages when Wi-Fi and cellular networks are unavailable. This feature is especially useful in remote areas and also adds a layer of communication safety for travelers and adventurers. ID-Authenticated App Locks A significant privacy upgrade in iOS 18 is the ability to lock any app, not just banking or Notes apps, behind Face ID or Touch ID. Users can also hide apps in a new Hidden Apps folder which provides more control over their privacy and security. Math in Any Text Field iOS 18 introduces a nifty feature that allows users to perform mathematical calculations directly in any text field. This small but powerful update means that you will not need to open the Calculator app to solve basic math problems—it can be done seamlessly while typing. Read more: Apple iPhone 16 Review: Can It Set New Standards for the Brand? Power Reserve with Time Display The Power Reserve feature has been upgraded in iOS 18. Previously, Power Reserve allowed access to key features like cards and Find My iPhone when the battery was almost depleted. Now, it also displays the time, offering another useful function when your phone is low on power. Shoot Videos without Pausing Audio With iOS 18, users can record videos without interrupting any background audio, such as music or podcasts. This feature, though small, is a welcome change for those who enjoy capturing moments while listening to their favorite tunes. Compatible Devices iPhone ModelsiPhone SE (2nd generation)iPhone SE (3rd generation)iPhone XRiPhone XSiPhone XS MaxiPhone 11 seriesiPhone 12 seriesiPhone 13 seriesiPhone 14 seriesiPhone 15 seriesiPhone 16 seriesiPad ModelsiPad Pro (M4)iPad Pro 12.9″ (3rd generation and later)iPad Pro 11″ (1st generation and later)iPad Air (M2) iPad Air (3rd generation and later)iPad (7th generation and later)iPad mini (5th generation and later). Read more: Top 7 Smartphones Coming in October 2024  Limitations of Apple’s iOS 18 Delayed Apple Intelligence Features One significant limitation of iOS 18 is the absence of Apple Intelligence features at launch. These advanced AI capabilities, including enhanced Siri and text summarisation, will not be available until iOS 18.1. Users excited about these smart features will need to wait until a later update to fully experience the benefits of Apple’s AI integration. Bugs and Performance Issues Early adopters of iOS 18 have reported issues such as performance drops, particularly on older devices like the iPhone 12. Bugs include touchscreen unresponsiveness and camera freezing during specific tasks, like shooting videos in macro mode. As with many major updates, these issues are common in initial releases and are likely to be addressed in future patches. Incompatibility with Older Devices iOS 18 has also dropped support for several older iPads and iPhones, including models like the iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017) and iPhone XS Max, meaning not all users will be able to access the new software. Verdict The Apple iOS 18 is a robust update packed with features that enhance customisation, privacy, and communication. While its initial release lacks the full power of Apple Intelligence, it is expected that the upcoming iOS 18.1 will address those issues. Early bugs and limited device compatibility may deter some users, but overall, the improvements in Photos, Messages, and Control Center make the iOS 18 a valuable upgrade, particularly for newer devices. Waiting for patches is advised for smoother performance. Read more: What’s New in Microsoft Office 2024: Key Features, AI Integrations, and Installation Guide

Women’s safety remains one of the most concerning issues even in 2024. WHO estimates that globally, around one in three women (30%) has faced some form of violence in their lifetime. This begs the question, what’s the solution to such a persistent social problem? Considering the need, personal safety apps have become an effective way to ensure safety in every situation. Here’s a list of the best personal safety Android and iOS apps for women in 2024.  Built-in Native Safety Features in iOS and Android Beyond the need for apps, iOS and Android have several built-in features to ensure safety while alone or traveling. But it's more streamlined in iOS as different Android manufacturers have different take on the safety approach. With iOS, there’s the “Share My Location” option which will continuously share your location to the trusted contacts. You can even choose the duration of the share as per your preference. There is also the option of SOS emergency calling. It can be easily activated by pressing the power button and any of the volume buttons together. iOS 17 and above also has the “Check In” feature where you can set a destination before traveling. The feature will notify your trusted contacts once you have safely reached your destination.  Read more: Find Bus Routes in Dhaka with 6 Android Apps Android also has a location-sharing feature through Google Maps. Most Android versions also implement emergency calling though the activation process differs from one to another.  Best Free Personal Safety Android and iOS Apps for Women  While the native features come in handy, they can’t always ensure your safety. Besides there may be situations where you’re not in a state to make a proper emergency call. Here’s a list of specialized apps designed for safety with some added features that can be a great alternative to native options.  My SafetiPin My SafetiPin (https://safetipin.com/my-safetipin-app/) is a free personal safety app designed for women. Beyond the basics of personal safety, My SafetiPin brings something that’s not usually seen on other safety apps. And that’s its surrounding audit feature. Read more: 10 Best Free Android Apps to Learn English Vocabulary With My SafetiPin, you can simply upload a picture of the area you’re in and get a safety score based on previous experiences of other users. You can also contribute to making the audit more robust by sharing your experience in a certain place.  The app can also guide you through a safe route, let you know about the nearby emergency services, and share your live location with your friends and family.  You can download My SafetiPin on both Android and iOS platforms.  Read more: 7 Food Delivery Apps for Dhaka

Football has a classic appeal to sport-lovers all around the world. Everyone loves to watch their favorite players dribbling from one corner of the field to another. But with a smartphone, football lovers can indulge in exciting and thrilling games where, at the stroke of their fingertips, their favorite players will dribble and shoot. Let’s find out the most popular football games for android and IOS in 2024. Best New Football Games to Play on Smartphones in 2024 eFootball™ 2024 eFootball™ 2024 is a popular soccer game produced by KONAMI, first released on June 1, 2022. This game is designed to offer a realistic soccer experience, featuring top clubs and players worldwide. It requires 3 GB of storage space for download and is compatible with Android 7.0 and up. This game can run on iOS 13 or later versions. The game has a 4.5 rating on Google Play and a 4.2 rating on AppStore. The game is free to play but includes in-app purchases ranging from $1 to $100. Rated for ages 3 and up, eFootball™ 2024 has over 100 million downloads. Players can build teams, sign players, and compete in various modes, including online matches. Read more: May 2024 Video Games: Exciting Virtual Games Scheduled for Launch Football Games 2024 Real Kick Football Games 2024 Real Kick is a dynamic soccer game produced by Data Games, released on April 30, 2022. This game features top players like Ronaldo and Messi, offering an immersive 3D experience with motion-captured player moves and in-game commentary. The game is compatible with Android 8.0 and up. This game can run on iOS 12 or later versions. The game has a 3.7 rating on Google Play and a 4.3 rating on AppStore. You can build and customize your dream team from licensed players and compete in global leagues. The game is free to play, with in-app purchases ranging from $1.20 to $90.00. It requires 118 MB of storage. Rated for ages 3 and up, it has over 1 million downloads. Read more: List of Video Games Releasing in April 2024 Football Master 2-Soccer Star Football Master 2-Soccer Star is a football management game developed by GALA Sports and released on August 9, 2022. The game allows you to build and manage your dream team, train players, and compete globally. Featuring over 1,400 real players with official licenses from FIFPro and major clubs, it provides a highly realistic experience. The game boasts stunning 3D match visuals and an immersive 360° stadium atmosphere. Football Master 2 is free to play with in-game purchases. It requires 809 MB of storage and is compatible with Android 4.4 and up and iOS 12 or later. Rated for ages 3 and up, it has over 5 million downloads. It has a 4.3 rating in Google Play and a 4.4 rating in AppStore. Read more: March 2024 Video Games: Exciting Virtual Games Scheduled for Launch Dream League Soccer 2024 Dream League Soccer 2024 is an immersive soccer game by First Touch Games Ltd., released on January 14, 2020. Featuring over 4,000 FIFPRO™ licensed players, the game allows you to build and manage your dream team, compete in global leaderboards, and enjoy full 3D motion-captured player movements. Customizable managers, detailed stadium upgrades, and an exclusive soundtrack enhance the experience. The game is free to play, with in-app purchases ranging from $1.20 to $70.00. It requires 538-550 MB of storage. Rated for ages 3 and up, it has over 100 million downloads. The game is compatible with Android 5.0 and up and iOS 12 or later versions. The game has a 4.4 rating on Google Play and a 4.6 rating on AppStore. Read more: February 2024 Video Games: Exciting Virtual Games Scheduled for Launch Football League 2024 Football League 2024 by MOBILE SOCCER offers an immersive soccer experience with vivid graphics and an intelligent game engine. Released on November 15, 2022, it features over 150 national teams and 1,000 clubs. The game includes customizable tactics, multiple national and club tournaments, and a dynamic gameplay experience with fluent controls and full controller support. It can be played offline and is available in multiple languages. The game is free to play, with in-app purchases priced at $2.20 per item. It requires 173 MB of storage. Rated for ages 3 and up, it has over 100 million downloads. The game is compatible with Android 5.0 and up and iOS 12 or later versions. The game has a 4.3 rating on Google Play and a 4.1 rating on AppStore. Read more: Top 10 International ESport Events in 2024

As it celebrates more than 25 years in India, iPhone manufacturer Apple announced today that its first two stores in the country will open this week, marking the company's ambitious growth strategy. Apple will open two locations in Mumbai and Delhi, NDTV reported. "This week, as Apple celebrates more than 25 years in India, the company is marking a major expansion with the opening of its first Apple Store locations in the country, along with new environmental initiatives and a key milestone in the rapidly growing community of Indian developers," Apple said in a statement. Apple will open its first store in Mumbai on April 18, followed by the opening of its second official store in Delhi on April 20, said the report. Read More: 4 Best Apple Watch Ultra Clone Reviews   According to Apple, these stores have been intended to have a local look and feel. "India has such a beautiful culture and an incredible energy, and we are excited to build on our long-standing history -- supporting our customers, investing in local communities, and working together to build a better future with innovations that serve humanity," Apple CEO Tim Cook said. Apple shipments from India are expected to exceed USD 5 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23, accounting for over half of the total "Made in India" phone exports, the report also said. In 2017, the company started manufacturing iPhones in India through contract manufacturers. Read More: Apple Car: The Leaks and Rumors "Apple's work with Indian suppliers of all sizes supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country," the statement said. The company also stated that it works one-on-one with developers to help them take their apps from "good to great" at the iOS App Design and Development Accelerator in Bengaluru. "India's vibrant community of app developers now supports more than 1 million jobs. A testament to the tremendous growth of developers in India, App Store payouts to developers in the country have more than tripled since 2018," the statement added. Read More: Apple to use Sony’s state-of-the-art Sensor technology in iPhone 15 Series

Mobile gaming has become an increasingly popular way to pass time and escape into virtual worlds. Among the many genres available, medieval mobile games have captured the attention of millions of players worldwide. These games transport players to the imaginary worlds of castles, dragons, and battles. In fantasy medieval war games, gamers can explore, build, and conquer in the form of their favorite heroes and warriors. Let's explore the top 10 free fantasy medieval strategy games for Android and IOS. This discussion can provide a glimpse of the wonderful mobile gaming experiences available in this genre.  Best Free Fantasy Medieval War Games for Mobile phone King of Avalon Developed by FunPlus, King of Avalon is a medieval strategy game available on Android and iOS platforms. Released on 20 June 2016, the game combines elements of strategy, build and battle, and PvP. Players begin by rebuilding their Stronghold and hatching a dragon egg, gradually expanding their empire through research, conquest, and hero collection. The game offers numerous upgrades, features, and activities, making it one of the most feature-rich strategy games on mobile devices. However, the game's crowded interface with many unrideable icons on the top right can be annoying. Read More: Esports 2023: All Major Events, Where to Watch Them Viking Rise IGG, the developer of Lords Mobile: Kingdom Wars, has released Viking Rise, a strategy and city-building game for Android devices, with an iOS version coming soon. The game takes place in a world of Norse mythology and features impressive visuals, immersive audio, and real-time battles. Players must build their cities, raise armies, form alliances, engage in naval combat, and hunt and tame mythical beasts while exploring caves and discovering hidden treasures. Iconic Viking heroes, including Valkyrie and Snake-Eyed Sigurd, add to the game's appeal. Viking Rise was released on December 22, 2022. Call of Dragons Call of Dragons is a new medieval strategy game developed by Fairlight for Android users, set to be released early in 2023. This game provides players with a chance to explore a vast world and choose between three factions- humans, elves, and orcs. They can command troops and creatures while mastering powerful hero abilities to dominate the battlefield, expand their territory, and become the ultimate ruler of Tamaris. Read More: 7 PS5 Games Releasing in March, April 2023 The game is currently in beta with some area restrictions, but the global launch is expected soon. With features such as fighting dark creatures and behemoths in groups, Call of Dragons promises an entertaining and engaging experience. Land of Empires: Immortal Nuverse's Land of Empires: Immortal, released on 16 Jan 2022, is a must-try mobile game for fans of RPG and strategy games. Its stunning graphics and captivating cinematic scenes create a unique combination of elements similar to Diablo II. As the Lord of a city, players will rebuild a city overtaken by an undead army, upgrade buildings, and build a strong army of heroes and different types of units. They can also trade and research technologies while forming alliances with other lords to rally against demon forces and retake lost territories. Players can equip titans and giants as secret weapons and recruit legendary warriors to fight alongside them, ultimately expanding their lands. Available on both Android and iOS platforms, Land of Empires: Immortal promises to be an engaging and immersive experience. Read More: 10 Best Upcoming Video Games to Enchant You in 2023 Nations of Darkness Released on Jan 9, 2023, Nations of Darkness is a kingdom-builder, strategy mobile game developed by StarFortune, available on Android and iOS platforms. The game features four captivating factions: Vampire, Werewolf, Hunter, and Mage, all set in a colorful fantasy world that combines modern and medieval elements with a dark fantasy feel. With over 60 heroes to choose from, players can take control of their chosen faction, build and upgrade their kingdom, conquer territories, and participate in events and competitions against other players from around the world. Forming alliances and battling other factions are also crucial elements of gameplay. The game's interface, graphics, and unique elements make it an excellent choice for fans of medieval fantasy games.