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iOS 18.2 had me thinking that Apple’s Magic Eraser competitor was better, until it didn’t.

Shortly after Apple released the third iOS 18.1 Developer Beta,I decided to seehow well the new “Clean Up” feature would stack up against Google’s Magic Eraser and Samsung’s Object Eraser. What I ended up with was a thing of nightmares when trying to remove the harness from my dog in a picture.

Samsung and Google both did a good job, but that didn’t come as much of a surprise, given that these tools have been availableon various phonesfor some time. Truthfully, I didn’t think Apple’s Clean Up would be a viable option and that it would just disappear into the night.

As it turns out, the complete opposite happened, as the stable build of iOS 18.2 arrived this week, packed with “Apple Intelligence” features. Hidden in the midst of the new AI features was an update to the Clean Up tool, which Apple has been apparently working hard to improve.

After being prodded a bit, the most obvious way to see if Clean Up is actually better was to try it on the same picture from before, using my iPhone 16 Pro Max. Much to my surprise, Apple didn’t try to mutilate my dog, and the entire process was a lot easier than I expected.

Because we’re working with smaller objects, there’s a lot of room for error when making selections. But after loading the picture and tapping the “Clean Up” option, it was as simple as just tracing a line along the harness. The tool then highlighted exactly what I wanted to have removed before automatically doing just that.

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Leia is standing in the yard with a harness and lead before edits.

Apple Clean Up results using iPhone 16 Pro Max.

The results were more impressive than I thought they would be, so I figured I would try usingMagic Eraser in Google Photos. Seeing as it’s been a few months since the last time I tried this out, surely Google would still come out on top, right?

First, I tried using Google Photos on my iPhone since it has Magic Eraser. The results were less than stellar, and it took longer because I had to select the harness in sections. Eventually, I got there, but you can obviously see where the edits were made.

Then, I thought that I might get better results by using Magic Eraser on myPixel 9 Pro Fold. After transferring the full-resolution photo and opening it in Google Photos, somehow the results were worse. There’s some weird line along my dog’s back, and her ear is even more crooked than normal.

Magic Eraser results using iPhone 16 Pro Max

Magic Eraser results using Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Maybe it’s just a fluke or something to do with this picture specifically. So, I did the next logical thing, picking a different picture before using Clean Up and Magic Eraser. This time, I opted for something that would probably be more common — removing people from the background.

I’m not sure if it’s just something that I’m doing wrong or what. However, neither the iPhone’s Clean Up nor the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s Magic Eraser did a particularly great job. Both results lookfineuntil you start to zoom in and pixel-peep where the people were removed.

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Apple Store photo before making any edits

Apple Clean Up results using iPhone 16 Pro Max

Magic Eraser results using Pixel 9 Pro Fold

When I started writing this, I didn’t really have much more to add, hence the first half of the title. But then I went back into Clean Up to make sure that it actually recognized the entire harness at once and that I wasn’t just imagining things.

So I pulled up the picture of my dog again, confirmed that the harness was highlighted, and then was greeted with the following.

Imagine my confusion when Apple applied a “Safety Filter” to the picture when all I was trying to do was remove the harness. I tried it again, just to double-check, and again, the Safety Filter was applied.

I understand the idea and premise of such a feature — and yes, it’s a feature, not a bug — but this is the same picture that I had already been editing before, and it’s just my dog standing outside with her harness and lead attached. So, I’m not even sure of the logic taking place here.

On the one hand, I commend Apple for including the Safety Filter to begin with. On the other, why was it thatApple Intelligencewas able to properly edit the photo 10 minutes before, only to incorrectly apply the filter on thesame image? It’s left me genuinely perplexed, and all I can hope is that this isn’t a regular occurrence.

That being said, even with the aforementioned hiccup, it’s tough to argue with the results. In just a few months, Apple has made some pretty big improvements to its Clean Up feature. Now, I have to wonder whether Google will lean on Gemini to improve its own Magic Eraser or if Apple will end up surpassing it.

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The Apple tvOS 18.2 has arrived with improvements for 2nd and 3rd generation Apple TVs. Enhancements include support for more cinematic aspect ratios for projectors and displays. Plus, there are new screensavers and a dialogue-enhancing tool for a connected HomePod (2nd generation).

The Apple tvOS 18.2 update is rolling out to users. (Image source: Li Lin via Unsplash)

Apple has released a new update for the Apple TV 4K and the Apple TV HD,tvOS 18.2. This follows the launch oftvOS 18in November, a major update adding new InSights, smart subtitles and a redesigned Apple Fitness+.

The tvOS 18.2 release brings support for 21:9 and a range of other cinematic aspect ratios to the Apple TV. This provides users with an enhanced viewing experience on a compatible projector or display. Plus, you can now get an ultra-widescreen view on a FaceTime call. It is worth noting that these improvements only affect theApple – TV 4K (3rd generation).

For 2nd generation models onwards, the update also brings new Snoopy and Woodstock screensavers, dynamically adapting based on the weather, day or current holidays. On top of this, the Enhance Dialogue tool now works with a connected HomePod (2nd generation). The feature makes it easier to hear speech over other background sounds, thanks to audio processing in real-time combined with machine learning. If you do not have automatic updates set up, you can manually download the tvOS 18.2 update on your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Software Updates.

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Source(s)

Apple,Li Lin via Unsplash

When you don’t have to go through every file, ask Gemini to do it.

What you need to know

• Google highlighted the rollout of Gemini in Drive, which aims to help summarize a user’s folders, documents, spreadsheets, and more.
• Users can write their query for a folder in Drive’s side panel or they can navigate to a folder and hit the “summarize folder” button.
• Google recently updated Docs with additional Gemini help for crafting formatted documents while also unveiling Gemini 2.0.

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Google is rolling out an update for Drive users that brings Gemini into its side panel with new tools.

The company highlighted the latest update in aWorkspace post, stating Gemini can now summarize documents in Drive. Google explains that Gemini in Drive can only answer questions about your “text documents, PDFs, spreadsheets, and presentations.”

More specifically, with Gemini entering Drive’s side panel, Google states users can write their queries about a folder before the “@” symbol and the name of the folder; i.e., “summarize the files in @batterymap.”

Additionally, Google gives the example of asking about the “theme of the content” within a folder.

Writing your prompt to Gemini isn’t the only avenue toward quick information as users will find a starry icon button in folders, too. Once you receive this update, navigating to a foldershoulddisplay a “Summarize this folder” button beneath the navigation bar. Clicking this will automatically inform Gemini of your request and produce the side panel with its generated information.

There will also be a “suggestions” option alongside the likely ability for users to expand on what they’d like Gemini to surface via the text field.

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(Image credit: Google)

Alternatively, users can right-click on a document in their list and click “Ask Gemini” for information that way. The side panel expands its uses by letting users drag and drop documents into it instead of the “@” mention method.

The update started rolling out on December 11 for users under rapid and scheduled release domains. Workspace customers with Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, Education Premium, and Google One AI Premium add-ons will have access to Gemini in Drive’s side panel for summarization.

Moreover, the company states users need to have “smart features and personalization” enabled before this feature is usable. Admins can turn this on by default for users if need be.

Gemini’s capabilities across Workspace have consistently grown, especially through itsrecent update for Docs. The AI utilizes a prompt — “help me create” — which is reminiscent of its recentsmart home testfor Google Home. Regardless, the Google Doc version lets the AI help users create formatted documents from scratch. The AI can also easily grab files from your Drive and incorporate them into a new file for you.

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Elsewhere, Gmail picked up extra Gemini help via “contextual smart replies.” The update to its AI-generated replies will take into account what’s been said in your current line of messagesbeforeoffering a quick suggestion. Additionally, Google unveiledGemini 2.0this week, which prepares to usher in a new “agentic era.”

Intelligent Keynote, Pages, and Numbers

Apple’s iWork suite is available for iOS/iPadOS devices and macOS.(Image credit: Apple)

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• Apple has updated its iWork suite of productivity tools to version 14.3
• The new version brings support for Apple Intelligence on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
• Users can use Writing Tools and Image Playground within Keynote, Pages, and Numbers

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Applehas updated its iWork suite of productivity tools including Keynote, Pages, and Numbers to includeApple Intelligence, a major free AI update.

The 14.3 update brings AI benefits to Apple’s equivalent toMicrosoftOffice, including Writing Tools, which allows you to proofread, summarize, and compose text for your documents. Writing Tools has been available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac since September, but now you can easily access it via the Apple Intelligence button in iWork.

Writing Tools also lets you reword your writing with preset tones, as well as give prompts to nudge Apple Intelligence in a certain direction. For example, you could tell it ‘Make this text more exciting’ and Apple will work its magic.

Writing Tools isn’t the only new Apple Intelligence feature available for Keynote, Pages, and Numbers. Image Playground, Apple’s take on the best AI image generator, is also included, enabling you to quickly add images to your documents for a touch of color and creativity.

Apple Intelligence in iWork is compatible with all M-series Macs, M-series iPads, theA17 Pro iPad mini, iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 models.

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Power up your workflow with Apple Intelligence

(Image credit: Apple)

Apple Intelligence in iWork isn’t the only big new AI update for your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Apple’s release ofiOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 is a huge step forward for the rollout of the company’s AI tools.

With new features like Genmoji,ChatGPTintegration in Siri, and Mail categorization, there’s plenty to help you improve your workflow alongside iWork’s new Writing Tools and Image Playground features.

Apple Intelligence is still not complete, however – we’ll need to wait until March or April 2025 to see Siri get personal context and on-screen awareness, which should help tie all of these AI tools together. As it stands, Apple hopes you’ll use Apple Intelligence when you need it, peppering AI features throughout theoperating system. This approach lets you use Apple Intelligence only if you choose to do so, which is a far less intrusive approach than is the case with some other AI products.

Whether or not Apple Intelligence can significantly improve your productivity will depend on how you use your Apple devices; but adding proofreading and image generation to iWork is a great place to start.

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40 new templates and Gemini-powered creation coming to Google Docs

Creating smarter and better-looking documents onGoogle Docsis set to get a whole lot easier thanks to a host of new upgrades heading to the service.

Theword processortool has introduced new implementations withGoogleGemini which look to make creating stand-out work simpler than ever.

But theGoogle Workspacetool has also revealed a collection of 40 new high-quality, visually modern designs in Google Docs, giving users a selection of new options to make your documents really shine.

Google Docs and Gemini

(Image credit: Google Workspace)

The introduction of Gemini’s “help me create” tool followssimilar launches in Gmail, and will give Google Docs users the opportunity to craft an entire document with a single prompt.

The tool will then pull the necessary information from a user’s Google Drive files, creating, “a long-form document with cover images, in-line images, stylized text, tables, content from your Drive files, and more”, the company said in ablog postannouncing the news.

Users can click to create at the top of a new document, or go to File > New > Help me create, to start describing the document they want to create. You can also choose from a number of pre-set start prompts to make things quicker, with examples such as creating a meeting template for a daily catch-up, a checklist for planning an event, or a roadmap for a product launch.

“Help me create” in Google Docs is available for Google Workspace customers with Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, Education Premium, and Google One AI Premium add-ons, and only in English for the moment.

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(Image credit: Google Workspace)

To make your documents look even better, Google Docs has also launched 40 new templates which include a number of useful new features to ensure your work stands out.

This includes document tabs to keep your documents organized, placeholder chips to make it easy for users and collaborators to add data, and building blocks, pre-set layouts and styles give your document a premium look and feel.

“Docs templates help users save time since they don’t have to build documents from scratch, create more uniform, high-quality, visually-appealing documents, and enable them to be more productive with the latest Docs features in their daily processes,” the company noted in ablog postannouncing the news.

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The new templates are available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts.

AirDrop for all your devices

(Image credit: Microsoft)

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• A new Windows feature lets you share files between iPhones and PCs
• It’s a lot like Apple’s AirDrop feature, but works across operating systems
• It’s limited to Windows Insider Program users for now

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Apple’s walled garden makes it incredibly easy to share files between your Apple devices quickly and easily, but things get a little trickier when you want to link up your iPhone and aWindows PC. That could be changing, though, as Microsoft has just given you a new way to share files across devices that mirrors one of Apple’s best features.

The update has come to the Phone Link app for Windows and the Link to Windows app for iPhone. In anew blog post,Microsoftrevealed that when you’re running the latest version of each app, you’ll be able to share files between your devices with just a few clicks. That’s similar to Apple’sAirDrop feature, which allows you to send files back and forth between your Apple devices without having to do anything clunky like attaching them to messages or emails.

To send a file from your iPhone to your Windows PC using Microsoft’s new method, find the file in question and select the share button in iOS, then tap Link to Windows and pick the device you want to send the file to. To do the reverse (that is, send something from a Windows PC to an iPhone), right-click the file in Windows and choose Share from the context menu, then select “My Phone.”

This is a far easier way to move files between your devices, even if they’re bound to different ecosystems. Previously, it was common to use a third-party app like Dropbox or Google Drive to share items, which often required you to manually upload and download files in a much more laborious manner. That means Microsoft’s latest feature is a welcome one, especially if you use devices made by both Microsoft and Apple.

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Share the wealth

(Image credit: Apple)

We’ve seen something like this before. In August 2024, Microsoft introduced a similar feature forwhisking files between Windows and Android. It seems that Microsoft has been encouraged by that feature and has now expanded it to work with Apple devices.

Microsoft has laid down a few more requirements for this new feature to work. Aside from running Phone Link (version 1.24112.89.0) and Link to Windows (version 1.24112.73 or higher), you’ll need to have installed iOS 16 or later on your iPhone, be runningWindows 10orWindows 11on your PC, and be signed up for the Windows Insider Program.

With any luck, this feature will be rolled out to users who are not part of the Windows Insider Program over the next few weeks. Once that happens, it should make life a lot easier for anyone who uses both an iPhone and a Windows PC and wants to share files between them.

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