Here are 10 top iPhone tips / tricks you may not know about that could make your life easier and help you to be more productive:

1. Digitally Sign Documents

Gone are the days when you needed a printer or scanner to sign important documents. With your iPhone, you can quickly add your signature to any document. Simply take a screenshot of the document, tap the preview thumbnail that appears, and select the Plus icon on the bottom right. From there, choose “Signature” and either draw a new signature or use a stored one. Once you’ve positioned and resized your signature, save the document to share it digitally.

2. Set Up Keyboard Shortcuts for Frequently Used Phrases

If you find yourself repeatedly typing the same phrases, save time by setting up keyboard shortcuts. Navigate to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement. Tap the plus icon to create a new shortcut, then enter the phrase and a corresponding abbreviation. Now, when you type the abbreviation, your iPhone will automatically expand it to the full phrase. This is especially useful for commonly used business phrases or contact information.

3. Turn Your Keyboard into a Trackpad

Need to edit a text message or email with precision? You can convert your iPhone’s keyboard into a trackpad (like a mousepad on a laptop) by holding down the spacebar. As you press, the keys will disappear, allowing you to move the cursor with your finger. This feature makes it easier to navigate and edit text without having to tap directly on the screen.

4. Extract Text from Photos and Videos

With iPhone’s Live Text feature, you can quickly extract and interact with text found in photos or paused video frames. Simply open the image or video, tap the Live Text icon, and the text will be highlighted. You can then copy, paste, or interact with the text—whether it’s translating a foreign language, dialing a phone number, or visiting a URL. This is a powerful tool for capturing and utilising information on the go.

5. Broadcast Your Screen During Presentations

When you need to share your iPhone screen during a virtual meeting, you can easily do so by using the screen recording feature. Access the Control Centre and long-press the Screen Recording button. You’ll be able to choose an app like Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype to broadcast your screen directly. This is a seamless way to share presentations, demonstrate apps, or provide training sessions remotely.

6. Enhance Audio Quality in Voice Memos

If you often use the Voice Memos app to record meetings, interviews, or notes, you can significantly improve the audio quality by reducing background noise. After recording, tap the equaliser icon and toggle on “Enhance Recording.” This feature filters out ambient noise, ensuring your voice is clear and professional, making your recordings more useful for later reference.

7. Customise Safari Settings for Specific Websites

Not all websites are created equal and some may require different settings for optimal viewing. In Safari, you can tailor the appearance and functionality for individual sites. While browsing, tap the AA icon in the address bar to adjust the font size, enable Reader mode, or choose to always view the desktop version of the site. This feature ensures a consistent and comfortable browsing experience, especially when working with content-heavy websites.

8. Efficiently Move Multiple Apps at Once

Reorganising your home screen doesn’t have to be a tedious process. Instead of moving apps one by one, you can select multiple apps simultaneously. Press and hold one app until it starts to wiggle, then tap additional apps with another finger to create a group. You can then drag this group to a new location or page on your home screen, saving you time and effort.

9. Scan and Save Documents with the Notes App

The Notes app on your iPhone doubles as a portable scanner, making it easy to digitise documents. Open a new note, tap the camera icon, and select “Scan Documents.” The app will automatically detect the edges of the document and capture a clear, high-quality scan. This feature is invaluable for quickly saving and sharing contracts, receipts, or any other important paperwork while on the move.

10. Silence Unknown Callers to Minimise Distractions

If you’re tired of being interrupted by unwanted calls, you can enable the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature. Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers, and any number not in your contacts will be automatically directed to voicemail. You’ll still receive a notification of the missed call, and the number will appear in your Recents list. This feature helps you stay focused on important tasks without unnecessary interruptions.

These 10 tips should help you make the most of your iPhone, boost your productivity, and streamline your daily tasks.

It’s been reported that US Security Awareness Training Company ‘KnowBe4’ unknowingly hired a North Korean hacker as a (remote) software engineer. The hacker used stolen identity and AI-generated imagery to circumvent KnowBe4’s due diligence and was even able to make it through four rounds of interviews before being offered the position.

However, KnowBe4 discovered the hacker’s true identity during a routine security audit when they noticed that a series of suspicious actions had been performed by the new employee. Once identified, the hacker’s access was immediately revoked, the breach was reported to authorities, and the incident, described as an “organisational learning moment” prompted an internal review.

KnowBe4 has suggested that this incident may be part of a broader North Korean campaign to infiltrate US organisations by posing as remote IT staff. The advice to businesses is that HR departments should thoroughly scrutinise remote candidates, especially for critical infrastructure roles or positions with access to sensitive data.

New research has concluded that floating solar panels could have the potential to meet the entire electricity needs of certain countries.

Helping To Decarbonise National Economies 

The findings of the research (from Bangor and Lancaster Universities and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology) suggest that with a conservative 10 per cent surface area coverage, floating solar photovoltaics could produce sufficient energy to contribute a considerable fraction (16 per cent on average) of the electricity demand of some countries. This means that floating solar panels could play an important role in decarbonising national economies.

Why Floating Solar Panels? 

Solar energy is predicted to be the dominant renewable energy source by 2050, especially considering the growth of solar photovoltaics (PVs) been exceeded all projections. This is most likely because of their cost effectiveness, the global nature of the resource, and their flexibility in deployment.

In their results (published in nature.com), the researchers noted that the main reasons why floating solar photovoltaics (FPVs), also known as ‘floatovoltaics’, have advantages over conventionally deployed PVs that have enabled them to be deployed rapidly around the world (particularly on artificial bodies of water) include:

– The need for land-use change, where the alternative is a ground-mounted system. This is beneficial in land-scarce countries and regions with high land prices.

– FPV systems have lower temperatures, and thus higher efficiencies, compared to land-based systems.

How Much Electricity Could They Produce? 

Based on the researchers’ idea that they could be deployed in 68,000 lakes and reservoirs worldwide, numerical modelling and calculations indicate that FPVs could generate approximately 1302 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity annually. This equates to four times the total annual electricity demand of the UK!

Where? 

In terms of ideal locations, the researchers identified the best areas for FPV deployment as lakes and reservoirs within 10km of population-centres, away from protected areas, and with no more than six months of freezing a year.

As for which countries FPVs could help meet the energy demands via this renewable energy technology, the researchers highlighted Bolivia, Finland and even China. They also highlighted how FPVs could improve access to electricity in countries such as Chad or Malawi.

Challenges 

Despite the obvious potential benefits of deployment in some countries, the researchers also highlighted some challenges to the deployment of PPVs in some parts of the world and potential negative points, including:

– In many regions (e.g. sub-Saharan Africa), it is not simply a question of electricity supply but also connection, which can be difficult.

– Although globally the deployment of FPVs could lead to a total annual reduction of 0.45 billion tonnes of CO2 (2021 figures), in some countries where the carbon intensity of electricity is already very low, there could be a negative impact of FPV on total CO2 emissions, i.e. they could lead to higher CO2.

– In nations where the energy supply is dominated by hydro and wind, FPVs may increase CO2 emissions given PVsʼ higher carbon intensity.

– The impacts of FPVs on water body carbon cycling and their knock-on impacts on, among other things, CO2 emissions from water bodies are unknown.

– The total reduction in CO2 emissions highlighted by the research were based on water body constraint estimates which could vary depending on the number of water bodies included in any national-scale or global analysis.

Could Reduce Water Evaporation 

One other potential benefit of deploying large numbers of PV modules mounted on (moored) floats covering the surface of a water body noted by the researchers is the potential for reducing water scarcity by mitigating water loss via evaporation. This could be particularly helpful for drought-stricken areas.

Evaporation of water in key reservoirs and lakes has been shown to be accelerating globally under climate change.

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation? 

Covering existing bodies of water with solar floating solar panels to produce clean energy from the sun could, according to this research, represent a significant opportunity in terms of enhancing sustainability while securing a reliable and cost-effective energy source. The findings suggest that covering even a modest portion of water bodies with FPVs could markedly contribute to a whole nation’s electricity supply. This shift towards more sustainable energy practices could reduce costs and dependency on traditional energy sources, thereby benefiting countries, their economies, businesses, and the planet.

Embracing floating solar technology, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions, and supporting the decarbonisation of national economies, could, it seems, play a pivotal role in combating climate change.

Also, the ancillary benefits of using FPVs at scale, such as reducing water evaporation, may also be particularly relevant for people living and organisations operating in water-scarce regions. This technology offers the dual advantage of generating renewable energy while conserving precious water resources. For organisations and businesses using the (presumably cheaper and abundant) power and benefitting from such initiatives, this could help them demonstrate their commitment to resource efficiency and environmental stewardship. This could be a powerful message in corporate social responsibility reports and sustainability communications.

However, despite the huge potential of FPVs, there are challenges associated with their deployment including potential connectivity issues in regions with underdeveloped electricity infrastructure. For organisations in these areas, it may be necessary to work collaboratively with local authorities and communities to improve grid connections and ensure the effective usage of FPVs. Also, understanding the environmental impact of FPVs on local ecosystems is crucial, but is not yet understood because it hasn’t happened at scale. Comprehensive environmental assessments, therefore, could be conducted to mitigate any negative effects, ensuring that the deployment of FPVs does not inadvertently harm the environment.

Investing in FPVs also appears to offer the promise of long-term financial benefits. The higher efficiency of FPVs compared to traditional land-based systems could result in more stable and predictable energy costs, providing a hedge against volatile energy markets. This stability may prove invaluable for long-term strategic planning and the overall resilience of the organisations operating in areas where FPVs are deployed.

This video tutorial shows two different ways to summarise a web page using ChatGPT.

[Note – To Watch This Video without interruptions, It’s best to download it first].

You may not know thay Windows allows you to sync your clipboard across devices so you can copy content on one device and paste it on another. This is especially useful if you work across multiple Windows devices. Here’s how it works:

– To enable Clipboard Sync, go to Settings > System > Clipboard.

– Toggle on Sync across devices.

– Choose between ‘Automatically sync text that I copy’ or ‘Never automatically sync text that I copy’.

– To use Clipboard Sync, copy content on one Windows device (e.g. press Ctrl + C).

– On another synced device, press Ctrl + V to paste the copied content.

In light of two recent reports of motorcyclists being killed in collisions with Tesla vehicles in Autopilot mode, we look closely at the issue of whether automated driving is really safe.

Death of Two Motorcyclists 

If automated driving is a factor in death on the roads, it seems legitimate to ask the question ‘is automated driving safe?’, especially since it’s a very new technology. In fact, there have been some widely publicised reports of deaths linked to vehicles operating on Autopilot mode in the US in recent times. For example:

– In 2022, a 34-year-old motorcyclist was killed in Utah when his Harley Davidson was hit by a Tesla Model 3 on Autopilot, reportedly driving at 75-80 miles per hour. The parents of the victim have reportedly now sued Tesla and the vehicle’s driver, claiming that the driver assistant software and other safety features are “defective and inadequate.”

– In April last year, a 28-year-old motorcyclist from Stanwood, Washington, was struck by a 2022 Tesla Model S. It’s been reported that the driver of the Tesla told first responders that he had been looking at his phone while the car was driving itself (in Full Self-Driving mode – FSD), when the car suddenly lurched forward, hitting the motorcycle. Washington State doesn’t actually permit self-driving vehicles to operate on the roads, unless they have a testing arrangement with the Department of Licensing.

Other Instances 

There have been other serious recent accidents involving vehicles driving on Autopilot mode, including this month (August 2024), in the US, when a driver of a Tesla was killed when the vehicle failed to navigate a highway ramp while on Autopilot, leading to a collision.

In fact, it’s been reported that The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US has identified 13 fatal crashes related to Tesla’s Autopilot.

Not Just Tesla’s With Driver Assistance System 

Although Tesla vehicles were reportedly involved in several incidents, and Teslas have a feature known as ‘Autopilot’ (which includes Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer), and a ‘Full Self-Driving (FSD) Package’, it is not the only brand of vehicle with advanced driver-assistance systems.

Other examples include :

– Ford Mustang Mach-E, and F-150 Lightning have ‘BlueCruise’ which offers hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and speed sign recognition.

– General Motors (GM) Chevrolet Bolt EV, Cadillac LYRIQ, and the GMC Hummer EV have ‘Super Cruise’ which offers hands-free driving on compatible highways, lane change on demand, and automatic lane-centering.

– BMW iX and i4 models have ‘Driving Assistance Professional’ which offers adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Traffic Jam Assist.

– Mercedes-Benz EQS and EQE models feature ‘Drive Pilot’, a (Level 3) autonomous driving system in specific conditions, primarily on highways.

– Audi e-tron and Q4 e-tron models feature Traffic Jam Pilot (available in limited markets), (Level 3) autonomous driving in traffic jams on certain roads.

– Other makes/models that have similar automatic driving assistance features include Nissan (Ariya), Hyundai/Kia (Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6), Lucid Motors (Lucid Air), and Rivian (R1T and R1S).

No Vehicle On The Market Is Fully Self Driving 

Despite many makes/models offering advanced driver-assistance systems, with some claiming to have full autopilot or full self-driving capabilities, it’s essential to note that no vehicle on the market is truly “full self-driving” as defined by the highest levels of autonomous driving (Level 4 or 5). This is where no human intervention is required. Most systems are classified as Level 2 or Level 3, which still require driver supervision.

Levels 

To briefly summarise what each driver assistance level actually means:

– Level 0 means no automation, i.e. the human driver is entirely responsible for controlling the vehicle.

– Level 1 (Driver Assistance) is where the vehicle can assist with either steering or acceleration/deceleration using information about the driving environment, but not both simultaneously – e.g. cruise control.

– Level 2 (Partial Automation) means the vehicle can control both steering and acceleration/deceleration, but the human driver must monitor the driving environment and be ready to take control at any time. One important and relevant example of this is Tesla’s Autopilot.

– Level 3 (Conditional Automation) refers to the vehicle being able to handle all aspects of driving in certain conditions but the human driver must be ready to intervene when requested, e.g. Audi’s Traffic Jam Pilot.

– Level 4 (High Automation) means the vehicle can perform all driving tasks in specific conditions without human intervention. Human driver control is only needed outside these conditions.

– Level 5 (Full Automation), which no vehicle on the market currently has, means the vehicle can handle all driving tasks under all conditions, without any human intervention.

Tesla’s Autopilot & FSD 

As stated above, Tesla’s Autopilot, which was reportedly being used by some drivers involved in fatal collisions, is only level 2 automation, i.e. partial automation where the driver must monitor what’s happening and be ready to take control.

The so-called Full Self-Driving (FSD) Package from Tesla includes advanced features like Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, Summon, and Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control. It is an upgrade over the standard Autopilot, which includes basic adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping. However, despite its name, FSD is NOT fully autonomous and still requires driver-supervision. In fact, it is considered Level 2 automation, where the system can control both steering and acceleration/deceleration, but the driver must remain attentive and ready to take control.

Tesla says that its Autopilot mode is “intended to be used only with a fully attentive driver. It does not turn a Tesla into a self-driving vehicle, nor does it make a vehicle autonomous”. Tesla also states that “before enabling Autopilot”, you must agree to “keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times” and to always “maintain control and responsibility for your vehicle.”

Driver Error? 

With Tesla’s Autopilot and FSD clearly not making a vehicle fully autonomous, despite the ‘brand names’ of the features containing words that some may assume could suggest more autonomy, many of the reports of accidents do appear to show drivers doing other things and perhaps not being attentive at the wheel. For example, in the case of Jeff Nissen’s death (the 28-year-old motorcyclist of Stanwood, Washington, reportedly hit by a Tesla on Autopilot), it was reported that by the driver’s own admission, his attention was elsewhere (checking his phone). Also, in a crash in March 2018 involving Apple engineer Walter Huang, who was driving his Tesla Model X on Autopilot, it was reported that the driver was playing a video game on his phone at the time, i.e. a lack of driver attention may have affected the severity of the crash.

It was also reported in March that six weeks before the first fatal U.S. accident involving Tesla’s Autopilot in 2016, Tesla’s president Jon McNeill tried a Model X and emailed feedback to automated-driving chief Sterling Anderson (cc’ing Elon Musk) saying (March 25, 2016): “I got so comfortable under Autopilot, that I ended up blowing by exits because I was immersed in emails or calls (I know, I know, not a recommended use)”.  

It should also be noted that Tesla vehicles today use a combination of visual and audible alerts to prompt the driver to pay attention to the road. In fact, recent updates have also incorporated driver monitoring through the cabin-facing camera to detect if the driver is looking away from the road for too long.

Systems At Fault? 

Some people blame the vehicle manufacturers for perhaps leading drivers to be overconfident in the driver assistance systems and others have suggested that the systems themselves may not work as they should. For example, in the case of the motorcyclist killed in a 2022 crash involving a Tesla Model 3 on Autopilot in Utah, the motorcyclist’s parents have sued Tesla (and the vehicle’s driver), claiming that the driver assistant software and other safety features are “defective and inadequate”. 

Why? 

A recent Wall Street Journal article investigated “The Hidden Autopilot Data That Reveals Why Teslas Crash” which looked at alleged safety concerns with Tesla’s Autopilot. It highlighted issues with Tesla’s camera-based system, showing that it struggles in low visibility and obstacle detection. According to the article, an analysis of over 200 crashes revealed problems like sudden veering and failure to stop. Driver over-reliance on Autopilot and “phantom braking” were also highlighted as significant concerns. The investigation used data and video from crashes and emphasised a need for improved safety measures and transparency from Tesla.

Driverless Services

As mentioned, fully autonomous vehicles, are not yet (widely) available to the general public. However, there are some pilot programs and limited deployments are taking place in certain locations for driverless services. Here are some notable examples:

Waymo (a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc.) has been testing fully autonomous vehicles in several locations, including Phoenix, Arizona. They offer a limited public ride-hailing service called Waymo One, where some rides are conducted without a safety driver in the vehicle. They have encountered some issues recently, leading to increased scrutiny and regulatory actions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into Waymo following 22 incidents where its autonomous vehicles were involved in collisions or potentially violated traffic laws.

These incidents included crashes with objects such as gates and parked cars and instances where the vehicle’s automated driving system appeared to disregard traffic control devices. Despite these issues, the company has stated that it is proud of its safety record, having driven tens of millions of autonomous miles.

Waymo is cooperating with NHTSA to address these concerns​ although Waymo has also been subject to recalls. In June 2024, NHTSA obtained a voluntary update from Waymo to address a defect in its software that affected its ability to accurately detect and respond to poles near the driving path. This recall was part of the regulatory body’s approach to ensuring the safety of automated driving systems.

Cruise (backed by General Motors) operated autonomous vehicles in San Francisco although recently faced significant challenges, leading to a suspension of its driverless car operations nationwide. This decision came after a series of incidents involving Cruise vehicles, including a notable accident in San Francisco where a pedestrian was injured. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a federal investigation into these incidents, prompting Cruise to pause operations to reassess and improve its safety protocols. The company announced that it is taking a proactive approach to rebuild public trust by examining its processes and ensuring safety is prioritised.

Apollo (part of Baidu) offers the ‘Apollo Go’ service in China (in cities like Beijing, Changsha, Cangzhou and Wuhan) providing fully autonomous rides in specific zones. Apollo has experienced some issues as it continues to expand its robotaxi services. For example in Wuhan, Baidu has deployed a large fleet of robotaxis and while these vehicles only make up a small portion of the city’s total taxis, they have been causing significant traffic problems.

The robotaxis are reported to drive too cautiously, leading to traffic jams and frustration among residents. Despite these issues, Baidu has made substantial progress in scaling its operations and has been expanding rapidly (it was the first to offer 24/7 service in China​) and has been aggressive in its rollout strategy, which includes heavily discounting rides to compete with traditional taxis. However, this approach has raised concerns about the long-term viability of its business model. Additionally, there have been incidents involving Apollo Go vehicles, such as minor accidents with pedestrians, which have stirred public debate and highlighted ongoing safety and integration challenges​​.

Overall, while Baidu’s Apollo program is advancing rapidly, it faces challenges related to traffic integration, safety, and economic sustainability as it works to improve its autonomous vehicle technology​.

Zoox (an Amazon subsidiary) has been testing its custom-built autonomous vehicles for public transport in specific areas. It has recently faced regulatory scrutiny and challenges in its operations. The NHTSA has opened an investigation into Zoox following incidents involving unexpected braking, which may pose rear-end crash risks. These incidents involved Zoox vehicles equipped with their automated driving system and occurred during daylight within the operational limits of the system. The investigation aimed to assess the performance of Zoox’s Automated Driving System, particularly concerning crosswalk behavior and rear-end collision scenarios​​. In response, Zoox has stated its commitment to transparency and collaboration with regulators to address these concerns.

Zoox has been expanding its vehicle testing in various locations, including California, Nevada, Austin, and Miami. Despite the investigation, the company continues to explore new markets and refine its technology​. However, as Zoox expands, it faces the ongoing challenge of integrating autonomous vehicles into urban environments.

Motional (a joint venture between Hyundai and Aptiv) is testing fully autonomous vehicles in Las Vegas and plans to offer a commercial service in partnership with Lyft. However, the company laid off about 40% of its workforce and announced plans to pause some of its robotaxi deployments, including those with Uber and Lyft, amid restructuring efforts​.

Despite these setbacks, Hyundai plans to invest nearly $1 billion to support Motional, aiming to keep the company viable as it works toward launching a robotaxi service using driverless Hyundai Ioniq 5 vehicles​​. Motional continues to test its vehicles in multiple cities, including Boston, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles​​.

These examples illustrate that while fully autonomous vehicles are being tested and deployed in certain controlled environments and fully-autonomous driverless services are available, completely autonomous vehicles (as such) are not yet widely available for everyday public purchase. Regulatory, technological, and safety challenges still need to be addressed before they can be purchased (mainstream) and adopted to run fully independently

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

The debate on whether automated driving is safe has significant implications for various stakeholders. For manufacturers, the mounting incidents could suggest the necessity of rigorous testing and transparent communication about the capabilities and limitations of automated systems. While the technology promises enhanced safety and convenience (and supposedly greater safety on the roads), it may now be worth looking more closely at the apparent shortcomings identified in real-world applications, such as obstacle detection in low visibility and system reliability. This may not just involve refining the technology but also setting realistic expectations for consumers to prevent misuse and over-reliance.

For businesses relying on these technologies, such as logistics and ride-sharing companies, understanding that no current vehicle is fully autonomous (Level 4 or 5) is vital. The systems available (primarily Level 2 and some Level 3) require constant driver supervision. Educating drivers about their responsibilities and ensuring adherence to safety protocols could therefore mitigate risks. Anyone using these vehicles must always remain vigilant, keeping their hands on the wheel and their attention on the road at all times, as highlighted by the frequent accidents due to driver inattention.

In the UK, fully autonomous vehicles are not yet permitted on the roads without a special testing arrangement. The Automated Vehicles (AV) Bill, for example, aims to create a framework for the deployment and insurance of automated vehicles, which could influence future regulations and safety standards.

For the courts, the increasing number of incidents involving Tesla’s Autopilot is prompting deeper scrutiny. Legal cases are examining whether the marketing of these systems leads to driver overconfidence and misuse. The outcomes of these cases could set precedents affecting how manufacturers communicate the capabilities of their automated systems and the degree of responsibility they bear.

While automated driving systems have made significant advancements, claiming enhanced safety compared to human drivers, the technology is apparently not without flaws. The current systems require human supervision, and accidents often appear to involve a combination of factors such as driver attention, potential system faults, and road conditions. As such, while automated driving can offer safety benefits, it is not yet foolproof, and users must remain actively engaged.

Automated driving, therefore, presents both opportunities and challenges. The technology is advancing, but it demands responsible use, continued innovation, and comprehensive regulatory frameworks to ensure it truly enhances road safety. The growing body of evidence from incidents and legal actions suggests a cautious and informed approach is necessary to navigate the path towards fully autonomous driving.