Tech Guide #698 – The new Apple features that didn't make the WWDC keynote
Apple's 2026 WWDC keynote spotlighted Siri AI and system-wide Apple Intelligence, but the real innovation lay in the 100+ features that never made the stage. Stephen Fennec reveals the hidden gems: from 'draw your message' in iMessage to the ability to save video frames post-recording, and even a new alarm volume setting that finally separates your wake-up call from silent mode. The most surprising revelation? A Bupa insurance policy that covers both physical phone damage and cybercrime — a first in the market. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 17T proves that flagship performance under $1,000 is possible, with a Leica-tuned camera system that delivers 120x AI zoom and 10x lossless optical zoom, while the Insta360 Lunar Ultra 8K gimbal camera, co-engineered with Leica, offers pro-level 8K video, 14-stop dynamic range, and detachable OLED control — all in a smartphone-sized package. These features, though overlooked in the keynote, represent the real evolution of mobile tech.
Bupa's new phone insurance covers both physical damage and cybercrime, including identity theft and financial loss — a first in Australia.
Siri AI in iOS 27 uses on-device intelligence to draft emails, edit photos, and create shortcuts via natural language — no coding required.
iOS 27 allows you to save individual video frames as images after recording, not just during filming.
The alarm volume in iOS 27 can now be set independently from system volume, preventing silent alarms during do-not-disturb mode.
Xiaomi 17T features a Leica-tuned 120x AI zoom camera with 10x lossless optical zoom, ideal for distant subjects like Big Ben.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Bupa's New Phone Insurance: Damage + Cyber Protection
“This is a cover that protects your phone and your digital life together, giving people real peace of mind when things go wrong.”
Siri AI and Apple Intelligence: The Real WWDC Breakthrough
“If Apple intelligence can do that, then that's going to be a winner, I believe.”
Top 10 Features That Missed the WWDC Keynote
A deep dive into overlooked iOS 27, macOS 27, and watchOS 27 features, including draw-in-iMessage, video frame saving, dual phone numbers, and better hotspot battery efficiency.
Xiaomi 17T Review: Flagship Features Under $1,000
“The first image is at 1x zoom and Big Ben's like a tiny little dot in the background. And then I zoomed it right in... to fill the frame with the clock face of Big Ben.”
Insta360 Lunar Ultra 8K Gimbal Camera: Pro-Grade in a Pocket
“It has 14 stops of dynamic range, and can capture 37 megapixel stills, and 200 megapixel scenic panorama shots.”
“The first image is at 1x zoom and Big Ben's like a tiny little dot in the background. And then I zoomed it right in from that spot. So from the first spot of those photo series, you'll see how far away I am.”
“This is a cover that protects your phone and your digital life together, giving people real peace of mind when things go wrong.”
“So it has 14 stops of dynamic range, and can capture 37 megapixel stills, and 200 megapixel scenic panorama shots.”
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apple
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xiaomi
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bupa
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leica
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insta360
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norton
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netgear
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belkin
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jb hi-fi
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dji
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