How to Use Your iPhone 16 Camera Control as a Second Action Button

Apple has introduced a new Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, aimed at enhancing the photography experience for users. While many are accustomed to the onscreen controls, this physical button offers unique features and the flexibility to handle more than just camera functions.

Understanding the iPhone 16 Camera Control Button

The Camera Control button is an innovative combination of a physical button and a capacitive slider, allowing users to easily adjust various camera settings like zoom, contrast, and brightness. However, its functionality doesn’t end with photography; it can be customized to act as a second Action button for other tasks.

Visual Intelligence: An Upcoming Feature

One of the most exciting features associated with the Camera Control button is Visual Intelligence. This capability utilizes Apple’s AI technology to provide information about what the camera is focused on. For instance, it can identify restaurant details, determine dog breeds, or offer study aids through AI models like ChatGPT. To activate Visual Intelligence, press and hold the Camera Control button and tap it again to view relevant information. This feature is set to roll out later this year.

Current Uses of the Camera Control Button

While waiting for Visual Intelligence, you can already make good use of the Camera Control button for various non-photographic tasks. If your primary Action button is already designated for functions like the flashlight, you can assign the Camera Control button for features like Magnifier or Code Scanner.

Accessing the Magnifier

The Magnifier feature is particularly handy for magnifying small text or intricate details. Traditionally, accessing it requires several steps through the Control Center. By assigning it to the Camera Control button, you can simplify this process significantly.

To set it up:

Navigate to Settings > Camera > Camera Control and select Magnifier.

Now, pressing the Camera Control button will instantly activate the Magnifier. Additionally, by applying a firm touch to the button, you can adjust zoom and settings like contrast, brightness, and filters without navigating through the screen.

Using the Code Scanner

For those who frequently scan QR codes, the Code Scanner can also be assigned to the Camera Control button for quick access. This allows for immediate use of the QR code reader, and you can zoom in by firm-pressing the button, which isn’t possible with the standard Camera app.

To configure this:

Go to Settings > Camera > Camera Control and choose Code Scanner.

The Code Scanner has several advantages, such as the ability to turn on the flashlight for better scanning visibility and opening the QR code’s link within a dedicated app rather than a cluttered Safari window.

Future Possibilities for the Camera Control Button

Although the Camera Control button currently supports only camera-related applications, there is potential for future enhancements. It could evolve to function as a quick document scanner or activate accessibility features like Live Recognition. The possibilities for expanding its functionality are exciting for iPhone 16 users.

In conclusion, the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 offers a range of customizable features that extend beyond photography. Whether you’re adjusting camera settings or streamlining daily tasks, this button enhances your overall iPhone experience.

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Entertainment

Burnout in PlayStation Stars

by George Mensah 2025-05-22

Sony has announced it will wind down the current version of PlayStation Stars, its loyalty and rewards program launched in 2022. The initiative allowed PlayStation users to earn digital collectibles and points for completing in-game challenges, but it never gained the traction Sony hoped for.

Here’s what we know—and what might come next.

Why Is PlayStation Stars Ending?

In an official PlayStation Blog post, Grace Chen (VP of Network Advertising, Loyalty, and Licensed Merchandise) explained:

“Since launching the program, we’ve learned a lot from evaluating the types of activities our players respond best to… We have decided to refocus our efforts and will be winding down the current version of PlayStation Stars.”

Key Reasons Behind the Shutdown

🔹 Low Engagement – Despite offering digital collectibles, the program didn’t resonate strongly with players.
🔹 Shifting Industry Trends – Sony may be pivoting toward new reward structures (possibly integrating with PlayStation Plus).
🔹 No Blockchain/NFT Integration – Unlike competitors (Ubisoft Quartz, Square Enix’s NFT push), Sony avoided blockchain tech, which may have limited its appeal.

What Happens Now? Key Dates & Changes

📅 July 23, 2024 (10:59 AM ET)

Last day to earn rewards (points, collectibles, level-ups).
No new campaigns will be added after this date.

📅 November 2, 2026

Full shutdown of the current PlayStation Stars program.

What About Existing Points & Collectibles?

✔ Points can still be redeemed for PSN wallet funds or games (until November 2026).
✔ Digital collectibles remain viewable in the PlayStation App (but may not transfer to a future program).

What Were PlayStation Stars’ Digital Collectibles?

Unlike NFTs, these were purely cosmetic and non-tradable, including:
🎮 Iconic PlayStation characters (Kratos, Ratchet & Clank, Astro Bot)
🕹️ Nostalgic PlayStation hardware (PS1, PS2, PSP miniatures)
🏆 Limited-edition rewards tied to game milestones

Despite Sony’s initial hype, the collectibles lacked real utility, which may have contributed to the program’s decline.

What’s Next? Will PlayStation Stars Return?

Sony’s wording—“current version”—suggests a revamped loyalty program could arrive later. Possible directions:

🚀 Integration with PlayStation Plus – Exclusive perks for subscribers.
💎 NFT Experimentation? – Sony has filed blockchain patents, but Chen previously denied NFT plans.
🎯 More Gamified Rewards – Better incentives for trophy hunters & frequent players.

Final Thoughts: A Lesson in Gamified Loyalty Programs

PlayStation Stars had potential but ultimately failed to offer enough value to keep players engaged. Its shutdown reflects a broader trend—gamers want meaningful rewards, not just digital trinkets.

If Sony relaunches the program, expect deeper integration with PlayStation’s ecosystem and more tangible benefits.

Entertainment

Fortnite will return to iOS in the US, according to Epic

by George Mensah 2025-05-01

In a landmark decision, Epic Games has announced that Fortnite will return to the iOS App Store in the U.S. next week—ending a nearly five-year absence sparked by Apple’s infamous 2020 ban. This comes after a federal court ruled that Apple cannot charge commissions on purchases made outside its App Store, dealing a major blow to the tech giant’s lucrative 30% “Apple Tax.”

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney declared the move on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a “major victory for developers and consumers” while extending an unexpected peace offer to Apple.

Why Was Fortnite Banned from iOS?

August 2020: Apple removed Fortnite after Epic introduced a direct payment system, bypassing Apple’s 30% in-app purchase (IAP) fee.
Legal Battle Ensued: Epic sued Apple, accusing it of anti-competitive practices—a case that reached the U.S. Supreme Court.
2021 Ruling: A judge mostly sided with Apple but ordered it to allow external payment links—a ruling Apple resisted.
April 2025 Decision: A new court order blocks Apple from taking commissions on outside purchases, forcing a major policy shift.

Epic’s Bold “Peace Proposal” to Apple

Sweeney’s post included a surprising olive branch:

“If Apple extends the court’s friction-free, Apple-tax-free framework worldwide, we’ll return Fortnite to the App Store worldwide and drop current and future litigation on the topic.”

This suggests Epic is willing to end its legal war—but only if Apple abandons its global App Store commission model.

What This Means for iPhone Users & Developers

Fortnite Returns to U.S. iPhones – Gamers can soon download it directly from the App Store (no sideloading required).
Alternative Payment Options – Developers may soon bypass Apple’s fees, leading to lower prices for consumers.
Potential Ripple Effect – If Apple complies globally, other apps (like Spotify, Netflix) could follow Epic’s lead.
EU vs. U.S. Differences – In Europe, Fortnite is already back via Epic’s own store (thanks to the Digital Markets Act), but U.S. users still rely on Apple’s ecosystem.

Will Apple Accept Epic’s Offer?

Apple’s Stance So Far: The company has fought fiercely to protect its App Store revenue (estimated at $24 billion annually).
Regulatory Pressure: With the EU’s DMA and now U.S. courts challenging its model, Apple may have no choice but to adapt.
Possible Compromise: Apple could reduce fees (as it did for small developers) or allow more payment freedom—but a full surrender seems unlikely.

Expert Insight: A Turning Point for App Stores?

As a tech policy analyst with a decade of experience covering Apple-Epic disputes, I believe this ruling could reshape mobile app economics:

✅ More Developer Revenue – If fees drop, indie devs keep more profits.
✅ Consumer Benefits – Cheaper subscriptions, in-game purchases.
✅ Increased Competition – Alternative app stores could rise.

But challenges remain:
❌ Apple’s Compliance – Will it find loopholes?
❌ Security Concerns – Will sideloading increase scams?
❌ Ongoing Legal Fights – Other lawsuits (like Spotify vs. Apple) loom.

What’s Next?

Next Week: Fortnite relaunches on iOS in the U.S.
2025 & Beyond: If Apple resists, expect more court battles—if it complies, the App Store monopoly may crumble.

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