Category: Software

February 9, 2025
Start WhatsApp Video Calls Directly from Messages with Google
Google appears to be looking into ways to make communication easier by adding third-party video calls right within its Messages app.
New Features in Testing
A new article from Android Authority indicates that the tech giant is currently trialing a feature that would let users start WhatsApp video calls without leaving the messaging app. Assemble Debug from Android Authority successfully activated and tested this feature during an APK teardown of Google Messages version 20250131. The process looks to be quite simple.
How It Works
If both users have WhatsApp set up, tapping the video call button in Google Messages will start a WhatsApp video call. In cases where the recipient lacks WhatsApp, the call will probably switch to Google Meet instead. At this moment, the feature seems to be limited to one-on-one chats, but the report hints that it might be available for group chats when the stable version comes out. Right now, starting a video call in Google Messages defaults to Google Meet, which means both users must have Meet installed, be logged into their Google accounts on both Messages and Meet, and have a phone number that works with LTE calling. Although this setup works, it isn’t always the easiest, especially since many people use other video calling platforms.
Future Prospects
While Google is currently testing this integration with WhatsApp, there’s no official announcement on when it might be available for everyone. It’s likely that Google will first test it in beta versions to gather user feedback before making it widely available. It remains uncertain what the specific requirements will be for WhatsApp to become the primary option for video calls. Will users have the option to choose between WhatsApp and Google Meet prior to making a call? Google hasn’t clarified this yet.
It would also be beneficial if Google broadened this integration to include regular internet voice calls, not just video calls.
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Tags: Google Messages, video calls, WhatsApp
February 8, 2025
SwitchBot App Update: New Features and User Improvements
The SwitchBot app for iOS has received an update to version 9.7. This update comes about a month after the previous versions 9.6 and 9.6.1, which improved the chart feature for certain devices and introduced a widget that allows users to manage the Mini Robot Vacuum K10+ (currently priced at $299.99 on Amazon) and K10+ Pro directly from their iPhone Home Screen.
New Features for Robot Vacuum Users
With the SwitchBot app version 9.7, the Robot Vacuum K10+ Pro Combo is now capable of functioning as a Matter secondary device when linked to one of SwitchBot’s hubs. In addition, the Pan/Tilt Cam Plus series now offers two new cloud storage options: a Family Plan that accommodates up to 10 smart home devices, and an Unlimited Plan. Additionally, Apple Watch users can now manage the Robot Vacuum K10+ and K10+ Pro from their smartwatches.
Enhancements for Meter Users
For those using the SwitchBot Meter Pro (CO2 Monitor), the app now displays the detected temperature and humidity right on the associated home page card. Improvements have also been made for users of the Meter, Meter Plus, I/O Meter, Hub 2, and Hub Mini (Matter-enabled), specifically enhancing the scrolling experience on charts. Lastly, SwitchBot has optimized the dialog box that allows users to rename their devices.
Feedback and Android Update Status
The company encourages users to report any problems they may encounter with this latest update via the app’s Support page. However, it remains uncertain when or if the SwitchBot app version 9.7 will become available for Android users.
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Tags: iOS update, K10+ Pro, SwitchBot
February 7, 2025
China to Investigate App Store in Response to US Tariffs
The United States has placed fresh trade tariffs on goods coming from China. These tariffs raise expenses for both companies and consumers in the U.S. As a result, higher prices might lead to lower sales within the U.S. market. In retaliation, China has hinted at possible countermeasures, heightening the existing trade conflict between the U.S. and China.
Potential Investigation Into Apple
Reports suggest that China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) is gearing up to investigate Apple’s App Store practices. The investigation will focus on Apple’s 30% cut from in-app purchases and its limitations on third-party payment options and app stores. This comes after a similar probe in 2024 determined that Apple’s commission fees were fair. Ongoing talks involving Chinese regulators, Apple, and app developers have persisted since that earlier investigation.
Market Reaction to Investigation News
The news regarding the possible investigation has caused Apple’s stock to decline by 3%. Investors are anxious that heightened scrutiny in China might affect Apple’s performance in this critical market. To date, Apple has not issued any comments about the investigation, and the Chinese authorities have yet to officially verify it.
China’s Actions Against Other U.S. Firms
In addition, China is looking into Google for potential anti-monopoly violations. While specifics of the investigation remain unclear, it is believed to be linked to Google’s Android operating system. Moreover, PVH Corp., known for brands like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, has been listed as an “unreliable entity” in China. The U.S. biotech company Illumina has also been added to this list.
Effects of U.S. Tariffs on Apple
Apple has previously attempted to gain exemptions from U.S. tariffs, but with mixed results. The newest tariffs do not exempt Apple, which may lead to increased production costs and affect prices for American consumers. The ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China continue to create uncertainty for businesses and the global economy. Should China move ahead with the investigation into Apple, it could worsen the current trade conflict and influence the global tech sector.
Tags: Apple, google, US-China Trade War
February 7, 2025
Samsung Delays One UI 7.0 Rollout Due to Mistake
Samsung may have started rolling out the One UI 7.0 stable version, but a hiccup in the last beta release has delayed it by at least a week. The company plans to introduce another beta update for the Galaxy S24 series to fix an issue caused by the third beta version.
Galaxy S24 Series Update
Many were looking forward to Samsung launching the One UI 7.0 this week, but the recent news has thrown cold water on the excitement, disappointing many Galaxy fans. Trusted leaker Ice Universe has disclosed that the Galaxy S24 series will receive its fourth One UI 7 beta to tackle the screen color calibration glitch.
The third beta version of One UI 7 for the Galaxy S24 models has a color calibration problem that causes the display to appear more yellow than it should. Samsung has resolved this issue, and the fix is included in the fourth beta, which should be available for current beta users soon.
Waiting for the Fourth Beta
Samsung hasn’t specified when the fourth One UI 7 beta for the Galaxy S24 series will be released or when the stable version will be available. Usually, it takes about a week to roll out the stable version after the last beta goes live. Therefore, even if the fourth beta comes out this week, Galaxy S24 users might have to wait at least another week for the stable One UI 7 update.
If you own a Samsung Galaxy device that qualifies for One UI 7.0, don’t forget to check this guide to make sure your device is ready for a smooth upgrade.
Key Features of One UI 7
While you’re waiting for One UI 7.0, let’s take a look at the major improvements that this significant upgrade brings. One UI 7 features various enhancements that make using your phone easier and more intuitive. The animations are notably smoother, making it easy to switch between apps and multitask.
The camera application has been simplified, providing a more user-friendly experience. Switching between camera modes and zoom settings is now more straightforward, even when using just one hand.
New Design Elements
Samsung has also introduced a vertical app drawer — a feature that many have anticipated for a long time. Although users can still opt for the horizontal design if they wish, most will likely prefer the new vertical layout.
One of the most striking visual upgrades in One UI 7 is the Now Bar, which is Samsung’s take on Apple’s Dynamic Island. It displays useful information directly on the lock screen, working with music, recordings, stopwatches, reminders, and more.
In this update, Samsung also presents a split notification center and Quick Settings panel, a feature already seen in various Chinese smartphones. Now, users can swipe from the right to access Quick Settings and from the left for notifications.
Other enhancements include a revamped battery indicator, new icons for built-in apps, and improved charging options, such as the ability to limit charging to 80%. Samsung has also rolled out new widgets and upgraded Galaxy AI functionalities.
Tags: galaxy s24+, One UI 7, Samsung
February 6, 2025
Home Assistant 2025.2: New Backup and Voice Features Added
The Home Assistant 2025.2 software is now out for users. This February update marks the second significant release of the open-source home automation platform this year. It enhances the updated backup system introduced last month and incorporates additional features for voice commands.
Improved Backup System
Following a warm reception for the January update to the backup system, Home Assistant has made further adjustments based on user input. Now, users can backup their data directly to Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive. Additionally, there’s a new feature that lets you control encryption settings for specific locations, along with the ability to schedule your backup times to fit your needs.
Voice Assistant Enhancements
New functionalities for Voice, the company’s private voice assistant, have been introduced. For instance, you can now call your traditional phone and leave a voice message. Users can also send messages to all voice assistants in their home, perfect for calling everyone to dinner. Furthermore, voice commands can now adjust the temperature on your smart thermostat. The company has mentioned a YouTube livestream focused on Voice, happening on February 12th.
Additional Integrations and Support
Alongside the Google Drive and OneDrive integrations, there are new links to the Homee smart home system and igloohome smart locks. Support has also been added for the Shelly BLU TRV smart thermostatic radiator head and TP-Link vacuums. Bang & Olufsen users can now create triggers based on physical button presses on their devices. To see the complete release notes for Home Assistant 2025.2, visit its blog, and for the detailed changelog, check out a separate webpage.
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Tags: Google Drive, Home Assistant 2025.2, voice assistant
February 6, 2025
Mabox Linux Update: Firefox 135, New Kernel, and More Features
Hailing from Poland, Mabox Linux has returned with its version 25.02. The size of the ISO file is now 2.7 GB. The list of changes isn’t very extensive, but it does include the newly released Firefox 135, a fresh kernel, and several updated packages like the Nvidia driver and Xorg server.
Update Based on Manjaro
This latest update for Mabox Linux is built on the stable release of Manjaro from yesterday. You can find all the specifics regarding the Manjaro base of Mabox 25.02 on their site. It’s important to note that some applications available in Manjaro are not included in Mabox. For instance, Thunderbird, LibreOffice, and Steam are among those missing. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that the stable version of Manjaro only includes Firefox 134.0.2.
Package Versions Included
Now, regarding Mabox 25.02, the list of updated packages along with their version numbers includes dhcp 4.4.3, e2fsprogs 1.47.2, gtk 4.16.12, the 6.6.65 kernel, version 550.144.03 of the Nvidia driver, perl 5.40.1, Python 3.13.1, samba 4.21.3, systemd 257.2, and xorg-server 21.1.15. As always, you can download the ISO file from SourceForge. For those unfamiliar with this distribution, it’s important to note that support for 32-bit systems has not been available for some time. Fortunately, there are still a number of distributions that continue to support older 32-bit machines, like Debian, Alpine, or antiX.
Find Mabox Linux on SourceForge
Mabox Linux can be found on SourceForge, as is customary. DistroWatch is a good place to check for more information.
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Tags: Firefox 135, Mabox Linux, Nvidia driver
February 5, 2025
Opera Air: The Mindful Browser for Enhanced Productivity
Last year, Opera introduced the Opera One web browser, which features the Aria chatbot powered by AI. Now, the company from Norway has unveiled a new browser called Opera Air, designed with a focus on mindfulness. This browser merges tools for productivity with features that promote mindfulness, such as reminders to take breaks, breathing exercises, and soothing sound environments.
What sets Opera Air apart
The design of Opera Air is semi-transparent and includes a floating sidebar filled with tools aimed at reducing stress and enhancing focus for improved productivity. One of its key features, “Boosts,” offers a range of soundscapes, including music, ambient noises, and binaural beats. These binaural beats are beneficial for relaxation and concentration as they play slightly different frequencies in each ear. Users can set soundscapes to play continuously or for a determined time frame, with easy controls from the sidebar.
Break Reminder and mindfulness tools
Another important aspect of Opera Air is its Break Reminder feature. This is shown by an icon consisting of three lines in the sidebar that gradually turn gray as you work. When the icon is completely faded, it signals that it’s time for a break. Opera Air not only prompts you to take a break, but it also maximizes that time with guided exercises for breathing, neck stretches, full-body scans, and meditations that can last up to 15 minutes.
More than just mindfulness features
Although mindfulness is the main highlight of Opera Air (and probably the reason I downloaded it right away), it doesn’t miss out on the functionalities of the regular Opera browser, such as a built-in ad blocker, free VPN, and access to the Aria AI assistant. In conclusion, Opera Air promotes mindfulness while incorporating the advantages of the standard Opera browser.
You can download it for free on both Mac and Windows, which makes it a great choice for anyone wanting to find a balance between productivity and mental health.
Tags: mindfulness browser, Opera Air, productivity tools
February 5, 2025
Opera Air Ends the Curse of Doom Scrolling Forever
Opera has introduced a new experiment that might just become a favorite among web browsers. No matter how many users it attracts in the upcoming weeks, Opera Air is definitely a tool that many internet users will find useful. As per the official announcement regarding its launch, this browser is secure, powerful, and fully functional, designed to enhance your online experience. It features a minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic and a user interface that adjusts according to the webpage you are visiting. The frosted glass design is visually appealing and may please those who are not fond of the visuals of Windows 11.
Unique Features
Alongside standard browsing functionalities, Opera Air offers mindfulness features based on research, including binaural beats soundscapes, breathing exercises, guided meditation sessions, full-body scan self-awareness routines, neck stretches, and even motivational quotes. It’s worth noting that the Quote of the Day feature isn’t found in the title or status bar; instead, users should look for it in the Speed Dial section. In the future, it could be beneficial to allow users to select where these quotes are displayed. On a positive note, sharing quotes with others is already available.
Early Access and Specifications
Currently, Opera Air is in its early access phase, and for those concerned about the absence of standard features, fear not—it includes ad blocking, Aria AI, and a built-in free VPN. Marketed as the first mindfulness-oriented web browser, this software is exclusively available for Windows at this moment.
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Tags: mindfulness features, Opera Air, web browser
February 4, 2025
Apple Criticizes EU Digital Laws on Third-Party Apps
A new application, released via the AltStore PAL third-party app store in the European Union (EU), has intensified Apple’s dispute with the EU regarding digital distribution regulations.
Introduction to Hot Tub
The application, named Hot Tub, provides users the ability to explore adult material. It became accessible for download on AltStore PAL, a well-known third-party app marketplace exclusively for iOS users in the EU. Earlier this year, Apple had to adapt to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which opened the door for third-party app stores on iOS devices.
Approval and Controversy
On Monday, AltStore PAL announced the launch of the app, claiming they “encountered no problems” during the approval process. The DMA mandates that Apple not only permit third-party app stores but also allow certain app categories that were previously banned from its official app store, such as those containing adult content.
However, the app’s promotional material stated it received Apple’s approval, a claim that Apple found quite troubling. The tech giant responded by clarifying it did not endorse the app, contradicting the implication made by the marketing efforts. In a statement, Apple expressed:
We are very worried about the hazards that extreme porn apps like this one pose for EU users, particularly children. This app and similar ones could damage the trust and confidence consumers have in our ecosystem, which we have spent over a decade building into the best in the world…. The reality is we are obligated by the European Commission to permit it to be offered by marketplace operators such as AltStore and Epic, who might not share our concerns regarding user security.
Apple’s Stance on Adult Content
It’s important to highlight that Apple has historically rejected apps created specifically for adult content on its App Store. The company has also pointed to the app as potentially harmful to its users, a stance it previously took against the DMA before being compelled to comply. Currently, it appears that the app does not breach any EU laws or guidelines and is expected to remain accessible in the region.
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Tags: AltStore PAL, Apple, Hot Tub
February 4, 2025
Microsoft Flags Windows 11 Bypass Tool as Malware
Microsoft has taken down its official guide for bypassing TPM and CPU requirements to install Windows 11 on unsupported devices. Although the Registry tweak that was previously provided by the company might still function correctly, it’s puzzling to see it disappear from the support section.
Third-Party Tool Concerns
Now, Microsoft is cautioning users about a third-party tool called Flyby11, which is designed to bypass Windows 11 system requirements. This tool has been recently updated and includes the Registry tweak that Microsoft had previously shared on its support page.
The developer of Flyby11 has mentioned in the update notes that Windows Defender flags this bypass tool as “PUA:Win32/Patcher.” They suggest users disregard this warning if they wish to proceed with using the tool. Furthermore, the developer plans to reach out to Microsoft for clarification regarding the flag.
What This Means for Users
For those interested, according to Microsoft Security Intelligence, PUA:Win32/Patcher is categorized as potential malware. Such software can “affect the quality of your computing experience.” Although this TPM bypass tool was previously considered safe by Windows Defender, there’s no assurance that the current flag isn’t a false positive. Since it’s third-party software, it may be wise to try the tool on a virtual machine or a secondary device (the Beelink Mini S12 Pro, currently priced at $159 on Amazon) before using it on your main PC.
Additionally, it’s important to note that Flyby11 is not the only option for bypassing the Windows 11 TPM requirements. You can also use Rufus to get past the system requirements check, and for those with lower-end PCs, Tiny11 is another viable alternative.
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Tags: Beelink Mini S12 Pro, Flyby11, Windows 11