Category: Software

  • Apple Sues Jon Prosser Over iOS 26 Leak Details Revealed

    Apple Sues Jon Prosser Over iOS 26 Leak Details Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Jon Prosser’s video claimed to show the design of iOS 26, revealing elements of Apple’s “Liquid Glass” design, though it may not be entirely accurate.
    2. Apple is suing Prosser and Michael Ramacciotti for unauthorized use of trade secrets and breach of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
    3. Ramacciotti allegedly obtained information from Ethan Lipnik, an Apple employee, using GPS tracking during a visit to his home.
    4. The leaked iPhone was unlocked with a password obtained earlier, and sensitive information could be at risk, leading to Lipnik’s job loss.
    5. Apple seeks a court injunction to prevent further leaks, along with compensatory and punitive damages, legal fees, and interest.

    Jon Prosser made a video in April that claimed to show the design of iOS 26. It turns out that some of the details he shared were partly right—the user interface of iOS 26 might not match exactly with the leaked design in every aspect, yet the video still gave a valid sneak peek of Apple’s “Liquid Glass” design. Now, Apple is taking legal action against Prosser and his supposed partner, Michael Ramacciotti.

    Legal Grounds for the Lawsuit

    In its lawsuit, Apple points to two main issues: the unauthorized use of trade secrets and a breach of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. The company’s focus is more on how the information was acquired rather than its release. Ramacciotti is accused of taking the information from his friend, Ethan Lipnik, who works at Apple, and then selling it to Prosser. It is claimed that while visiting Lipnik’s home, Ramacciotti used GPS tracking to know when Lipnik was away from the house.

    Details of the Incident

    The developer’s iPhone was reportedly unlocked with an earlier version of iOS 26 by using a password that had been previously obtained. During a video call, Prosser was shown the operating system, where several new features and apps were said to be displayed. Lipnik has already lost his job for not keeping the iPhone secure as per the company’s rules. The phone supposedly held much more sensitive information, and Apple is concerned that Jon Prosser might also reveal this information.

    Apple’s Demands

    Due to these concerns, Apple plans to ask the court for an injunction to stop any further leaks of their trade secrets. Additionally, Apple is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, though the exact amount is not specified, along with interest, legal fees, and court expenses. Prosser has released a brief statement asserting that he was unaware of how the information was acquired.

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  • Beeper Launches Plus Subscription with AI Transcription & Privacy

    Beeper Launches Plus Subscription with AI Transcription & Privacy

    Key Takeaways

    1. Beeper is focusing on user security with enhanced privacy options following its acquisition by Automattic.
    2. Users can now manage connections directly on their devices, enhancing end-to-end encryption and removing reliance on Beeper Cloud.
    3. The “Beeper Plus” subscription offers features like “Send Later,” “Reminders,” “Incognito Mode,” and “AI Voice Note Transcriptions.”
    4. The subscription allows multiple accounts from the same network, with up to three accounts per network and a total of ten.
    5. Pricing for Beeper Plus is $9.99 monthly or $99.99 annually, with a “Plus Plus” plan at $49.99 monthly or $499.99 annually for unlimited accounts and priority support.

    Beeper, the messaging application that momentarily brought iMessage to Android devices, is rolling out a major update that adds enhanced privacy options and a new subscription service named “Beeper Plus.”

    Focus on User Security

    After being acquired by Automattic, the company has reintroduced the app with a stronger emphasis on user safety and premium features. The basic features of the app will still be available for free to all users.

    New Privacy Controls

    One of the key updates is the ability for users to manage their connections directly on their own devices, eliminating the need for the Beeper Cloud system. This method ensures that end-to-end encryption is maintained for supported messaging applications.

    Choosing to use on-device connections means that some services, like Slack and Discord, will not work within the app, but most other networks will still be compatible.

    Subscription Features

    The “Beeper Plus” subscription brings a variety of new features to the platform. It includes a “Send Later” option that allows users to schedule messages for any connected service and “Reminders” to prompt you to check a conversation at a later time.

    There’s also an “Incognito Mode” which lets you view messages without alerting the sender that you’ve read them. Moreover, the service offers “AI Voice Note Transcriptions,” converting voice messages into text even if the original chat app doesn’t provide that option.

    Additionally, the subscription permits the use of multiple accounts from the same network—up to three accounts for each network, with a total cap of ten—and unlocks custom app icons.

    Pricing Options

    The standard Beeper Plus plan is priced at $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually. There’s also a “Plus Plus” plan, aimed at frequent users, costing $49.99 monthly or $499.99 per year, which allows unlimited accounts and provides priority support.

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  • X-Plane Revolution: Vertical Takeoff and 515 MPH Speeds

    X-Plane Revolution: Vertical Takeoff and 515 MPH Speeds

    Key Takeaways

    1. Bell Textron Inc. is advancing to the second phase of DARPA’s SPRINT program to develop a high-speed aircraft named the X-Plane.
    2. The X-Plane will utilize innovative stop–fold rotor technology, allowing for vertical takeoff and reduced drag during horizontal flight.
    3. The aircraft can take off and land vertically, use short runways, and cruise at speeds of up to 515 mph.
    4. It features a modular design for various military missions, including medical evacuations and precision strikes.
    5. Ground testing and certification will continue through 2027, with flight tests scheduled for 2028.

    U.S. aircraft maker Bell Textron Inc. is moving forward with DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) into the second phase of the SPRINT program (Speed and Runway Independent Technologies). The aim is to develop an innovative high-speed aircraft, named the X-Plane, which will be able to take off vertically. This aircraft will, for the first time, incorporate the new stop–fold rotor technology.

    Project Overview

    Bell is in charge of designing, building, ground testing, and certifying a functional prototype. This project is centered around a highly flexible aircraft that can take off and land vertically, use short runways when necessary, and cruise like a standard jet at speeds of up to 515 mph.

    Innovative Technology

    The key feature of this design is the groundbreaking stop–fold technology. The rotors allow for vertical takeoff, but once the aircraft shifts to horizontal flight, they are completely stopped and folded away. This is different from traditional tiltrotor systems, where the rotors keep spinning, causing drag during forward flight. The stop–fold mechanism significantly lowers air resistance and enhances efficiency at higher speeds.

    Future Plans

    For cruising, distinct engines will handle propulsion, ensuring a good mix of speed and maneuverability. Bell claims that the aircraft has a modular design, which can be adapted for various military missions – from medical evacuations to precise strikes against enemy radar systems. A promotional video has been released, showcasing multiple mission scenarios and demonstrating the aircraft’s versatility in action.

    Flight tests are set for 2028, with ground testing and certification for this phase expected to continue through 2027. On platforms like Reddit, the stop–fold technology is already being recognized as a “potential game changer,” with the ability to transform the future of high-speed vertical flight.

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  • Reddit Requires Selfie or ID for Mature Content Access in UK

    Reddit Requires Selfie or ID for Mature Content Access in UK

    Key Takeaways

    1. Reddit will implement an age verification system in the UK to comply with the Online Safety Act, requiring users to upload a selfie or ID for access to certain mature content.

    2. The verification process will be handled by a third-party service called Persona, which will not have access to users’ uploaded photos, only storing verification status and birthdates.

    3. Reddit may expand age verification to other regions in the future and is introducing a voluntary option for users to provide their birthdates globally for content and ad appropriateness.

    4. User reactions to the announcement are mixed, with concerns about unclear definitions of restricted content and potential negative consequences, such as pushing minors to less safe websites.

    5. The Online Safety Act has faced criticism from organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation for potentially creating a more censored internet and compromising user privacy and security.

    Reddit has shared that it will start using an age verification system in the UK. This will require users to upload a selfie or a government-issued identification card if they want to access “certain mature content.”

    Compliance with Online Safety Act

    The information was released on r/RedditSafety, stating that this step is necessary to follow the UK’s Online Safety Act, which must be in place by July 25. The law is intended to protect children from sensitive content and requires social media platforms and search engines to adopt a verification method for “user safety.”

    Third-Party Verification

    Reddit plans to work with a third-party service, Persona, for verifying identities. They mention that they “will not have access to the uploaded photo.” The platform will only keep your “verification status and the birthdate you provided so you won’t need to enter it again each time you want to see restricted content.”

    Persona, an identity verification company established in 2018 and based in the US, claims it will not keep your photo for more than seven days. It also states that it won’t “have access to your Reddit data such as the subreddits you visit.”

    Future Age Verification Plans

    Reddit also recognizes that as new regulations emerge, they might need “to collect and/or verify age in areas outside of the UK.”

    Additionally, the platform is launching a global option for users to provide their birthdates “to help make sure that content and ads are age-appropriate.” This option will be completely voluntary and only required in countries that need it.

    Community Opinions

    The announcement sparked mixed reactions among Reddit users, with many noting that the description of “restricted content for minor users” was unclear. One user remarked, “On Reddit, a few swear words on your account will eventually get your account flagged as NSFW. Will I need to verify to see your profile due to some profanity? Will all your posts and comments be hidden from me? Who knows.”

    Others agreed that this whole situation was “just a mess” and would “have the opposite effect of its intent,” pushing “children to visit more sketchy websites that don’t follow this ruling.” Plus, VPNs exist.

    Interestingly, Persona is a US company operating outside the EU, meaning they aren’t technically subject to the law, at least not until the Kids Online Safety Act is passed in the US.

    Criticism of Online Safety Act

    Numerous organizations have already criticized the flaws in the Online Safety Act. The Electronic Frontier Foundation warns that this legislation “will create a more censored, restricted internet for British users” and will give the government the power “to undermine the privacy and security of UK residents as well as internet users around the world.”

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  • Home Assistant App Update: Server-Related Changes Released

    Home Assistant App Update: Server-Related Changes Released

    Key Takeaways

    1. Version 2025.6 of the Home Assistant app is now available for both iOS and Android.
    2. Users can access the entity “more-info” section directly from the Control Centre.
    3. A bug fix was implemented for the macOS Download folder default choice.
    4. Measurement units in CarPlay sensor states have been restored.
    5. iOS users can now access settings even when the Home Assistant server is disconnected, thanks to a new Settings button.

    An update is here for the Home Assistant apps on both iOS and Android, now at version 2025.6. This comes after the 2025.5 version that was launched in May 2025, which included enhancements to the onboarding experience.

    What’s New in Version 2025.6

    The release notes in the App Store for the Home Assistant app version 2025.6 mention a variety of adjustments. To start, users can now access the entity “more-info” section directly from the Control Centre. Additionally, there’s a fix for a bug associated with the macOS Download folder that wasn’t consistently set as the default choice. The measurement units that were missing in CarPlay sensor states have been restored. Furthermore, users now have the ability to rearrange servers in their app settings through a simple drag and drop method.

    Enhancements for iOS Users

    Moreover, iOS users will be pleased to know that a problem related to the Home Assistant server has been addressed. Previously, if the server was disconnected, users found it impossible to access the settings in the companion app. With the new update, a Settings button will now appear when users launch the app.

    You can get the Home Assistant app version 2025.6 for both iOS and Android from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, respectively. Earlier in July, there was a more extensive 2025.7 Home Assistant release, which introduced a new Ask Question action for users of this open-source home automation platform.

    Home Assistant can be found on Facebook, as well as on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, along with Smarthome Assistent.

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    Home Assistant App Update: Server-Related Changes Released

     

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  • New Discovery Could Lead to Universal Treatment for Incurable Diseases

    New Discovery Could Lead to Universal Treatment for Incurable Diseases

    Key Takeaways

    1. New compounds have been discovered that may lead to antiviral medications targeting multiple viruses at once.
    2. The research focuses on enhancing the integrated stress response pathway in host cells to fight viral infections.
    3. A unique screening method was used to evaluate nearly 400,000 chemical substances, resulting in several promising antiviral options.
    4. The compounds selectively activate in cells already under viral attack, boosting the host’s natural defense mechanisms.
    5. Further testing of these compounds against additional viruses is planned, with the goal of progressing to clinical trials.

    A group of scientists has recently found new compounds that might pave the way for a next wave of antiviral medications that can combat multiple viruses simultaneously. Rather than focusing on a single virus, these innovative molecules activate a strong defense mechanism within the cells of the host.

    Harnessing Cellular Defense

    This new technology hinges on a natural system in cells known as the integrated stress response pathway. When cells sense a viral invasion, they usually activate this pathway to halt protein synthesis, which in turn prevents the virus from multiplying. The newly discovered compounds enhance this response. “When the pathway is activated during a viral attack, our compounds essentially crank it up to maximum,” states Felix Wong, the primary author.

    Innovative Screening Method

    To uncover these molecules, the research team utilized a unique screening method to evaluate close to 400,000 different chemical substances. This thorough examination led to several promising options. In experiments conducted on human cells, these compounds effectively assisted the cells in warding off infections from RSV, herpes, and Zika viruses. One particular compound, IBX-200, also showed success in mice, where it lowered the viral presence and alleviated symptoms associated with a herpes infection.

    Selective Activation

    A fascinating aspect of this strategy is that the compounds seem to only impact cells already under viral attack, activating solely when the virus triggers the stress response mechanism.

    “We are truly thrilled about this research, as it allows us to utilize the stress response of host cells to create and discover broad-spectrum antiviral solutions,” mentioned James Collins, one of the co-authors of the study.

    The team is now gearing up to test these compounds against additional viruses with the aim of eventually moving toward clinical testing.

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  • Chrome OS and Android Set for Merging: What You Need to Know

    Chrome OS and Android Set for Merging: What You Need to Know

    Key Takeaways

    1. Google plans to merge Chrome OS and Android for enhanced user experience.
    2. Chromebook users may access Android features, while smartphones could run Linux applications.
    3. Confirmation of the merger came from Sameer Samat in a TechRadar interview.
    4. The change follows recent updates like Chrome OS porting and Linux support in Android.
    5. This move aims to compete with Apple’s integrated ecosystem, though a timeline is not yet provided.

    Google is gearing up to unite two of its well-known operating systems in the near future. This change could allow Chromebook users to access the finest features of Android, whereas smartphone users might find it possible to run Linux applications directly on their devices.

    Confirmation from TechRadar Interview

    This merger has been confirmed during an interview with Sameer Samat, the president of Google’s Android Ecosystem division, as reported by TechRadar.

    Logical Progression

    This move seems to be a natural evolution following significant developments, such as the successful port of Chrome OS to Pixel devices, and the introduction of Linux support through a virtual machine in the latest major Android update.

    Samat suggested that the new hybrid operating system will primarily influence how Chromebooks operate, but it could also lead to improvements in the desktop experience for smartphones.

    Competing with Apple

    The unification is expected to serve as Google’s response to the seamless integration seen in Apple’s iPhone/Mac/iPad ecosystem. However, Samat did not provide a specific timeline for when this new operating system combination will take place.

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  • OpenAI Set to Launch Chat-Style Browser to Compete with Chrome

    OpenAI Set to Launch Chat-Style Browser to Compete with Chrome

    Key Takeaways

    1. OpenAI is planning to launch its own web browser to compete with Google Chrome and Safari, featuring a chat-oriented interface.
    2. The browser will include an AI tool called Operator, designed to automate tasks on websites, like filling out forms.
    3. OpenAI aims to gain direct access to user data through this browser, which is crucial for improving its large language models (LLMs).
    4. The browser is built on Chromium and is nearing completion, though availability details for users remain unclear.
    5. This development aligns with OpenAI’s growth strategy, including recent acquisitions to enhance its AI hardware capabilities.

    In the upcoming weeks, OpenAI might introduce its own web browser to directly rival major competitors like Google Chrome and Safari, as reported by Reuters. This new browser is anticipated to feature a chat-oriented interface, akin to ChatGPT, while also incorporating unique services such as Operator, an AI tool designed to automate various tasks on websites, including filling out forms. Operator was initially launched in January 2025.

    Browser Development Insights

    Sources well-informed about the situation told Reuters that the expected launch of this browser would give OpenAI direct access to user data, which is essential for the development and enhancement of large language models (LLM). This progress reportedly comes after OpenAI’s failed attempts to collaborate with Google to gain access to search data for a project named SearchGPT. Following the breakdown of those negotiations, OpenAI decided to move forward with its own browser project.

    User Interaction Experience

    According to the report from Reuters, two sources mentioned that the design of this browser is intended to keep user engagement within the chat-like framework, minimizing the necessity for multiple clicks across different sites, a common trait in browsers like Google Chrome and Safari.

    As stated in the Reuters article, this browser is constructed on Chromium, the open-source base that powers Chrome and Edge, and is said to be almost finished. However, it is still not clear if the first version will be exclusively available to ChatGPT Pro users or if it will be launched in specific areas.

    Future Prospects for OpenAI

    While OpenAI has yet to officially verify the development of this browser, such a move aligns with a larger trend of vertical growth observed recently. In May, Sam Altman’s company revealed the acquisition of io, a hardware startup co-founded by ex-Apple designer Jony Ive. The agreement, which was completed on July 9, is anticipated to bolster OpenAI’s goals in AI-centric hardware, further solidifying its dominance over both software and user interfaces.

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  • CheckMag | Booklore: The Plex for Self-Hosted E-Book Libraries

    CheckMag | Booklore: The Plex for Self-Hosted E-Book Libraries

    Key Takeaways

    1. Calibre is a popular e-book management tool but has an outdated user interface and lacks an optimal reading experience.
    2. Booklore serves as a web-based alternative to Calibre, offering a visually appealing and user-friendly way to manage and read e-books.
    3. Booklore supports multiple users, custom “shelves,” and allows for easy book downloads and transfers to e-readers, including Kindle integration.
    4. DRM restrictions on e-books complicate the process of building a personal library and can limit access to certain titles, pushing users toward piracy.
    5. The rise of self-hosting solutions like Booklore highlights the desire for more control over personal data in an ecosystem dominated by major retailers.

    Calibre has been a popular choice for managing e-books for quite some time. It lets users manage, convert, and read e-books easily. Furthermore, it also helps in removing DRM from books bought from Amazon (we’ll discuss this later). While it can be hosted in a Docker container like Booklore, the user interface feels outdated. Despite its strong book management features, it doesn’t provide the best experience when browsing or reading books in your collection.

    An Alternative to Calibre

    Booklore isn’t intended to replace Calibre; rather, it serves as a web-based manager for your book collection. It allows you to arrange and read your titles in a visually appealing and user-friendly manner. Since it operates via Docker, you can access it from any device on your network. It works seamlessly through a web browser on phones, tablets, and e-readers.

    With Booklore, you can sort books into custom “shelves,” download missing covers, artwork, and metadata, and also read content via a built-in e-reader that tracks your reading progress. If you prefer not using the built-in reader, you can download books and transfer them to your preferred e-reader using OPDS (Open Publication Distribution System) integration. Additionally, it can even email books directly to a Kindle. Booklore supports multiple users, which means different accounts can be created for various people, allowing them to manage their libraries separately.

    Getting Started with Booklore

    Installing Booklore is quite easy and involves setting up a Docker container. You can find the Docker Compose file on GitHub. A MariaDB instance must also be running, and pre-configured templates for both can be located in the Unraid apps section. Just ensure that the Booklore container can access the MariaDB container by consistently setting the database name and password in both containers, while also informing the Booklore container of the MariaDB container’s address.

    You can also specify a folder containing books for the Booklore container, allowing direct import to your library. This feature is handy if you’re importing many books, but you can also upload multiple files directly via the web interface.

    Once properly set up, you should see a login page upon accessing the web interface, prompting you to create an administrator account.

    The DRM Dilemma

    While you can purchase some DRM-free books from sites like eBooks.com, you won’t find the latest Pulitzer Prize winners readily available without DRM. Those wanting to set up their own e-book library or read outside of the Amazon or Kobo ecosystems might find it challenging. You’ll need specific hardware like the Kindle (available on Amazon) or an app from the respective company.

    There are methods to remove DRM from Amazon-bought books using Calibre and several plugins (which do work), but the process can be tedious. It often requires a Kindle serial number and, for Windows users, depends on downloading an older and specific version of the Kindle App, making this method less reliable over time.

    As an alternative, you might download a DRM-free version of a book from a shadow library like Z-Library (which I won’t link to for obvious reasons). However, due to piracy associations, downloading books you’ve legally purchased still hovers in a grey area of legality.

    The Broader Implications

    Extracting audio, video, and even games from physical media takes mere minutes with modern technology, though it often resides in a grey legal area in many regions. Unfortunately, applying the same concept to physical books is quite impractical. Although owning a physical book allows for loaning or selling it, DRM hasn’t hindered piracy, yet we remain trapped in ecosystems where purchased content can be removed at any moment. This is something that cannot happen with a physical copy.

    DRM on books forces consumers to buy from major retailers or resort to piracy. This makes tools like Booklore less feasible for many, which is unfortunate because self-hosting is gaining popularity. Booklore is an excellent resource for book enthusiasts who want to maintain control over their data.

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  • Samsung Auto DeX: New Android Auto Alternative for 8,500 Cars

    Samsung Auto DeX: New Android Auto Alternative for 8,500 Cars

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung is developing a new interface called Auto DeX to replace Android Auto.
    2. Auto DeX features a user interface similar to infotainment systems, allowing quick access to apps and displaying up to three apps simultaneously.
    3. The interface includes a central map display and music controls, but the bottom taskbar may be revised in the final version.
    4. Auto DeX is expected to be compatible with over 8,500 vehicle models from more than 120 manufacturers, using a receiver app for connection.
    5. It may also work in cars that don’t officially support it, allowing users to display the interface on their smartphone screens.

    Samsung seems to be putting a lot of effort into creating a new option instead of Android Auto. Recently, @GalaxyTechie has found some early details about Auto DeX within the One UI code. The image shown below indicates that Samsung has designed a user interface similar to those found in infotainment systems. On the left side, there is a dock that enables quick access to commonly used apps, while allowing up to three apps to be displayed at once.

    Interface Details

    In the displayed image, the center space appears to be for a map, while the right side features a shortcut for a music playlist, along with a music control widget positioned above it. The taskbar located at the bottom of the screen seems to be of little use due to the vertical taskbar displaying the time, a list of apps, and a shortcut to the app drawer on the left side; this may possibly be left out in the final version. Samsung Auto DeX is anticipated to be compatible with over 8,500 vehicle models from more than 120 manufacturers, although it’s not clear how deeply integrated the system will be. To ensure wide compatibility, Samsung is implementing a receiver app that can be installed in the vehicle to connect with Auto DeX.

    Compatibility and Features

    Auto DeX might also be usable in cars that don’t officially support it, with “a few tricks”. According to 9to5Google, it’s thought that Auto DeX could be shown on the smartphone’s screen. With an appropriate mount, this could allow the phone to take the place of a car’s infotainment system—a capability that Android Auto has lost in the past years. While Auto DeX is not meant to take over Android Auto’s role, it aims to provide users with an alternative that will be accessible in more areas and vehicles compared to Google’s solution.

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    Samsung Auto DeX: New Android Auto Alternative for 8,500 Cars
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