Category: Software

  • Intel Unison App for Android and iOS to Shut Down in June

    Intel Unison App for Android and iOS to Shut Down in June

    Key Takeaways

    1. Intel Unison app allows iPhone and Android users to link their phones to Windows PCs for calls, SMS, notifications, and file transfers.
    2. Intel announced the discontinuation of the Unison app, with service ending for most platforms by June 2025.
    3. Lenovo Aura computer users will retain access to the app throughout 2025.
    4. The app features include linking tablets as second screens and controlling them with a PC’s keyboard and mouse.
    5. Initially limited to select Intel Evo computers, Unison expanded compatibility to more devices running Windows 11 by early 2023.

    A few years back, Intel revealed the Intel Unison application, which enabled users of both iPhones and Android devices to link their phones to a Windows PC. Once connected, individuals were able to make and receive calls, send and receive SMS messages, get app notifications on their computer, browse their phone’s gallery on the PC, and seamlessly transfer files between the two devices. However, Intel has now announced plans to discontinue the app.

    Service Discontinuation Announcement

    According to an initial report from Neowin, Intel has placed a notice on both the Microsoft Store and App Store listings for Intel Unison, stating that the app will be discontinued soon and that the service will conclude for most platforms by the end of June 2025. Nevertheless, users who have a Lenovo Aura computer will continue to have access to the service throughout 2025.

    Intel has not shared any reasons behind the decision to phase out the app. This move might catch many off guard, as the app was seen as quite helpful and often functioned better than Microsoft’s own Windows Phone Link.

    Features and Compatibility

    Besides the features mentioned earlier, the Intel Unison app also permitted users to link their tablets, allowing them to function as a second screen with a compatible PC. Additionally, users could control their tablet using the keyboard and mouse from the PC via Universal Control.

    When it was first introduced in 2022, the app was only available for select Intel Evo computers. However, by early 2023, Intel Unison expanded its compatibility to more PCs, including those powered by ARM, provided they were running Windows 11, had at least 4GB of RAM, and possessed Bluetooth and internet connectivity.

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  • Uber to Introduce Package Theft Protection and Insurance

    Uber to Introduce Package Theft Protection and Insurance

    Key Takeaways

    1. Uber is reportedly working on safety measures for its delivery service, focusing on package protection and potential compensation for lost or damaged parcels.
    2. Code analysis of the Uber app suggests features like “Package protection” with compensation up to a certain limit, but details on the actual compensation value are unclear.
    3. Mentions of “insurance” in the app’s code hint at possible options for customers to insure their packages for added security and reimbursement eligibility.
    4. Currently, Uber does not offer insurance for parcels sent through its courier service, and users must submit claims for issues.
    5. There is no official confirmation from Uber regarding the implementation of these new features, leaving users uncertain about improvements to the delivery experience.

    Ever since Uber began its delivery service, there have been numerous complaints regarding lost or damaged parcels. Now, it seems that Uber is attempting to introduce some safety measures which may involve compensating customers. These updates were allegedly found in the code of the Uber app, but there is no official word on when or if these features will be rolled out.

    New Features in the Works

    According to an APK analysis by Android Authority, the Uber app version 4-573-10001-beta has references to “Package protection” along with a note stating that customers will receive compensation for the value of their package, up to a specific limit. The code includes a string labeled ‘%$1’, which likely serves as a placeholder, and the actual value—whether it’s fixed or a percentage—remains uncertain.

    Possible Insurance Options

    Additionally, Android Authority discovered mentions of “insurance” that link to the courier-related strings within the code. It is not yet clear if this insurance feature will be integrated into the package protection system. Nevertheless, it stands to reason that customers might need to insure their packages if they wish to have them safeguarded and to qualify for reimbursements in case of damage or theft.

    At present, Uber does not provide insurance for packages sent through its courier service, and individuals dealing with these problems are required to submit a claim. As mentioned previously, Uber has not given any official confirmation regarding these features, making it difficult to determine whether they will actually be implemented in the app for users to benefit from.

    Conclusion

    Overall, while there are hints of potential upgrades to Uber’s courier service, it’s still up in the air whether these features will materialize. Users are left waiting for clarity from Uber regarding package protection and insurance options, which could greatly enhance the delivery experience.

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  • Home Assistant 2025.4 Launches with Smart New Dashboard Features

    Home Assistant 2025.4 Launches with Smart New Dashboard Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Home Assistant 2025.4 is the fourth update of the year, continuing its monthly release schedule.
    2. A new Areas Dashboard is introduced, automatically created based on different home areas, simplifying setup for new users.
    3. The voice assistant can now initiate conversations, making it a unique feature among voice assistants.
    4. New template functions and YAML style support for light and switch templates have been added.
    5. New integrations include Remote calendar, Pterodactyl game server management, and Bosch home security products.

    The Home Assistant version 2025.4 has been released. This marks the fourth update from the open-source smart home automation platform this year, keeping with its usual monthly release schedule. The previous update, 2025.3, which came out in March, emphasized enhancements to dashboards, such as new headers and better tile card optimization.

    Upgrades for Dashboards

    With the new 2025.4 update, users of Home Assistant will enjoy several improvements for Dashboards. One notable addition is the new Areas Dashboard, which is still under testing. This dashboard is automatically created based on the different areas in your home and can be modified later. It acts as a substitute for the original default dashboard, allowing newcomers to avoid starting from zero.

    Voice Assistant Enhancements

    A significant update also pertains to the voice assistant, which is now capable of initiating conversations. The company states that this function makes it the first voice assistant available with this feature. For instance, the assistant might say, “Hey, I see you left the garage door open, should I close it for you?” or “Welcome back, Frenck! I hope your day was good. Would you like to hear the news or listen to some music?”.

    New Template Functions and Integrations

    In addition to these features, there are new and enhanced template functions like combine, difference, and flattens, along with support for YAML style in light and switch templates. New integrations that have been added include the Remote calendar, the Pterodactyl game server management panel, and Bosch home security products such as the B3512 Control Panel (current price $210.69 at Amazon). You can view the complete release notes for Home Assistant 2025.4 on the company’s official website.

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  • New Kindle Update Adds Recaps and Double Tap Page Turn Feature

    New Kindle Update Adds Recaps and Double Tap Page Turn Feature

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Recaps Feature: Provides brief refreshers on storylines and characters for book series, helping readers catch up easily.

    2. Double Tap Gesture: Allows users to tap the side or back of the Kindle to flip pages or browse the library, enhancing one-handed reading.

    3. Supported Devices: Recaps feature available on Kindle Scribe, Paperwhite, Oasis, and basic Kindle models; Double Tap feature is limited to specific devices.

    4. Update Version: The new features are part of update version 5.18.1, rolled out as an over-the-air (OTA) update.

    5. Manual Installation Option: Users can sideload the update manually if they prefer not to wait for automatic installation.

    Amazon is introducing a fresh software update for its Kindle e-readers that includes two new features designed to enhance your reading experience. The new Recaps feature aims to help you quickly catch up on storylines and characters when starting a new book in a series. Additionally, a convenient Double Tap gesture will allow you to tap the side or back of your Kindle to flip pages or browse through your book library.

    New Recaps Feature

    Amazon describes its Recaps feature as similar to the “Previously on…” segments that you might see before a binge-watch of a series. This is intended to help tackle that common feeling of confusion when returning to a book series after some time away. Recaps provide brief refreshers on characters and storylines for thousands of popular series in English. You can identify if recaps are available by checking for a “View Recaps” button on the series page in your library. Another exciting addition is the Double Tap to Page Turn feature, which enables you to double-tap the sides or back of the device to turn pages or scroll through your Home and Library sections. Amazon mentions that this feature can be turned on or off in the device settings (Settings > Device Options), making it easier to read with one hand.

    Supported Devices

    The new Recaps feature will be available on Kindle Scribe, Paperwhite, Oasis, and basic Kindle models. Amazon also states that the feature “will soon be available on the Kindle app for iOS.” Here’s the complete list of devices that support Recaps:

    On the other hand, the Double Tap to Turn Page feature will only be available on two specific devices.

    Update Details

    The update, version 5.18.1, is being rolled out as an over-the-air (OTA) update for eligible Kindle devices. Your Kindle should automatically download and install the update when it is connected to Wi-Fi. If you can’t wait to try out these new features, you can sideload the update manually. To do this, download the correct update package for your Kindle model from this page and follow Amazon’s instructions for installation.

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  • One UI 7 Beta Released for Samsung Galaxy A55 Users

    One UI 7 Beta Released for Samsung Galaxy A55 Users

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung is expanding the One UI Beta Program to nearly 40 devices, including popular models from the Galaxy S21 and S22 families.
    2. The initial stable version of One UI 7 will be available this month for around 20 devices.
    3. The program focuses on high-end Galaxy Tab, Galaxy S, and Galaxy Z devices, along with some mid-range models like the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite.
    4. The Galaxy A55 has been added to the One UI 7 Beta Program, currently available only in South Korea.
    5. Sign-ups for the One UI Beta Program are facilitated through the Members app in the Galaxy Store.

    Samsung is moving forward with broadening the access of its new One UI Beta Program to more devices. To summarize, the firm first revealed that One UI 7 would be available in a stable version this month for nearly 20 devices. Soon after, they broadened this list to include around 40 devices, adding popular smartphones from the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S22 families.

    Device Focus

    These lists primarily highlighted Samsung’s top-tier Galaxy Tab, Galaxy S, and Galaxy Z ranges, though they also featured some mid-range models, such as the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024), currently priced at $346 on Amazon. Not surprisingly, it has come to light that the company has been looking into its Android 15-based update for additional devices as well.

    New Additions

    In this context, Samsung has now opened its One UI 7 Beta Program to the Galaxy A55, which was launched last year with the company’s own Exynos 1480 processor. At this moment, the eligibility is limited to South Korea, which is common for initial beta rollouts. However, it is anticipated that the Galaxy A55 will start to receive One UI 7 Beta updates in other regions within the next few days. Samsung facilitates sign-ups for its One UI Beta Program through its Members app, which is available via the Galaxy Store.

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    One UI 7 Beta Released for Samsung Galaxy A55 UsersOne UI 7 Beta Released for Samsung Galaxy A55 Users

     

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  • Midjourney V7 Update: Faster Rendering and Enhanced Realism

    Midjourney V7 Update: Faster Rendering and Enhanced Realism

    Key Takeaways

    1. Speed Improvements: Midjourney V7 renders images 20–30% faster than the previous version, especially during high server usage.

    2. Enhanced Image Realism: The realism of elements like skin, fabric, and lighting has improved, reducing the “uncanny valley” effect in human poses and expressions.

    3. Compatibility and Usability: V7 maintains full support for V6.1’s sref codes, allowing users to keep their saved styles.

    4. Easy Transition: Users can easily start using V7 by appending “–v 7” to their prompts without needing to relearn the interface.

    5. Personalization System: To utilize the new personalization features, users must rate around 200 images, allowing V7 to tailor results to their preferences.

    Midjourney V7 has just been released, and this update primarily aims to enhance speed, image quality, and integration with existing workflows. While it’s not a total redesign, it does tackle several aspects that can benefit creators.

    Speed Improvements

    One of the most significant alterations is the increase in speed. The company asserts that V7 can render images approximately 20–30% faster compared to the last version. This improvement becomes particularly noticeable when working with intricate prompts or generating multiple images at once. According to the update page, it performs better during high server usage times, leading to a more reliable experience overall.

    Enhanced Image Realism

    Moreover, the realism of images has seen a boost. Elements like skin, fabric, and lighting are designed to appear more natural. Human poses are less rigid, and facial expressions have more depth, which helps to reduce the “uncanny valley” effect (that unsettling feeling people experience when something almost looks human but not quite, such as a robot or digital face that seems slightly off) that was sometimes present in earlier versions. If your prompts involve people, architecture, or natural scenery, you should notice some clear differences.

    Compatibility and Usability

    The update maintains complete support for V6.1’s sref codes. This means users can keep using their saved styles without needing to recreate them for the new version. The same references are valid and may even appear improved with the enhanced model.

    Using V7 is quite straightforward: all users need to do is append “–v 7” to their prompt (without using the apostrophes). If you wish to utilize the new personalization system, you’ll need to rate around 200 images at midjourney.com/rank-v7. After that, V7 will use your preferences to create more customized results.

    Other parameters such as –ar for aspect ratio, –sref for style references, and –seed for randomization continue to function as they did before. So if you’ve been familiar with Midjourney for some time, transitioning to V7 won’t necessitate learning anything new.

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  • Philips Hue App Update Introduces New Smart Lighting Scenes

    Philips Hue App Update Introduces New Smart Lighting Scenes

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Philips Hue app has been updated to version 5.39.0 for iOS and Android.
    2. Eight new smart lighting scenes called “Spring Breeze” have been added, featuring various color transitions.
    3. An all-day scene named “The Colors of Nature” adjusts colors throughout the day to align with circadian rhythms.
    4. The Philips Hue AI assistant icon has reverted to its original magnifying glass design without changes to search capabilities.
    5. The app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

    A fresh iteration of the Philips Hue app has just been released for both iOS and Android platforms. The update, version 5.39.0, comes shortly after version 5.38.0, which introduced a QR code feature to simplify product setup and made improvements for users with several Hue Bridge units (currently priced at $44.99 on Amazon).

    New Lighting Scenes

    The latest Philips Hue app update, version 5.39.0, introduces eight exciting new smart lighting scenes under the title “Spring Breeze.” The standard scenes include Crocus, Blossom, Spring Lake, Spring Blossom, Precious, Narcissa, and Baby’s Breath. These scenes feature a variety of color transitions; for instance, Crocus showcases green, yellow, orange, pink, and purple hues.

    All-Day Scene Feature

    Another addition is an all-day scene called The Colors of Nature. Similar to other 24-hour scenes, this one changes colors throughout the day to match your circadian rhythm, typically displaying bright, cooler shades during the day and softer, warmer lighting in the evening. You can find the Spring Breeze scenes in the Hue scene gallery, allowing you to choose one for just a single smart light or for an entire room.

    Icon Update

    An interesting point to mention is that the Philips Hue AI assistant icon, which was introduced in update 5.38.1, has shifted back to the original magnifying glass design. However, there doesn’t seem to be any alterations to the search capabilities. You can easily download the Philips Hue app version 5.39.0 from both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

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  • Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects 25.2 New Features Update

    Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects 25.2 New Features Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Performance Upgrades: Both After Effects and Premiere benefit from enhanced performance, with quicker processing for various formats and smoother playback capabilities in After Effects.

    2. Enhanced 3D Tools: After Effects introduces advanced 3D tools and features like Animated Environment Lights and direct FBX file imports, simplifying the creation of dynamic 3D environments.

    3. AI-Powered Features in Premiere: Premiere now includes Firefly-powered Generative Extend, allowing users to lengthen footage and audio tracks using AI, reducing the need for reshoots.

    4. Improved Clip Search: The clip search function in Premiere is enhanced with AI, enabling easier searches through thousands of clips based on descriptions, visuals, or audio metadata.

    5. Streamlined HDR Importing: Premiere’s new Color Management feature simplifies HDR clip importing by automatically applying the correct color transforms, eliminating the need for LUTs.

    Adobe has rolled out exciting updates for After Effects and Premiere 25.2, which will help video editors and effects creators work quicker and smarter.

    Performance Upgrades

    Both software have been improved for better performance. Premiere now supports quicker H.264, H.265, and Canon Cinema RAW processing, taking advantage of optimized hardware acceleration on Apple ARM systems and PCs equipped with Nvidia Blackwell GPUs. Meanwhile, After Effects introduces High Performance Preview Playback, enabling projects to be cached in both RAM and storage for smoother playback.

    Enhanced 3D Tools

    After Effects now includes powerful 3D tools that provide one-click shortcuts to easily create 3D environments, like dynamic backgrounds that shift with the camera movements. The Animated Environment Lights feature facilitates complex lighting for objects sourced from video or animation elements. Moreover, users can now import FBX files directly from Autodesk 3D software, including Maya, all while monitoring output in HDR.

    AI-Powered Features in Premiere

    Premiere has introduced Firefly-powered Generative Extend, a handy tool that allows video creators to lengthen footage that ends abruptly using AI technology. This feature minimizes the need to reshoot scenes when just a few extra seconds are necessary. Additionally, audio tracks can now be extended to cover any missing main or background sounds in a scene, such as birds chirping or the roar of a motorcycle.

    Improved Clip Search

    The clip search function has also been enhanced through AI. Editors can now search through thousands of clips based on concise descriptions of visuals, audio, or camera metadata, which helps decrease the manual effort required to annotate clips.

    Streamlined HDR Importing

    Importing HDR clips has become easier with the new Premiere Color Management feature. This automatically applies the right color transforms, removing the need for LUTs to accurately display HDR videos. Users can select from Direct Rec.709 and three wide gamut pipelines, including the newly developed ACES (Academy Color Encoding System) wide-color gamut ACEScct.

    Multilingual Captioning

    Premiere also now has the capability to translate captions into 27 languages with the help of AI, building on its existing functions that generate captions, subtitles, and video transcripts from spoken content.

    For those eager to explore these new features in Adobe After Effects and Premiere 25.2, subscribing to Adobe CC is available for purchase on Amazon.

    Check out the new AI-driven features and workflow improvements in Premiere Pro and After Effects 25.2

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  • Niche Dating Apps Suffer Major Privacy Breach Exposing User Photos

    Niche Dating Apps Suffer Major Privacy Breach Exposing User Photos

    Key Takeaways

    1. Security Flaws in Dating Apps: Serious security issues were found in five niche dating apps from M.A.D. Mobile, risking the exposure of private photos.

    2. Unprotected Data Storage: User-uploaded images were stored in Google Cloud without encryption or password protection, making them accessible to anyone with the URL.

    3. Risks of Privacy Breaches: The exposure of explicit images can lead to harassment, extortion, and reputational damage, especially for users of specialized dating apps.

    4. Lack of Response from Company: M.A.D. Mobile did not initially respond to concerns about the leak, prompting Cybernews to publish their findings before the issue was resolved.

    5. Caution with Unknown Apps: Users should avoid apps from unknown publishers and share sensitive media only on encrypted platforms that ensure user protection and accountability.

    As part of a big investigation into security problems in iOS apps, Cybernews found serious issues that could have led to a huge leak of private photos from several niche dating apps, all linked to one company, M.A.D. Mobile. These images came not just from public profiles and posts, but also from user chats, including ones that were deleted by moderators. Many of these images were explicit.

    Affected Apps

    Five apps from M.A.D. Mobile were compromised – BDSM People, the luxury ‘sugar dating’ app Chica, and LGBT apps Pink, Brish, and Translovefound. All these applications used the same architecture and had critical security credentials left as plaintext in the app code. It was these secret keys that directed researchers to the Google Cloud Storage buckets where the photos were stored without any encryption or password protection. This setup meant that anyone who had the URL—made publicly available—could access the media.

    Risks of Exposure

    When private photos are exposed to potential malicious actors, it raises the risk of harassment, extortion, and damage to one’s reputation. The fallout from a privacy breach is likely to be much more severe for users of specialized dating apps, particularly in places where homosexuality is illegal.

    The size of the leak is shocking—over 1.5 million user-uploaded photos, amounting to several hundred gigabytes of data. It’s somewhat reassuring that the exposed data did not include user identities, usernames, emails, or messages; however, a simple reverse image search could easily circumvent that protection. Notably, all five apps are exclusive to iOS, with no versions available for Android or the web.

    Action Taken

    Cybernews first contacted M.A.D. Mobile in January, but there was no response to the leak. Concerned about the lack of action from the company, and going against its usual practice, Cybernews opted to release a report on the issue before it was resolved. It wasn’t until the BBC reached out to the firm that a representative said the issue was indeed fixed, while thanking the researchers for their input.

    This event underscores what many in the cybersecurity field are aware of: third-party iOS apps are not always safe from data leaks. In fact, Cybernews’ investigation revealed a concerning finding. Out of 156,000 apps examined (which is 8% of all apps on the Apple Store), 71% were found to be exposing at least one secret. On average, the code of each app revealed 5.2 secrets.

    Key Takeaway

    The most important lesson from this incident is that users ought to steer clear of apps from unknown publishers, especially when sharing sensitive information. Specifically, sensitive media should only be shared on encrypted platforms and services that provide a level of protection alongside public accountability.

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  • Apple Launches macOS 15.4: Redesigned Mail, AI Features, Improved Photos

    Apple Launches macOS 15.4: Redesigned Mail, AI Features, Improved Photos

    Key Takeaways

    1. macOS 15.4 launched with iOS 18.4, allowing Apple Intelligence use in select languages without changing system language.
    2. New AI features include creating reminder videos in Photos and improved email identification in the Mail app.
    3. Photos app enhancements include better organization, hiding options, and a more accurate retouching brush.
    4. Users can control Matter-compatible devices through the Home app, and a new Podcasts widget has been added.
    5. The update includes various bug fixes and security updates, with some features not available in all regions or on all devices.

    Coinciding with the launch of iOS 18.4, Apple has simultaneously rolled out macOS 15.4. This operating system update, which is around 6.2 GB in size, now permits Mac users in select languages, including German, to utilize Apple Intelligence without needing to change their system language to English. The AI capabilities from Apple are now capable of creating emojis and images, as well as summarizing and rephrasing text, among other features.

    New Features and Improvements

    Apple Intelligence is now accessible on all Macs equipped with an Apple M1 chip or newer, right up to the latest MacBook Air featuring Apple M4. The update brings forth several new AI functionalities, such as the ability to produce reminder videos in the Photos application based on user descriptions. Furthermore, the Mail app has received a revamped design that mirrors the Mail app on iPhones. AI can now help identify and highlight important emails.

    Enhancements in Photos and Home App

    Additionally, the update introduces fresh options for organizing and hiding photos in the Photos app, along with a retouching brush that provides more accuracy when using Apple’s AI eraser. Users can now control Matter-compatible robot vacuums directly through the Home app. A new Podcasts widget has also been added, and the performance of Final Cut Pro has been enhanced on the new Mac Studio featuring Apple M3 Ultra.

    This update allows users to create Memory movies in the Photos app utilizing Apple Intelligence, introduces a new Sketch Style feature in Image Playground, and brings Mail Categorization. It also enhances the organization and filtering capabilities within the Photos library. Alongside these additions, the release contains various other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Mac.

    Important Notes and Security Information

    Apple Intelligence is available for Macs with M1 and later versions, while the Mail and Photos features have been improved significantly.

    This update also includes several enhancements and repairs:

    Some features might not be accessible in all regions or on every Apple device.

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    Apple Launches macOS 15.4: Redesigned Mail, AI Features, Improved PhotosApple Launches macOS 15.4: Redesigned Mail, AI Features, Improved Photos
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