Category: Software

February 12, 2024
Clues within Android 14 easter egg suggest upcoming arrival of Android 15
The latest update from Google, Android 14 QPR 3 Beta 1, brings more than just the useful “Circle to Search” feature to Pixel phones. Within this update, there’s a hidden surprise—an Easter egg hinting at the Android 15.
Hidden Easter Egg
As reported by 9to5Google, keen-eyed observers noticed a subtle change in the Android 14 logo—it now resembles an inverted triangle, reminiscent of the letter “V.” Google has a tradition of including a hidden mini-game in each Android release, accessible by tapping the logo multiple times. However, there’s no such game teasing the next Android version just yet. Nevertheless, we can see the codename “Vanillaicecream,” which aligns with the internal name for Android 15.
Naming Tradition
This follows Google’s established tradition of naming Android versions alphabetically after desserts, with Android 15 being affectionately called “Vanilla Ice Cream.” While an official release date for the Android 15 Developer Preview hasn’t been announced, Google’s history suggests it could arrive later this month.
Release Timeline
Based on the timelines of Android 13 and 14, the first betas might become available a few months after the Developer Preview. In keeping with their usual schedule, a stable Android 15 release could land in October, likely alongside the launch of new Pixel phones.
Expected Features
Though it’s too early to know everything Android 15 will offer, some clues have emerged. In the recent Android 14 QPR3 beta, an “App Pairs” feature appeared, suggesting the next Android version will offer better multitasking capabilities. Google has yet to make any official announcements regarding a firm release date for Android 15. However, it’s certain that the next iteration of Android is actively under development.
Speculation and Expectations
As we get closer to an official announcement, speculation on the range of new features and improvements coming with Android 15 will undoubtedly grow.
Tags: Android, Android release, Easter egg
February 12, 2024
Lenovo Set to Reveal New AI-Driven Operating System in 2022
It’s been a while since Lenovo has innovated in the ‘software’ side of things. The Hong-Kong-based company is stepping up its game in the tech world by working on a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) operating system that might just give Windows 11 a run for its money. At the CES 2024 event, Lenovo’s big shot, Liu Jun, let slip their plans to roll out an AI OS this year. A move like this is clearly a part of Lenovo’s big push into AI; the company seems serious about leading the charge in smart tech.
Lenovo’s AI OS to Compete with Windows 11
AI is making its way onto almost all platforms, and Lenovo wants a piece of the pie. Last year, Lenovo was all about boasting its full-stack intelligence strategy. Now, they’re moving forward with an AI OS focused on AI PCs and personal helpers. The idea is to make computers and devices smarter at understanding what we want, using natural language. This means our gadgets could get a lot better at figuring out our needs without us having to spell everything out.
Smart AI PCs and Devices
Lenovo’s first batch of these smart AI PCs is expected to hit the shelves in the first half of this year. They’re designed to be super intuitive, with a knack for picking up on user intent. On top of that, Lenovo’s crafting smart devices embedded with AI, emphasizing that they’re built to respect user privacy and security.
Revolutionizing Technology with an AI PC Ecosystem
The new AI OS isn’t just about launching nifty devices; Lenovo wants to kickstart an AI PC ecosystem. This is a big deal because it’s not just about making cool products; it’s about changing how technology works for us on a daily basis.
With tech giants in China and around the world trying to make their own operating systems, Lenovo’s new project could shake things up. If they pull it off, Lenovo’s AI OS might stand toe-to-toe with big names like Microsoft’s Windows 11. The organization’s dive into AI could mark a turning point, making technology smarter and more in tune with our lives.
Tags: Lenovo, Operating System
February 11, 2024
Play Protect’s real-time update effectively combats financial fraud
Since its launch, Google Play Protect has been scanning installed apps for malware, however this still does not guarantee that customers’ banking apps are 100% safe. Hackers merely need to gain access to the one-time password (OTP) that users received through SMS, enter the right verification code, and they can easily access the victim’s bank account.
Fraud protection on Google Play Protect
Play Protect will now check on the permissions an app requires, the ones that hackers most frequently abuse: RECEIVE_SMS, READ_SMS, BIND_Notifications, and Accesibility. This is a brand-new functionality that Google revealed for the Play Protect. Hackers can view incoming SMS messages and notifications with these permissions, and they can even use the device without the user’s awareness with accesibility permission.
Fraud protection on Play Protect
Since this functionality was developed in collaboration with Cyber Security of Singapore, Google only makes it available in Singapore for now. Users in Singapore will be the first to receive this fraud prevention tool from Google. This is a new feature from Google that always keeps an eye on what apps are doing in the background regarding permissions.
Google states that this allows users to use banking apps safely. Play Protect fraud protection kicks in when users install a third-party application, such as an APK file downloaded from the internet. If the app requests all 4 permissions, a report will be provided to the user.
It’s a really smart move to check these four permissions: RECEIVE_SMS, READ_SMS, BIND_Notifications, and Accesibility. This stops hackers from spying on SMS and notifications coming into the user’s phone, thereby limiting users’ data given to the app so hackers can’t access the user’s bank account.
Tags: cybersecurity, finance, Play Protect
February 11, 2024
Enhanced Security: WhatsApp to Sync Chat Locks Across Devices
WhatsApp, the widely-used messaging application owned by Meta, is working on a new security feature to further strengthen user privacy. The new feature will synchronize chat locks across all devices connected to your account.
Improved User Privacy
In simpler terms, if you decide to lock a conversation on your smartphone, that lock will also be applied to the same conversation when accessed through WhatsApp on your computer, tablet, or any other linked device.
WhatsApp Beta Update
This nifty upgrade was first noticed by WABetaInfo, a reliable source for WhatsApp updates. It was found in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.4.14 update, available to download for all the enrolled beta testers via the Google Play Store.
Enhanced Security Options
WhatsApp introduced the ability to lock specific chats last year. They later introduced another feature called Secret Lock, allowing users to set a unique password different from their device password. This password hides the Locked chats folder, making it invisible to anyone who doesn’t know the code.
Synchronization Across Devices
However, a downside to these features is that they are device-specific settings. This means that these locks must be set up separately on each device—your computer and phone—rather than being synchronized automatically.
The upcoming change will streamline this process, automatically extending your security choices across all platforms where you use WhatsApp. This improved chat lock feature will likely be rolled out in the upcoming WhatsApp update.
Tags: chat locks, enhanced security, WhatsApp update
February 10, 2024
Meta Unveils Enhanced Political Content Management on Instagram and Threads
Social media users are about to gain more control over their feeds on Instagram and Threads, thanks to Meta’s latest update. Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, shared that the intention behind these changes is to honor each user’s preference regarding political content. While some might seek it out, others prefer to steer clear, and Meta’s updates are specifically targeted towards respecting these varying interests. It is not only about filtering what appears in our feeds but also about offering users the choice to engage with political content on their terms.
Users can still tweak their settings to view more of such content
For those who still wish to stay informed about governmental, electoral, or societal issues, the option remains open. Users can tweak their settings to keep this door open, affecting only the content from public accounts in recommended sections like Explore and Reels. Importantly, this won’t affect the content from accounts one already follows, maintaining the personal touch of one’s social media feed.
This initiative is part of Meta’s broader strategy
This initiative is part of Meta’s broader strategy to distance its platforms from the contentious realms of news and politics. Considering the minimal political content in U.S. users’ feeds and the platforms’ stance on not promoting political content due to its limited engagement and potential for negativity, these updates are timely. As we edge closer to another presidential election, the balance between engagement and content quality becomes increasingly crucial.
Implications for content creators
Meta’s new policy also has implications for content creators, particularly those using their platforms professionally. The ability to check and contest recommendation eligibility through the Account Status feature provides a level of transparency and control, ensuring that creators understand how political content might affect their visibility.
Tags: Instagram, political content
February 10, 2024
Speculation Suggests iOS 18 Design Changes Influenced by visionOS
Apple typically favors gradual design evolutions for iOS, the operating system behind iPhones. The most recent major overhaul occurred with iOS 16’s customizable Lock Screen.
Rumors of a Visual Refresh for iOS 18
However, an unconfirmed rumor suggests that iOS 18 might introduce a more substantial visual refresh, taking cues from visionOS, the operating system powering Apple’s Vision Pro headset.
According to a report from The Verifier, visual elements from visionOS might be incorporated into iOS 18. visionOS, while sharing similarities with iOS, features a distinct aesthetic with rounder shapes, shadows, and a sense of depth achieved through floating, overlapping windows.
Early Evidence of the Transition
The report points to the updated Apple TV app in tvOS 17.2 as early evidence of this transition, referencing its new floating sidebar design as similar to visionOS app layouts.
It’s crucial to remember that The Verifier has a mixed history with the accuracy of its predictions, making this rumor particularly speculative.
Moreover, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously reported that iOS 18 will feature “ambitious changes,” although whether these pertain to interface updates or new AI-powered functionality remains unclear.
Distinct Design Languages for Each Operating System
Historically, Apple maintains distinct design languages for each of its operating systems. For instance, iOS has never fully adopted rounded icons or deep shadows simply because those elements exist within watchOS or macOS.
While these rumors could hold some truth, a design shift inspired by visionOS might be more likely to manifest within tvOS. The larger screen format of the Apple TV lends itself well to visual layouts with greater depth and layering, elements more characteristic of visionOS.
Speculations about AI Features
In addition to the talk about design changes, there are speculations that Apple iOS 18 will bring AI features to iPhones. Samsung and Google are already leading in this area, with other Android brands gradually following suit. Apple surely wouldn’t want to fall behind in this race. We’ll make sure to keep you informed about any new developments in iOS 18.
Tags: IOS 18, visionOS
February 9, 2024
WhatsApp to enable cross-platform messaging in compliance with EU regulations
WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is preparing to offer cross-platform messaging. This means WhatsApp users will soon be able to communicate directly with those on apps like Telegram or Signal.
WhatsApp’s Integration Efforts
For the past two years, WhatsApp has been developing a technical solution for this integration while ensuring its strict end-to-end encryption standards remain in place.
Mandated Integration
While this change offers greater messaging choice, it wasn’t entirely WhatsApp’s idea. It’s more of a restriction for the company, at least at the moment, since recent EU legislation designated Meta a tech “gatekeeper”, mandating WhatsApp to open its communication platform within a six-month deadline.
Functionality and Rollout
WhatsApp is now outlining how this messaging interoperability will function as the deadline is nearing. Initially, the focus will be on basic features like exchanging texts, images, videos, voice messages, and files between individuals.
More advanced features like calls and group chats will be rolled out later. But more importantly, users must actively opt-in to this cross-platform messaging to avoid potential “spam and scams” says Dick Brouwer, an engineering director at WhatsApp.
Users who opt-in for the service will see conversations received from other platforms in a separate “third-party chats” section within WhatsApp.
Likewise, the messaging apps wishing to connect with WhatsApp will need to sign agreements and abide by Meta’s terms. So, it will certainly take time to fully implement this feature, but detailed plans are expected in March.
The Goal of Interoperability
The goal of interoperability is pretty straightforward — you shouldn’t have to jump between apps to stay in touch with people, regardless of their preferred messaging platform.
Ideally, this could even mean chatting between WhatsApp and Telegram or Signal, or even iMessage. However, the technical and security challenges of connecting large, encrypted messaging apps are pretty significant and not easy.
So despite the company’s active preparation, it will take time for cross-platform messaging to reach everyday users. We expect official details about interoperability on WhatsApp to come out soon.
Tags: cross-platform messaging, EU regulations, WhatsApp
February 9, 2024
EU’s Content Policing Bill Faces Opposition from Tech Giants TikTok and Meta
Tech giants Meta and ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, are pushing back against a new financial requirement imposed by the European Union (EU) through the Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA mandates that major online platforms, including Meta and ByteDance, contribute to the costs of their own regulation. However, the companies are contesting the EU's calculations, which have resulted in a hefty €45.2 million ($48.7 million) bill for them.
The main point of contention for Meta and ByteDance is the method used by the EU to determine the amount each company should pay. Currently, the fee is based on the size of a platform's user base, with companies having 45 million or more users being asked to pay. However, not all companies are treated equally under this system. Amazon and Pinterest, for example, reported minimal profits and have been exempted from payment. In contrast, Meta has been handed a bill of €11 million ($11.9 million), while the exact amount for ByteDance remains undisclosed.
Meta argues that the current system unfairly burdens certain companies, particularly those that are profitable. They highlight the fact that companies recording losses are exempt from payment, regardless of their user numbers or regulatory demands. This discrepancy could result in a disproportionate financial burden on profitable companies.
The stakes are high for Meta and ByteDance, as non-compliance with the DSA could lead to fines of up to six percent of a company's global revenue. In addition to the financial implications, the DSA also imposes obligations for clearer advertising, content moderation, data sharing with the EU Commission, and participation in annual audits.
With the DSA now in effect, all eyes are on how this battle over the balance of financial responsibility for online safety and transparency will unfold.
Tech behemoths Meta and TikTok's parent company ByteDance are challenging a new financial demand from the European Union. The EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) mandates that major online platforms, including these tech giants, contribute to the costs of their own regulation. Meta and ByteDance are contesting the EU's calculations, which have resulted in a hefty €45.2 million ($48.7 million) bill for them.
The companies argue that the method used by the EU to determine the amount each company should pay is unfair. The fee currently depends on the size of a platform's user base, with companies having 45 million users or more being asked to pay. However, not all companies are treated equally under this system. Amazon and Pinterest, which reported minimal profits, have been exempted from payment. In contrast, Meta has been handed a bill of €11 million ($11.9 million), while the exact amount for ByteDance remains undisclosed.
Meta has raised concerns about the current system unfairly burdening certain companies, particularly profitable ones. They highlight that firms recording losses are exempt from payment, regardless of their user numbers or regulatory demands. This discrepancy could result in a disproportionate financial load on profitable companies.
Non-compliance with the DSA could lead to fines up to six percent of a company's global revenue. The DSA also imposes obligations for clearer advertising, content moderation, data sharing with the EU Commission, and participation in annual audits.
With the DSA now in effect, the focus is on how this battle over the balance of financial responsibility for online safety and transparency will unfold.
Tags: Meta Platforms, tech giants, TikTok
February 8, 2024
Disney Plus to introduce paid account sharing akin to Netflix beginning this summer
Disney is set to crack down on password-sharing for its streaming services, Disney Plus and Hulu, starting this summer. The announcement came during an earnings call where Disney’s chief financial officer, Hugh Johnston, revealed plans to offer separate subscriptions for accounts suspected of improper sharing. Additionally, Disney will introduce an option for account holders to add individuals outside their household for an extra fee, aiming to “improve” the overall customer experience and grow its subscriber base.
Changes for Existing Subscribers
Existing subscribers of Disney Plus will face these changes starting March 14th. Both Disney Plus and Hulu have recently updated their terms of service to prohibit subscription sharing with individuals outside one’s household. While these terms have already applied to new subscribers since January 25th, existing members will face these changes starting March 14th. This move follows Netflix’s implementation of a paid sharing model last year, where subscribers are charged an additional $7.99 per month to add someone located outside their home.
Disney’s Strategy
Disney sees paid sharing as an opportunity to expand its reach and capitalize on a strategy already employed by competitors. Johnston emphasized the company’s forthcoming actions to address this issue in the coming months, indicating a proactive approach to mitigate improper account usage.
In addition to the password-sharing crackdown, Disney Plus plans to launch a unified streaming experience with Hulu in March, following a successful beta release last year. However, Disney Plus reported a loss of 1.3 million subscribers in the US and Canada following price increases, while Hulu saw an increase of 1.2 million members.
New Sports Streaming Service
Meanwhile, Disney-owned ESPN unveiled plans to launch a new live sports streaming service in partnership with Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery, set to debut in the fall. This service will also be accessible to Disney Plus bundle subscribers, which includes Hulu and ESPN Plus. These announcements coincide with Disney’s long-term strategy to adapt to the evolving media landscape, including the launch of a direct-to-consumer version of ESPN in August 2025, reflecting the company’s pivot away from traditional pay TV models in response to changing viewer habits and market dynamics.
Tags: Disney Plus, Netflix, paid sharing
February 6, 2024
Google and Mozilla Take Offense at Apple’s Browser Rule Modification
Apple is making some big changes to how browsers work on iPhones and iPads in Europe, and it’s all because of new rules from the European Union. These rules are supposed to help other companies compete better with big ones like Apple. Now, browsers like Chrome and Firefox can use their own technology on iOS devices, but there’s a catch – this is only happening in Europe.
Apple’s Changes for European Browsers
The European Union is responsible for this change. Google and Mozilla, the companies behind Chrome and Firefox, aren’t too happy about this. They say that by making these changes only in Europe, Apple is making things complicated for them. They’ll have to work on two different versions of their browsers, one for Europe and another for the rest of the world. Mozilla thinks this is unfair and makes it hard for any browser other than Safari to compete.
Discontent Among Google and Mozilla
Google’s Chrome team agrees. They think Apple’s not really trying to make it easier for other browsers to compete on iPhones and iPads. Right now, if you download Chrome or Firefox on an iOS device, you’re basically using Safari with a different look. That’s because Apple hasn’t let other browsers use their own tech until now.
Competition and Safari’s Improvement
People have been complaining about Safari for a while, saying it’s slow to add new features that other browsers have. But Safari is getting better, and having more competition could push it to improve even faster. The problem is, with Apple’s new rules, this competition is only happening in Europe.
Even though these changes are a big deal for Europe, they don’t help everyone else. Google and Mozilla have been getting ready for this by working on their browsers for iOS, hoping to bring new features to users. But with Apple’s restrictions, it looks like the rest of the world will have to wait to see any real change in how they browse the web on their iPhones and iPads.
Tags: Apple, google, Mozilla, Rule Change