Month: June 2025

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Activating Advanced Protection on a Google Pixel Device
    Activating Advanced Protection on a Google Pixel Device

    Enhanced Security prevents unauthorized access.

    (Image credit: Christine Persaud / Android Central)

    Mobile phones hold a significant amount of our information due to their large storage capacity, vast array of applications, and lightning-fast performance. This explains why manufacturers continue to enhance their security features. Your social media credentials, financial details, personal images, critical documents, and much more reside on your device.

    Google provides Enhanced Security for its Google Pixel smartphones and other compatible Android devices via an Android 16 update. Dubbed the “most robust security layer,” it safeguards not only your devices but also your Google Account. Simply enroll, and enjoy the boosted defense against hacking attempts, malware, unsafe applications, and cybercriminals. The cherry on top? It’s complimentary!

    Steps to activate Enhanced Security on a Google Pixel smartphone

    1. Launch the Settings app on your Google Pixel smartphone.

    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Klarna Unveils Pay Later Feature for Android Users on Google Pay
    Klarna Unveils Pay Later Feature for Android Users on Google Pay

    Start purchasing the items you desire in your preferred manner.

    (Image credit: Klarna)

    Essential information to note

    • Integration with Google Pay has been announced by Klarna, which will extend the BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) alternatives for online purchases at checkout.
    • Klarna mentions that it will be accessible in “selected” Android applications and websites that utilize Google Pay’s services, with the rollout commencing today (June 24).
    • In 2024, Google Pay broadened its BNPL selections by adding third-party providers such as Affirm and Zip.

    Although it may not have caught your attention, Google Pay and Klarna have collaborated to provide you with even more versatile payment options.

    In a press release, Klarna revealed that its integration with Google Pay is now live (June 24). The company indicates that users should see the payment option during checkout while shopping online on “selected” Android applications and websites. Klarna’s chief commercial officer, David Sykes, remarked, “The integration with Google Pay represents a significant advancement in Klarna’s goal to offer flexible, transparent payment solutions where consumers already shop.”

    Klarna is set to improve the Buy Now, Pay Later options available through Google Pay for purchasing high-ticket items. The announcement notes that users will have access to Klarna’s “Pay in four installments” feature. This allows you to make “four fixed payments” without interest for purchases exceeding $35.

    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Apple’s Approach to Improve the Features of the Upcoming iPad Pro
    Apple’s Approach to Improve the Features of the Upcoming iPad Pro

    The M4 iPad Pro stands out as one of the finest offerings from Apple in the recent past. Its sleek design, paired with the M4 chip, a nano-texture alternative, and an enhanced Magic Keyboard, establishes this tablet as one of the top hardware products available.

    With speculation about an impending M5 version debuting as early as this year, it appears that among the enhancements could be even slimmer bezels. The Elec reports that LG Innotek might supply Apple with the chip-on-film (CoF) for iPad OLED screens.

    The source indicates that Apple is anticipated to either greenlight or dismiss this new display in June. Up until now, Apple has been relying solely on a display driver IC (DDI) provided by Samsung System LSI. This technology has the potential to reduce the visible bezels on Apple’s premier iPad, enhancing its appeal to prospective purchasers.

    Although I doubt this will specifically encourage M4 iPad Pro users to upgrade, additional rumors suggest that Apple is aiming to introduce a landscape-oriented Apple logo and its own 5G modem by 2027. Furthermore, Apple has plans to refresh the OLED display. Current reports indicate that Apple intends to implement 8th-generation OLED technology in the 2026 MacBook Pro models. Meanwhile, the existing iPad utilizes 6th-generation technology, which may eventually be incorporated into the iPad.

    iPadOS 26 serves as a connection between the legacy and the future of the iPad Pro. This rumor suggests that Apple aims to continue enhancing its advanced product, even though the M4 iPad Pro remains a strong upgrade for any tablet enthusiast.

    The M5 chip is set to enhance this device further, as the company addresses the most significant challenge facing the iPad Pro: iPadOS. The newly announced iPadOS 26 introduces Mac-like menus, a revamped windowing system, and upgraded Files and Preview applications.

    These modifications alone are sufficient to give the iPad a more Mac-like appearance, while still prioritizing a touchscreen experience. Consequently, users will finally exploit the iPad’s best functionalities with the features that this upcoming software update will enable.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Apple Unveils Wallet Alerts Highlighting F1 Promotion, Encounters User Discontent
    Apple Unveils Wallet Alerts Highlighting F1 Promotion, Encounters User Discontent

    ### Apple Wallet Promotion for F1 The Movie Triggers Advertising Complaints

    Apple, recognized for its popular devices like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, has broadened its presence in the film and television sector with the debut of Apple TV+. This weekend, the tech titan is poised to unveil its most ambitious cinematic endeavor to date: *F1 The Movie*. In line with its marketing approach, Apple has utilized various promotional strategies to ensure a prosperous opening weekend. Nevertheless, a recent initiative has incited backlash among users.

    The Wallet application from Apple has started sending push notifications to iPhone users, advertising an Apple Pay incentive specifically for *F1 The Movie*. This promotion enables users to save $10 on the purchase of two or more tickets by using the code APPLEPAYTEN through Fandango. While the goal of the offer might be to improve user experience and boost ticket sales, numerous users have voiced their discontent with receiving ads through the Wallet app.

    Several complaints have emerged on social media, with users expressing their annoyance over the unexpected marketing tactic. A report from TechCrunch pointed out various instances of these concerns, highlighting an increasing worry among iPhone users about the invasion of advertisements in what they view as a personal space.

    In reaction to the criticism, Apple has rolled out a new feature in the iOS 26 beta version allowing users to mute notifications for offers and promotions within the Wallet app. This option, however, is not present in the existing iOS 18 version, leaving many users without a way to decline such notifications.

    As the dialogue surrounding digital advertising and user privacy progresses, Apple’s method with the Wallet app stands as a significant case study. Striking a balance between marketing endeavors and user experience continues to be a crucial factor for technology companies as they maneuver through the intricacies of consumer expectations.

    Did you receive the F1 notification from Apple Wallet? Share your perspectives in the comments.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Three Suggested Smartwatches as Options to the Google Pixel Watch
    Three Suggested Smartwatches as Options to the Google Pixel Watch

    The Pixel Watch 3 is impressive, but it’s just not my cup of tea — here’s what I favor.

    The Google Pixel Watch 3 has garnered a lot of admiration here at Android Central, getting close to being the go-to smartwatch choice for Android enthusiasts. However, something about the Pixel Watch fails to pique my interest. Perhaps it’s the compact screen, waterdrop design, limited battery life, or the dark interface.

    Nonetheless, after several unsuccessful tries to adopt the Pixel Watch, it’s evident that the popular Google smartwatch simply isn’t my ideal match. The device doesn’t seem as functional or captivating as others I’ve tried from Apple, Samsung, Garmin, and OnePlus. For roughly the same cost as the latest Google Pixel Watch, there are several smartwatches that I believe deserve a place on your wrist.

    If you share my perspective — an Android user who feels a Pixel Watch isn’t the best choice — these are the top wearables worth considering instead. With Amazon Prime Day just around the corner, there’s a possibility that some or all of these gadgets could be discounted, making it a prime opportunity to grab a new smartwatch.

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 7

    While the Pixel Watch continues to improve each year, I maintain that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 should remain the standard wearable for Android users. Samsung has been producing smart wearables for a longer period, and it certainly shows in the Galaxy Watch 7. Although the Google Pixel Watch draws inspiration from the company’s acquisition of Fitbit, it doesn’t always translate positively. For example, obtaining the complete fitness experience necessitates a Fitbit Premium subscription.

    Arguably, my main concern with the Pixel Watch is its dark UI, which strikes me as dreary and uninviting. This design choice aims to conceal the Pixel Watch’s large black bezels and extend battery life, but it has faltered in my experience. Both the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and the Pixel Watch 3 offer displays rated at 2,000 nits of peak brightness, yet the Samsung watch appears superior and more luminous due to its design and UI decisions.

    One UI 6 Watch is fantastic, and Samsung’s partnership with Google for Wear OS means many features are aligned between Pixel and Galaxy Watch models. For instance, Gemini will be introduced to the Galaxy Watch 7 soon. There are also unique features, and Samsung’s Exynos W1000 chip ensures this watch feels responsive.

    Personally, I favor the flat display and robust design of the Galaxy Watch 7 over those of the Pixel Watch 3. All these advantages, along with an extended software support timeframe, make the Galaxy Watch 7 an easy recommendation over Google’s option.

    OnePlus Watch 3

    Another fantastic competitor to the Pixel Watch is the OnePlus Watch 3. My experience with the OnePlus Watch 2R last year left me impressed with its sleek design, fitness and health features, and smooth UI at its price point. The newer OnePlus Watch 3 elevates this while maintaining an impressive 100-hour battery life. While you’ll likely need to charge the Pixel Watch 3 daily, the OnePlus Watch 3 can last several days between charges.

    As a smaller company, OnePlus means the Watch 3 may not be as universal as the Pixel Watch 3 or Galaxy Watch 7. There is no LTE option available, which is disappointing, and the same applies to the ECG feature. If you can manage without those features — as I certainly can — the OnePlus Watch 3 becomes an appealing option. Its smaller size adds to this appeal.

    What I genuinely appreciate about the OnePlus Watch models is how engaging their fitness and health tools are. They are vibrant and colorful, featuring charts and rings that encourage users to explore their workout insights. It reminds me of how Apple Watches motivate users to enhance their fitness, but without the pressure of needing to close the Apple Watch rings daily.

    For outdoor adventurers, runners, or fitness aficionados, I believe the OnePlus Watch 3 presents a compelling alternative to the Pixel Watch 3. The insights, functionality, and presentation are simply superior and more supportive, winning me over.

    Garmin Vivoactive 6

    You might hesitate to transition from a Wear OS watch to a Garmin. I did as well, but I recently transitioned from Wear OS and watchOS devices to GarminOS, and I haven’t regretted it. The Garmin Vivoactive 6 is a sneaky alternative to the Pixel Watch 3 — arguably the finest option on this list. This is because the Vivoactive 6 maintains the small and subtle elegance of the Pixel Watch 3 while offering a more comprehensive experience.

    It comes in four delightful colors — Slate, Lunar Gold, Metallic Jasper Green, and Metallic Pink Dawn — yet it lacks many of the durability concerns associated with the Pixel Watch.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Google Messages to Motivate Users to Urge Friends to Sign Up for RCS
    Google Messages to Motivate Users to Urge Friends to Sign Up for RCS

    It seems Google Messages is encouraging you to become the messenger.

    (Image credit: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)

    Essential information

    • Google Messages may soon depend on you to prompt your friends to activate RCS via integrated messages.
    • A forthcoming feature will autofill an invitation for your SMS-only contacts, simplifying the transition to enhanced chats.
    • These prompts aren’t active yet, but the code exists, suggesting a near-term rollout.

    RCS remains an optional enhancement within Google Messages, meaning you must enable it manually. However, recent investigations into the app’s latest update have revealed concealed text indicators that Google intends to encourage users to enable it shortly.

    A recent APK analysis by Android Authority indicates that Google is working on a new capability that automatically fills a message to send to friends still using SMS. If you’re not on RCS yet, anticipate a friendly reminder from your RCS-enabled friends to finally make the switch.

    When Google Messages detects that someone is still using SMS, you’ll see a “Text an invite” option. Messages like “invite this contact to RCS chat” and “we can exchange high-quality media and send secure messages when we’re both on RCS” suggest that prompting friends to upgrade will be swift and effortless on your part.

    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Researchers Achieve Successful Light Transmission Through Human Skull for the First Time
    Researchers Achieve Successful Light Transmission Through Human Skull for the First Time

    Researchers at the University of Glasgow have made a revolutionary advancement in brain imaging by successfully transmitting light through an individual’s head for the very first time. This novel method, described in a paper published in the journal *Neurophotonics*, holds promise as a non-invasive substitute for conventional MRI machines, which tend to be bulky and non-portable. The researchers employed near-infrared lasers to penetrate brain tissue, bone, and neurons. However, the method has only been effective in one out of eight test subjects, notably a man with no hair and light skin, suggesting that further enhancement is required to overcome these challenges.

    In spite of the present difficulties, the technique shows potential since the light does not scatter randomly but instead follows specific pathways, which could enable more precise imaging depending on head position and light source. This may pave the way for portable brain imaging systems that would be more attainable than standard MRI devices. Should this technique be further refined, it could serve as a crucial instrument for identifying brain diseases and symptoms that are challenging to detect without comprehensive MRI scans. Nonetheless, additional research and trials are needed before this method can be broadly implemented in medical settings.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Netflix to Eliminate More Than 20 Mobile Games in July, Featuring Hades
    Netflix to Eliminate More Than 20 Mobile Games in July, Featuring Hades

    Netflix’s Withdrawal from Mobile Gaming: A Change in Strategy

    One of the less recognized perks of a Netflix subscription has been access to a varied assortment of premium mobile games. Nonetheless, recent events indicate that Netflix is retreating from its aspirations in the mobile gaming arena. This transition is highlighted by the deletion of 22 games from its library, hinting at a possible strategic alteration for the streaming giant.

    Key Games Departing Netflix

    According to What’s on Netflix, several significant titles are poised to exit the platform. Included in these is “Hades,” a highly praised game that won multiple Game of the Year awards in 2020. Other beloved titles such as the “Monument Valley” trilogy and “The Case of the Golden Idol” series, which have received extensive recognition, are also part of the games being taken down. The exhaustive list of games leaving on July 15 encompasses:

    – Battleship
    – Braid, Anniversary Edition
    – Carmen Sandiego
    – CoComelon: Play with JJ
    – Death’s Door
    – Diner Out: Merge Cafe
    – Dumb Ways to Die
    – Ghost Detective
    – Hades (Last day to play: July 1)
    – Katana ZERO
    – LEGO Legacy: Heroes Unboxed
    – Ludo King
    – Monument Valley
    – Monument Valley 2
    – Monument Valley 3
    – Rainbow Six: SMOL
    – Raji: An Ancient Epic
    – SpongeBob: Bubble Pop F.U.N.
    – TED Tumblewords
    – The Case of the Golden Idol
    – The Rise of the Golden Idol
    – Vineyard Valley

    This compilation accounts for approximately 20% of Netflix’s gaming library, featuring some of its top-rated selections.

    A Strategic Realignment

    The removal of these games is not attributed to their performance; many were viewed as incentives for subscribers. Rather, it signifies a wider strategic realignment after a difficult year for Netflix’s gaming division. The company has undergone notable changes, including the exit of its initial gaming leader, the shutdown of a AAA game studio before launching any titles, and the cancellation of several highly anticipated projects like “Tales of the Shire” and “Don’t Starve Together.”

    As Netflix adjusts to these changes, its prospects in the gaming sector remain unpredictable. The choice to eliminate these games may signal a reassessment of its position in the mobile gaming market, concentrating on different facets of growth and innovation.

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Examination of Important Insights from Recent Legal Submissions Involving OpenAI and ioY
    Examination of Important Insights from Recent Legal Submissions Involving OpenAI and ioY

    **OpenAI’s Legal Struggle Regarding the ‘io’ Trademark: Essential Takeaways from Recent Submissions**

    Last night, TechCrunch shared concerning new legal documents submitted by OpenAI in the continuing ioY trademark litigation, which has led to the elimination of the ‘io’ identity from OpenAI’s website. The papers, submitted by OpenAI’s leader Sam Altman and ex-Apple staff now connected to io Products, uncover crucial revelations about the organization’s goals and the background of the legal case.

    ### 1. iyO’s Efforts to Hire Evans Hankey

    In 2022, iyO’s CEO Jason Rugolo sought to recruit Evans Hankey while she was still employed at Apple. During their discussion, Rugolo characterized his firm as focusing on enhanced audio technology, omitting any references to AI-related endeavors. Hankey eventually turned down the proposal.

    ### 2. Hankey’s Shift from Apple

    Against widespread assumptions, Evans Hankey did not depart Apple to affiliate with Jony Ive’s operation, LoveFrom. After her exit from Apple in April 2023, she took a break before engaging in conversations regarding possible AI initiatives with Ive. She became an advisor at LoveFrom before moving to io Products in June 2024.

    ### 3. OpenAI’s Legal Defense Approach

    OpenAI’s strategy in the lawsuit underscores that it received unsolicited correspondence from ioY’s CEO, Jason Rugolo. The documents imply that Rugolo approached OpenAI executives for alliances and investment, only beginning trademark threats when OpenAI expressed no desire for collaboration.

    ### 4. The Creation of the ‘io’ Name

    The designation ‘io’ was established by Jony Ive and Sam Altman in mid-2023, with the aim of designing a series of devices for innovative AI interaction. Altman noted that the name encapsulates the idea of “input/output,” aligning with their objective of crafting new user interfaces driven by AI.

    ### 5. Upcoming Product Strategies at io Products

    Latest filings suggest that io Products is investigating in-ear headphone technology, with ambitions for future releases. However, the company has indicated that it is at least a year from unveiling any products, with the inaugural offering not being an in-ear device. This clarification seeks to distinguish their offerings from those of ioY, contending that they do not belong to the same category.

    ### Conclusion

    The continuing legal battle between OpenAI and ioY underscores the intricacies of trademark concerns in the technology sector, especially as companies maneuver through the swiftly changing domain of AI and audio technology. The filings offer insight into the strategic choices and forthcoming paths of both firms as they strive to carve out their identities in a competitive landscape.

    For more information, the complete declarations from the parties involved can be accessed via the provided links.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on iOS 26 Feature Indicates Apple Could Be Creating Cameras for AirPods Pro 3
    iOS 26 Feature Indicates Apple Could Be Creating Cameras for AirPods Pro 3

    # iOS 26: A Significant Release with Exciting Enhancements for AirPods

    iOS 26 is an essential software update that not only improves the iPhone ecosystem but also brings important updates for related platforms like CarPlay and AirPods. Among the fresh features, the Camera Remote capability stands out, possibly indicating Apple’s future vision for AirPods Pro 3, which could feature embedded cameras.

    ## AirPods Introduce Camera Remote Capability in iOS 26

    One of the most captivating enhancements in iOS 26 is the Camera Remote functionality for AirPods. This feature lets users manage their iPhone’s camera directly from their AirPods, akin to the Camera Remote application found on the Apple Watch.

    With this capability, users can snap photos and record videos by merely tapping the stem of their AirPods. The settings offer versatility, enabling users to select either a single tap or a press-and-hold action to activate the camera. As stated in the iOS 26 Settings app:

    > “Capture a photo, start or stop recording, and more using either Press Once or Press and Hold. When utilizing AirPods for camera functions, if you choose Press Once, media control gestures will be disabled, and if you choose Press and Hold, listening mode and Siri gestures will be disabled.”

    For individuals who do not possess an Apple Watch, this function provides a practical alternative for hands-free photography and videography.

    ## AirPods Pro 3 with Cameras Anticipated in the Coming Year

    The expected debut of AirPods Pro 3 is stirring considerable conjecture. Initially projected for fall 2025, fresh reports hint at a possible launch in 2026. Analysts, including Ming-Chi Kuo, have suggested that these new AirPods Pro may include infrared (IR) cameras. Mark Gurman has further indicated that the forthcoming model will integrate external cameras and artificial intelligence to improve user interaction with their surroundings.

    Gurman remarks:

    > “Apple is developing a new version of the AirPods Pro that employs external cameras and artificial intelligence to comprehend the external environment and relay information to the user.”

    Whether the cameras will solely offer IR functionality or additionally support conventional photo and video capture remains uncertain. Nonetheless, the new Camera Remote capability in iOS 26 could provide a helpful mechanism for activating these cameras.

    The incorporation of AI features, similar to the visual intelligence technologies on the iPhone, suggests that AirPods Pro 3 may deliver real-time assistance based on the cameras’ captures. Users might find it feasible to press the AirPods stem to take a picture or engage visual intelligence features, paralleling the iPhone’s Camera Control button functionalities.

    Notably, the Settings app in iOS 26 features an updated AirPods menu labeled “Camera Control,” which currently lacks additional settings. This could imply that Apple is preparing for advanced camera functionalities in upcoming AirPods iterations.

    ## Conclusion

    The Camera Remote feature in iOS 26 may not merely be a slight enhancement; it might serve as a precursor to the more sophisticated capabilities anticipated in AirPods Pro 3. As Apple perseveres in innovation, the prospect for AirPods to encompass camera technology and AI offers thrilling opportunities for users. Whether this feature signifies a shortage of ideas or a strategic step towards the future remains to be determined.

    What are your views on the new AirPods feature in iOS 26? Do you think it is associated with the expected cameras in AirPods Pro 3? Express your thoughts in the comments.

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