AllYouCanTech

Fraudsters Employ Phony Cell Towers While Americans Find It Hard to Recognize Scams

### Fraudsters Impersonating Cell Towers: The Surge of SMS Blasters

Mobile networks are steadily enhancing their abilities to identify and thwart scam text messages, yet con artists remain inventive, perpetually staying ahead. One concerning development is the emergence of SMS blasters—portable gadgets that can trick smartphones into thinking they are genuine cell towers.

#### Grasping SMS Blasters

As per a report from Wired, the technology powering SMS blasters is not novel, but its application has surged in recent times. Law enforcement bodies in various nations have begun to reveal and apprehend individuals using these devices. SMS blasters are small, often fitting within backpacks, and can mimic cell phone towers, compelling nearby phones to connect via unsecured channels. Upon connecting, these devices can disseminate scam messages that include links to fake websites.

The most sophisticated SMS blasters can affect all phones within a range of roughly 3,000 feet, with some capable of sending nearly 100,000 messages each hour. Cybersecurity specialist Cathal Mc Daid notes that these gadgets exploit older mobile protocols, allowing devices to downgrade from secure 4G and 5G connections to the less secure 2G protocol. This is particularly alarming as it allows fraudsters to dispatch harmful SMS messages to devices that have been deceived into connecting to the counterfeit network.

Mc Daid elaborates, stating, “Phones close to a blaster can be coerced into linking to its fraudulent 4G signals, before the blaster compels devices to revert to the less secure 2G signal. The 2G counterfeit base station is then utilized to send (blast) harmful SMSes to the mobile phones initially caught by the 4G false base station.”

Moreover, scammers are able to impersonate sender details, creating the illusion that messages come from legitimate entities. Thus, it is essential for users to approach links in messages cautiously, particularly if they weren’t anticipated.

#### Americans Find It Challenging to Recognize Scams

The gravity of this problem is underscored by a study by NordVPN, which showed that Americans find it tough to identify phishing scams. As highlighted by CNET, the U.S. showed a poor performance in recognizing phishing attempts, with only 31% of participants capable of identifying phishing websites. This low figure contrasts starkly with other nations, such as the UK, where citizens demonstrated a greater ability to pinpoint such scams.

The study indicates that the sheer volume of scams in the U.S. might lead to this fatigue, making it increasingly challenging for individuals to differentiate between genuine communications and fraudulent efforts.

### Conclusion

As fraudsters continue to embrace advanced technologies like SMS blasters, it is crucial for mobile users to stay alert. Understanding the strategies employed by con artists and recognizing the indications of phishing can aid individuals in safeguarding themselves from becoming victims of these scams.

iOS 26 Brings Battery Level Alerts for AirPods Case

### Improvements in AirPods with iOS 26: An In-Depth Examination

Apple is persistently upgrading the user experience of its AirPods and AirPods Pro alongside the introduction of iOS 26. This update presents a range of fresh features designed to enhance functionality and convenience, especially regarding battery management and charging alerts.

#### New Features in iOS 26

Some of the key features unveiled in iOS 26 include:

1. **Camera Remote**: Users can now use their AirPods as a remote control for their iPhone camera, facilitating hands-free photography.

2. **Sleep Detection**: This functionality pauses media playback when it senses that the user has drifted off to sleep, ensuring an uninterrupted listening experience.

3. **Enhanced Charging Notifications**: A noteworthy enhancement is the capacity for the iPhone to alert users when their AirPods are low on battery, even while the earbuds are in their charging case. This is particularly crucial for the latest AirPods Pro 3, which feature a reduced battery capacity compared to earlier models.

#### Simplified Battery Management

Experiencing the annoyance of realizing that your AirPods are nearly out of battery precisely when you need them is a frequent occurrence. With iOS 26, Apple tackles this dilemma by offering proactive battery status alerts.

In the past, users would only receive battery status notifications when the AirPods were in use or actively losing charge. The latest update facilitates alerts concerning the charging case’s battery level, regardless of whether the AirPods have been used recently. Users can now remain informed about their AirPods’ availability without manual checking.

Furthermore, iOS 26 adds notifications to let users know when their AirPods have fully charged. This feature guarantees that users are aware of exactly when their devices are ready for use, removing the uncertainty associated with charging.

#### Customizing Notifications

For users who wish to opt-out of these alerts, Apple offers an option to disable them. Notifications regarding charging can be easily turned off by going into the Settings app on their iPhone, selecting AirPods, and then modifying the ‘Charging Notifications’ setting under the Battery section.

#### Updating to iOS 26

iOS 26 is now accessible to users. After updating their iPhones, users will need to wait for their AirPods to get the new firmware, which may happen almost instantly or could take a few days.

### Conclusion

The enhancements provided by iOS 26 greatly elevate the user experience for owners of AirPods and AirPods Pro. With features like camera remote capabilities, sleep detection, and more effective battery management notifications, Apple is continually refining its audio accessories, making them increasingly intuitive and user-friendly.

Within Apple’s AirPods Evaluation and Improvement Facilities: A Unique Look

### Within Apple’s Audio Laboratory: The Science Behind AirPods and More

Apple’s dedication to audio quality is showcased in the thorough testing and tuning procedures conducted in its dedicated audio laboratory. This facility features mini recording studios with actual instruments, enabling Apple engineers to assess and improve the audio output of their devices, including AirPods, iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

#### A Look Inside the Facility

Recently, a tech journalist was granted a unique opportunity to tour this audio lab, which contains a vintage hi-fi system originally donated by Steve Jobs to previous generations of Apple audio engineers. Although this system may not be utilized regularly now, it stands as a nostalgic reminder of Apple’s rich musical history.

#### Extensive Testing for All Audio Devices

While AirPods are the most visible product needing audio adjustment, the lab’s efforts encompass all Apple devices capable of sound reproduction. The tuning team takes advantage of the recording studios to reference live sound, comparing it with the output from Apple devices. This method includes extensive listening to a wide range of audio sources, comprising music, films, podcasts, and YouTube videos, across different formats such as mono, stereo, and Dolby Atmos.

#### Formulating the Ideal Sound Profile

To design an engaging sound profile that resonates with users while maintaining authenticity, the media tuning team invests thousands of hours in listening and testing. They examine various hardware versions and tuning options, utilizing computational audio techniques to guarantee a consistent sound experience for all users.

#### The Fantasia Laboratory: Simulating Real-Life Sounds

A distinctive feature of the audio lab is the Fantasia Laboratory, crafted to produce or simulate any sound encountered in everyday life. This space is essential for tuning Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) features, ensuring they efficiently block unwanted noise while accurately reproducing external sounds in transparency mode. The Fantasia Lab can even recreate a live concert setting, permitting engineers to compare this experience with the spatial audio performance of AirPods.

#### Conclusion

Apple’s audio laboratory demonstrates the company’s commitment to delivering superior sound quality throughout its product lineup. The careful testing and tuning processes not only enhance the user experience but also reflect Apple’s heritage in the music sector. For those interested in exploring this intriguing aspect of Apple’s operations further, the complete article provides an engaging insight into the audio lab’s inner workings.

iOS 26 Unveils Full-Screen Screenshot Interface on iPhone: Guidelines for Returning to Earlier Design

# iOS 26 Screenshot Features: A Comprehensive Guide to the New Full-Screen Preview Functionality

The latest iOS 26 software update for iPhone has unveiled a refreshed full-screen preview functionality for taking screenshots. This upgrade incorporates improved visual lookup capabilities, which can be advantageous but may also be considered a hassle for users who favor a speedier, less intrusive method of capturing images.

## Transitioning from Thumbnail to Full-Screen

In earlier iterations of iOS, particularly iOS 18 and prior, capturing a screenshot would present a diminutive, unobtrusive thumbnail in the corner of the display. This feature enabled users to swiftly record what they required without disrupting their workflow. With iOS 26, Apple has transitioned to a full-screen preview mode to highlight its new image lookup and visual intelligence capabilities.

When a screenshot is captured by pressing the side button and volume button together, the iPhone now automatically recognizes any text present in the image. Users can long-press on the recognized text for easy selection and copying. Furthermore, for devices featuring Apple Intelligence, new quick actions permit users to inquire about the content using ChatGPT or conduct an image search through Google or other search platforms. If the screenshot includes location data or a timestamp, shortcuts may also be provided to add events to the calendar or navigate using Maps.

While these functionalities can boost productivity, they might not be essential for every screenshot. Luckily, users can return to the prior thumbnail display.

## Steps to Disable Full-Screen iPhone Screenshot Mode

To turn off the full-screen screenshot experience and revert to the condensed thumbnail view, adhere to these instructions:

1. Launch the **Settings** app on your iPhone.
2. Go to **General**.
3. Choose **Screen Capture**.
4. Turn off the toggle for **Full-Screen Previews**.

With this option disabled, taking a screenshot will revert to the behavior experienced in earlier iOS versions, where a small thumbnail appears in the screen corner and automatically disappears after a few seconds. Users can still engage the full-screen experience by tapping on the thumbnail if they prefer to utilize the visual search functionalities.

## Additional Screenshot Settings

Alongside the full-screen preview toggle, iOS 26 brings forth a couple of other beneficial screenshot settings:

– **CarPlay Screenshots**: Users can toggle the ability to capture screenshots from a connected vehicle’s display while using CarPlay. When this feature is disabled, only screenshots of the iPhone’s actual screen will be saved.

– **Image Format Options**: Users can select the format for taken screenshots. Choices include HDR and SDR. HDR captures a broader dynamic range of on-screen content but saves the screenshot as a HEIF file. For those favoring a more compatible format, selecting the ‘SDR (Most Compatible)’ option will save screenshots as PNG files.

By modifying these settings, users can personalize their screenshot experience to better align with their preferences, striking a balance between functionality and convenience.

The Fresh Apple Watch Hermès Unveils Key Function: Clarus the Dogcow

# Apple Watch Hermès: A Fusion of Technology and Style

The [Apple Watch Hermès](https://9to5mac.com/guides/hermes-watch/) has traditionally been seen as a premium product targeting fashion lovers, but the launch of the Series 11 model introduces a new aspect that attracts Apple enthusiasts.

## The Development of Apple Watch Hermès

After the tepid response to the initial gold Apple Watch Edition, Apple shifted towards a more style-oriented strategy with the Apple Watch Hermès. This version boasts a range of designer bands that frequently surpass the price of the watch itself, along with a distinctive watch face. The partnership has shown to be fruitful, preserving its relevance from the original Apple Watch to the new Series 11.

## Clarus the Dogcow: A Cherished Symbol

The legendary dogcow glyph, designed by Susan Kare for the original Macintosh in 1984, has become a treasured emblem among Apple supporters. This nostalgic figure has made a comeback in the latest Apple Watch Hermès Series 11.

## A Charming Surprise

The Series 11 model features 24 distinct watch face animations, one representing each hour of the day and night. Among these is the delightful Clarus the dogcow, a feature highlighted by [Basic Apple Guy](https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:lzyp6qjpmjwpqgszkplbju53/post/3lyxz636jnf2x). While this fun addition enhances the experience, some buyers wonder if it justifies the watch’s high price of