Bluesky Launches Contact Uploading Feature with a Focus on Privacy

### The Privacy Implications of Social Media Contact Access

Numerous social media applications ask for permission to access your contacts, assuring you that it will assist in connecting with friends who are already on the platform. Nonetheless, this procedure brings forth considerable privacy issues, as it entails sharing not just your data but also the personal information of your contacts without their approval.

#### Understanding the Risks

By allowing a social media application to access your contacts, you are essentially sharing an extensive database of personal details. This can create unease for users who may prefer their online presence to remain private among those in their contact list. Moreover, individuals within your contacts might be unaware that their information is being disclosed, raising ethical questions about consent.

#### Changes in Privacy Practices

To address these worries, companies like Apple have taken steps to improve privacy. For example, Apple has launched a feature that enables users to grant selective access to their contacts, transitioning from the earlier all-or-nothing method. Despite these advancements, the core issue of consent still lacks resolution.

#### Bluesky’s Privacy-First Approach

Bluesky, a social media platform, asserts its commitment to a privacy-first strategy regarding contact access. The platform recognizes that while importing contacts is a useful way to locate friends, it has frequently been mishandled or abused by other services. Bluesky strives to lessen these threats by adopting a more secure framework.

#### Key Features of Bluesky’s Approach

1. **Mutual Participation**: Users will only be matched with contacts if both individuals have opted into the “Find Friends” feature and have each other’s numbers saved. This guarantees that people cannot be discovered unless they have agreed to it.

2. **Phone Number Verification**: Prior to any matching taking place, users must confirm ownership of their phone number. This measure is essential to prevent malicious users from entering random numbers to collect information.

3. **Data Protection**: Bluesky utilizes sophisticated encryption methods, storing phone numbers as hashed pairs. This approach significantly complicates any efforts to reverse-engineer the data, thereby improving user safety.

4. **Opt-Out Option**: Users have the option to delete their uploaded contacts and disengage from the feature at any moment, granting them authority over their information.

#### Potential Downsides

A potential limitation of Bluesky’s approach is that the platform does not keep or monitor phone numbers. Consequently, users might receive text invitations from friends to join the service, even if they are existing members. While this may be regarded as a nuisance, many users might view it as a minor sacrifice for improved privacy safeguards.

### Conclusion

As social media platforms keep evolving, the equilibrium between connectivity and privacy remains a vital concern. Bluesky’s strategy underscores the significance of consent and data protection in the modern era, providing a framework that emphasizes user privacy while still enabling connections.

Support for 1Hz Display on Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11: Suitable Faces and Applications

# Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11: Innovations in Display Technology with watchOS 26

Apple persists in advancing the smartwatch arena with the launch of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11, both featuring cutting-edge LTPO3 display technology. This advancement not only elevates the visual quality but also boosts energy efficiency, marking a notable enhancement for users.

## LTPO3 Display Technology

The LTPO3 (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) displays incorporated in the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11 facilitate an impressive 1Hz refresh rate. This signifies that the display can refresh every second, as opposed to every minute, in Always-On mode. This aspect is especially advantageous for users who wish to keep a continuously visible seconds hand or digital seconds display, even when their wrist is stationary.

## watchOS 26 Enhancements

With the rollout of watchOS 26, Apple has improved 26 watch faces to fully utilize the 1Hz refresh rate. This upgrade allows for a more lively and interactive interface, as users can experience a ticking seconds hand or a digital seconds display at all times.

### Supported Watch Faces

The following watch faces and applications have been fine-tuned to support the 1Hz refresh rate:

– Activity Analog
– Activity Digital
– California
– Color
– Contour
– Exactograph
– Flux
– GMT
– Hermès Faubourg Party
– Hermès Radial
– Infograph
– Meridian
– Metropolitan
– Modular Ultra
– Nike Analog
– Numerals Mono
– Prime Harmony
– Reflections
– Simple
– Solar Analog
– Stripes
– Typograph
– Utility
– Unity Rhythm
– Wayfinder
– Waypoint

Alongside the watch faces, both the Stopwatch and Timer applications can showcase real-time advancements in Always-On mode, enhancing usability for those who depend on these tools.

## Exclusive Features and Compatibility

It is critical to recognize that certain watch faces are reserved for Hermès or Ultra models. Additionally, the Apple Watch Series 10 also accommodates the 1Hz refresh rate for faces and applications. At the time of the Series 10’s introduction, merely three watch faces were capable of utilizing this feature: Flux, Reflections, and Activity Digital.

## Conclusion

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Series 11, integrated with watchOS 26, signify a remarkable progression in smartwatch technology. The sophisticated LTPO3 displays and the revamped watch faces offer users a more captivating and effective experience. As Apple continues to enhance its offerings, these advancements establish a new benchmark for user expectations from their wearable tech.

The iPhone Air 2 Anticipated to Excel Beyond Its Forerunner

### The iPhone Air: A Retrospective and a Glimpse Ahead

The iPhone Air, launched by Apple, has been seen as one of the least successful iPhones in the brand’s history. Despite its underwhelming performance, sources reveal that Apple plans to unveil an iPhone Air 2 in 2027, aiming to rectify the flaws of its earlier version.

#### This Year’s iPhone Air

Upon its debut, the iPhone Air was recognized for its immediate availability, sharply contrasting with the backordered status of the iPhone 17 Pro. Follow-up reports confirmed a trend of insufficient demand, with manufacturing orders reportedly scaled back to nearly end-of-production levels. Ultimately, production of the iPhone Air was claimed to have halted entirely. This dip in interest was not unique, as rivals like Samsung encountered difficulties with their Galaxy S25 Edge, prompting other brands to scrap plans for comparable ultra-slim devices.

#### The Two Issues

The main factors leading to the iPhone Air’s lackluster sales were pinpointed as its steep price and restricted camera features. The device was equipped with only a single camera, which was a notable disadvantage compared to the dual and triple camera configurations offered on the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro, respectively. Furthermore, the iPhone Air’s price was $200 above the base iPhone 17 and merely $100 below the Pro model. This pricing approach likely caused potential buyers to rethink their choices, either leaning towards the more feature-rich Pro model or the more budget-friendly base model.

#### The iPhone Air 2: Possible Fixes

Latest reports indicate that Apple is reassessing the design of the iPhone Air in light of its initial shortcomings. The company is allegedly mulling over the addition of a second camera and lowering the retail price to boost the device’s attractiveness. While these alterations remain under consideration, if executed, they could markedly enhance the market reception of the iPhone Air 2.

#### Conclusion

As Apple gears up for the introduction of the iPhone Air 2 in 2027, tackling the issues that affected its predecessor will be vital. By potentially improving camera features and reevaluating pricing strategies, Apple could regain the interest of consumers who previously bypassed the iPhone Air. The prosperity of the forthcoming model will hinge on its ability to satisfy market demands and resolve the shortcomings of the original device.

iOS 26.3 Update: Main Features Unveiled for iPhone Users

Apple unveiled the initial iOS 26.3 beta this week for iPhone users, concentrating on compatibility between iPhone and Android devices as well as support for third-party smartwatches. Below are the new features brought forth in iOS 26.3.

### iOS 26.3 New Features

#### Android Transfer
An important modification in iOS 26.3 is the new “Transfer to Android” feature, aimed at easing the transition for iPhone users moving to Android devices. This feature was created through a partnership between Apple and Google. The recent Android beta also presents a comparable feature for transferring from Android to iPhone, intending to improve compatibility between the two systems.

Users can start the transfer by placing their Android device next to the iPhone, facilitating a wireless transfer of photos, messages, notes, apps, and more. The user’s phone number can also be moved, but sensitive information such as Health data, Bluetooth devices, and locked notes will not be part of the transfer. Apple and Google are looking to add new data types as beta testing continues.

#### Notification Forwarding
iOS 26.3 launches a “Notification Forwarding” feature that enables iPhone notifications to appear on third-party smartwatches or other wearables. Users can direct notifications to one accessory at a time, with the condition that notifications will not be visible on the Apple Watch while this feature is enabled. This option can be accessed in the “Notifications” menu within the Settings app. Currently, this functionality is restricted to the European Union due to the forthcoming Digital Markets Act regulations.

#### Wallpapers
Apple has implemented slight changes to the wallpapers menu in iOS 26.3, dividing the previous single category for Weather and Astronomy wallpapers into two distinct sections. Although the wallpapers remain unchanged, a few new pre-made wallpapers have been introduced to the Weather category. The Weather wallpapers depict real-time conditions for the user’s current location, while the Astronomy wallpapers reveal the present positioning of the Earth or Solar System.

### iOS 26.3 Release Date
The official launch of iOS 26.3 is anticipated for late January. To provide context, iOS 18.3 was released on January 27, and iOS 27.3 was released on January 22.

### iOS 26.3 Wrap Up
In summary, iOS 26.3 seems to be a smaller update when compared to iOS 26.2. Nevertheless, as the beta testing phase remains in its early phases, there is potential for additional changes and enhancements. Users are encouraged to share any new discoveries in iOS 26.3 as the beta moves forward.

Concealed iPhone Configurations and Functions You Might Not Know About [Video]

# 15 Hidden iPhone Features That Simplify Life

With each iOS update, Apple rolls out numerous features that can greatly improve the user experience. While certain features make headlines, many smaller yet significant settings can often go unnoticed. Here are 15 features and settings that every iPhone user should be aware of but may not be.

## 1. Blur Faces, License Plates, and More in the Photos App

The Clean Up feature in the Photos app, introduced in iOS 18, allows users to eliminate unwanted elements from images. It also enables the blurring of sensitive information like faces and license plates. To utilize this feature:

– Open the Photos app and select an image.
– Tap Edit.
– Choose Cleanup.
– Circle the face or license plate you want to blur immediately.
– Tap Done to save changes.

## 2. Change How Incoming Calls Appear

iOS now provides options for how incoming calls are presented. You can opt for either a full-screen takeover or a banner that lets you continue using your phone while it rings. To modify this setting:

– Open Settings.
– Navigate to Apps → Phone.
– Tap Incoming Calls.
– Select either Banner or Full Screen.

## 3. Prevent Volume Buttons from Changing Ringer Volume

By default, the physical volume buttons adjust both media and ringer volume. To stop this and set the buttons to control only media volume:

– Open Settings.
– Go to Sounds & Haptics.
– Toggle Change with Buttons off.

## 4. Take Manual Control of Macro Mode

The Macro camera feature on recent iPhones can automatically switch modes, which might interrupt your shot. To gain manual control:

– Open Settings.
– Go to Camera.
– Tap Macro Control.
– Enable it for manual control or disable it for automatic switching.

## 5. Share a Podcast from the Exact Moment You Are Listening

The Podcasts app now lets users share specific moments from an episode, making it simpler to highlight intriguing segments. To share a moment:

– Open the Podcasts app and play an episode.
– Tap the captions button located in the bottom-left corner.
– Long-press on any line of the transcript.
– Tap Share to send it to someone, allowing them to jump right to that moment.

## Final Thoughts

Apple consistently integrates helpful features into iOS, yet many stay hidden within settings or are introduced without sufficient details. By showcasing these features, users can unlock the full capability of their iPhones. There are plenty more features to discover, so stay alert for updates and enhancements.

For a visual demonstration of these features, check out our informative video.