Author: Richard

How to Resolve Android Auto Voice Commands Not Functioning

place calls and manage your media by giving voice commands to Google Assistant. At least, that’s the ideal scenario, but regrettably, Google Assistant can sometimes become a bit temperamental and start refusing to respond to commands. The most common reasons for these disruptions are linked to the status and functionality of your car’s audio receivers and interface.

Assuming you’re speaking clearly and loudly without mumbling, one reason Google Assistant might not recognize your command could involve incorrect use of your vehicle’s Android Auto buttons and features. It might also be as straightforward as the microphone audio being inadvertently turned down, leading Google Assistant to believe it’s not detecting anything. Regardless of the specific issue, it is usually an easy fix.

Verify your volume and the state of your audio equipment

TSA Regulations on Taking Out Chargers During Security Checks

key gadgets to include in your carry-on for traveling are a portable charger, in addition to a charging adapter and cable. As the battery of your phone gradually runs down, you can never predict when there might be a prolonged flight delay at the airport — a portable charger enables you to keep your devices juiced up without relying on a wall socket. Although the newest smartphones feature enhanced battery performance, if you plan to be out all day and evening either exploring or in meetings, a portable charging bank can prove invaluable. Additionally, a cable and adapter allow it to be charged again at the hotel.

While a power bank can be incredibly useful when traveling, you might wonder about the potential hassle it could cause during TSA inspections at the airport — specifically, whether you should remove it from your bag. Although there are exceptions, such as airports with very specific regulations or chargers that contain unusually large batteries, the quick answer is no, you do not need to. In most cases, you can safely keep your power bank in your bag while it passes through the scanner.

The TSA regulations regarding chargers

Apple @ Work: Upgrades in Chrome’s Adaptable Single Sign-On Functionality Boost Integration for IT Departments on Mac

**Chrome Embraces Apple’s Extensible Single Sign-On Framework: A New Chapter for Enterprise Security**

The web browser serves as a vital tool for Mac users, particularly in corporate settings where efficiency and safety are crucial. As dependence on web-based applications like Jira, Salesforce, and email systems grows, the browser has evolved into both a facilitator of productivity and a notable security concern for IT teams. This context makes Chrome’s recent adoption of Apple’s Extensible Single Sign-On (SSO) framework a significant advancement for businesses utilizing Apple gadgets.

### Grasping the Significance of SSO

Single Sign-On technology enables users to log in a single time and access multiple applications without repeated sign-ins. Apple introduced its Extensible SSO framework to simplify the authentication mechanism across macOS and iOS, permitting identity providers to integrate seamlessly into the OS. This advancement minimizes the frequency of login requests that employees encounter, improving user satisfaction while simultaneously decreasing the chances of password theft and phishing schemes.

### Chrome’s Fusion with Apple’s SSO Framework

Traditionally, Chrome has been a favored browser within numerous enterprises due to its rapid performance, versatility, and connection with Google Workspace. However, it hasn’t always perfectly matched macOS management protocols. The latest enhancement that introduces support for Apple’s Extensible SSO alters this situation. Now, Chrome users on Mac can experience a native sign-in process that adheres to Apple’s authentication guidelines.

With this integration, once users authenticate, their session carries throughout Chrome, granting access to corporate SaaS platforms without needing to sign in multiple times. This shift indicates a collaborative initiative between Google and Apple aimed at improving security and user experience in the corporate landscape.

### Advantages for IT and Users

For IT teams, the incorporation of Chrome with Apple’s Extensible SSO framework brings multiple benefits:

1. **Minimized Password Exposure**: Reduced login requests create fewer chances for passwords to be compromised.
2. **Diminished Phishing Threats**: A smooth authentication procedure decreases the likelihood of users becoming targets of phishing schemes.
3. **Uniform Access Policy Implementation**: IT can enforce access regulations more efficiently, as the authentication links directly to the organization’s identity provider.

Employees gain from a more seamless login process, enabling them to concentrate on their tasks instead of juggling multiple passwords.

### A Sign of Vendor Collaboration

Google’s decision to adopt Apple’s SSO framework illustrates a wider trend towards collaboration among technology providers aimed at enhancing security and usability in corporate settings. While Google continues to endorse its own products, like Android and Chromebooks, it acknowledges the necessity of enabling Chrome to perform efficiently across all platforms, including macOS.

### Conclusion

The incorporation of Apple’s Extensible Single Sign-On framework into Chrome represents a notable advancement towards a more cohesive authentication experience within the corporate ecosystem. As more organizations begin to utilize Apple devices, this progress not only fortifies security but also enhances productivity by streamlining the user journey. With Apple expanding its identity solutions, the partnership between these two tech leaders hints at a positive future for enterprise safety and administration.

For organizations seeking to optimize their Apple device management, Mosyle provides a holistic solution that consolidates all essential tools for deploying, managing, and safeguarding Apple devices effortlessly.

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Apple Organizes Christmas Tree Drawing Contest for iPad Users in the UK

### Apple’s Christmas Tree Drawing Contest: Your Tree on Battersea

Apple is hosting a distinctive Christmas tree drawing contest, inviting iPad users from around the UK to share their artistic works. The chosen designs will be projected onto the famous Battersea Power Station in London, creating a festive showcase that merges technology with creativity. This initiative follows the successful projection of artwork by celebrated artist David Hockney earlier in 2023.

#### Battersea Power Station: A Historic Landmark

Battersea Power Station stands as one of London’s most iconic structures, famously depicted on the cover of Pink Floyd’s album *Animals*. After halting operations in 1975, the station lay inactive for many years until redevelopment commenced in 2014. The project revitalized the site into a mixed-use development, featuring office spaces, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. As part of this redevelopment, a new Tube station was built to enhance accessibility.

In 2016, Apple revealed its intentions to set up its UK headquarters at Battersea Power Station, taking up a substantial portion of the office area within the building. The office design includes a spacious atrium, but notably, it does not feature the Apple name or logo in its lobby, distinguishing it from the nearby Apple Store.

#### Your Tree on Battersea Contest

The *Your Tree on Battersea* contest was introduced by Apple, with submissions accepted until November 23. Hosted by British comedian Munya Chawawa, this contest encourages participants to showcase their creativity by designing a Christmas tree on their iPads. The chosen designs will be projected onto the power station’s chimneys and wash towers, alongside contributions from established artists including Sir Stephen Fry and David Shrigley OBE.

Entries will be accepted until midnight on November 23, with 24 winning designs set to be revealed on December 4 at 5 p.m. Apple has made a downloadable template available for participants, and all 39 Apple stores in the UK are offering special 30-minute sessions to support users in creating and submitting their designs.

#### Participation Guidelines

While the contest is open to all UK residents, submissions are restricted to those residing in the country. Children are encouraged to take part, but entries must be submitted by a parent or guardian. This initiative not only promotes creativity among individuals but also amplifies the festive spirit within the community.

As the holiday season draws near, Apple’s *Your Tree on Battersea* contest provides a unique avenue for artistic expression, uniting technology, art, and Christmas joy in a stunning display at one of London’s most cherished landmarks.

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Grasping the Significance of ‘SIM Card’

As smartphones have integrated themselves deeper into our daily routines, we’ve all gradually acquired fundamental knowledge and terms throughout the years. Where terms used to be limited to industry experts, now customer-oriented documents often assume you’re familiar with the terminology. A prime illustration of this is the growing prevalence of the term “SIM card,” which stands for “Subscriber Identity Module” located within your smartphone.

The SIM card plays an essential role in nearly all personal connection devices ranging from smartphones to tablets, acting as a digital key that allows your mobile provider to authenticate your identity and connect you to the necessary services. SIM cards have been part of mobile gadgets since the 90s, evolving in size and data capacity as smartphones advanced.

SIM represents Subscriber Identity Module

The very first commercial SIM card was introduced in 1991 by the German firm Giesecke+Devrient, recognized

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4 Creative Methods to Reuse Your Old MacBooks

a multitude of applications for an outdated laptop, and although it might not be equipped to receive current updates and the hardware could be several generations obsolete, that doesn’t imply it’s time to give up and dispose of your old device just yet.

While something like an M1 MacBook Pro still possesses enough hardware to remain robust, macOS Tahoe being the final significant update for Intel Macs suggests that an older device might soon cease obtaining new Apple features – if it hasn’t already done so. Even if Apple has discreetly phased out your Intel Mac, there are still various methods to breathe new life into it, such as trying out alternative operating systems, converting it into a Wi-Fi range extender, configuring it as a potent media center, or merely utilizing it as a secondary monitor for your modern setup.

Similar to repurposing an outdated iPad tablet, implementing any of the suggestions below can be an excellent way to grant your old MacBook another opportunity. Just keep in mind that some of these alternatives may necessitate extra accessories, like a USB drive or Ethernet cables. There are numerous available choices, so don’t hesitate to delve into the options below and see if any of them inspire you.

Try different operating systems

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Android’s Latest Feature Improves the Capabilities of Always-On Display

Android’s AOD is becoming interactive.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Google’s upcoming significant update may bring “Min Mode,” an extensive redesign that changes the AOD from a fixed clock to a dynamic, app-based interface.
  • Min Mode allows apps to display simplified, low-energy interfaces directly on the AOD without waking the screen fully.
  • Initial code indicates that Maps will utilize Min Mode for live turn-by-turn navigation in a minimalist, monochrome format that only works in portrait orientation.

Notice

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Samsung Galaxy A57 Model Identifier Verified in Testing Firmware

The development of Samsung’s next model following the Galaxy A56 is currently underway.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Essential Information

  • The Samsung Galaxy A57 has been spotted on the company’s internal testing servers for the first time.
  • This discovery indicates that the midrange device is in development, marking the second instance of the Galaxy A57’s model number being observed.
  • To date, only the international model numbers have surfaced, leaving the U.S. release of the Galaxy A57 uncertain.

Notice

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New AI Summaries in Play Store Improve App Discovery Effectiveness

Get the essence of any application in mere seconds with Play Store’s updated AI summaries.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Essential information

  • Google is implementing AI-generated review summaries on the Play Store, summarizing app evaluations into a quick paragraph that showcases the most frequent advantages and disadvantages.
  • Google’s AI gathers both commendations and criticisms—such as sleek interface but sporadic crashes—into a straightforward, impartial overview.
  • Topic buttons presented as chips beneath the summary enable users to examine reviews regarding performance, design, or reliability.

Notice

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Indie App Highlight: ‘Dropla’ – A Resource for Managing Files Across Various Applications

# Indie App Spotlight: Dropla – Your Universal File Shelf for iPad

Welcome to the Indie App Spotlight, a weekly feature by 9to5Mac that showcases cutting-edge applications from the indie app ecosystem. This week, we are thrilled to present **Dropla**, a multifunctional iPad app crafted to optimize file management and improve multitasking.

## What is Dropla?

Dropla is an iPad application that functions as a temporary repository for your files, resembling a universal clipboard but tailored for file management. It utilizes the iPad’s multitasking features, permitting users to seamlessly drop and organize files across various applications.

## Top Features

### Universal Temporary File Space

A key highlight of Dropla is its capability to act as a universal temporary file space. This feature is especially beneficial for users frequently transitioning between different apps, as it streamlines the act of dragging and dropping files.

### Project Organization

Dropla surpasses basic file management by providing project organization tools. Users can select from a kanban board or grid layout to outline workflows involving multiple files, facilitating project visualization and management.

### Multiple Workspaces

The application supports the creation of several workspaces, allowing users to arrange their dropped files according to distinct contexts. This functionality is perfect for individuals managing various projects or tasks at once.

### Intelligent File Handling

Dropla smartly manages the files you input. For example, if you drop an email, it will reopen in the mail application, and PDFs will launch in Quick Look for effortless editing. This seamless integration boosts the user experience and conserves time.

## Who Should Use Dropla?

If you are an avid iPad multitasker frequently handling a multitude of files, Dropla is an essential app to explore. Its user-friendly design and robust features make it a vital tool for anyone seeking to enhance their productivity on the iPad.

## Download the App

Dropla is accessible on the

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