AllYouCanTech

Apple TV Unveils Comeback of High-Stakes Thriller Debuting Next Month

**Hijack Season 2: Anticipations for Apple TV’s Exciting Comeback**

One of Apple TV’s premier thriller shows, *Hijack*, is poised for its eagerly awaited second season next month. The recently unveiled trailer has generated plenty of excitement among fans, providing a sneak peek into the action-filled storyline that awaits.

### Thrilling Season 2 Trailer

*Hijack* initially debuted on Apple TV in 2023, enthralling viewers with its high-tension, real-time structure that reflects the pace of the tale unfolding onscreen. This approach, reminiscent of the legendary show *24*, has cultivated a loyal fan base.

Whereas the inaugural season took place on a hijacked aircraft, the forthcoming season takes a new direction, placing lead actor Idris Elba in a precarious situation on an underground train. This shift in environment promises to bring forth fresh obstacles and dynamics as the plot progresses.

Season 2 is set to commence on **Wednesday, January 14**, with the premiere episode available right away, followed by subsequent episodes each week until March 4.

### Official Season Overview

Apple has shared an official synopsis of the season, hinting at the gripping drama ahead:

> “In the exhilarating second season of *Hijack*, a Berlin underground train and its passengers are taken captive, while, above ground, officials rush to save hundreds of lives. Sam Nelson (Elba) finds himself at the center of the emergency on the train, where one misstep could lead to catastrophe.”

### Binge-Worthy Entertainment

For those who have yet to experience *Hijack*, the series is especially suited for binge-watching, making it a fantastic option for holiday entertainment. The trailer indicates that new audiences may easily dive into season 2 without feeling out of the loop, although catching up on the first season is strongly advised for a deeper appreciation of the characters and storyline.

You can view the complete first season of *Hijack* with an Apple TV subscription, priced at **$12.99 per month**. The platform also showcases other popular series and films, including *Ted Lasso*, *Severance*, and *Pluribus*. Furthermore, Apple TV is accessible through the Apple One package.

As the countdown to season 2 commences, fans are curious about how the narrative will unfold and what new surprises await Sam Nelson and the hostages on the train. Will you be watching to see the action unfold?

DJI Neo 2: The Most Versatile Drone for Apple Users So Far

**DJI Neo 2: A Step Forward into the Future with Apple Watch Connectivity**

DJI has transformed the drone user experience with its newest firmware update for the DJI Neo 2, now permitting users to operate their drones straight from their Apple Watch. This groundbreaking capability allows users to navigate, track, capture, and control their drone with ease from their wrist, vastly improving the flying experience. Importantly, the original DJI Neo will soon gain Apple Watch compatibility as well, making this upgrade a notable benefit for all Neo series purchasers.

### Apple Watch Functions as DJI Neo 2 Drone Controller

The latest firmware, v01.00.0500, provides complete Apple Watch support, a first for mainstream DJI drones, although similar capabilities have been offered for DJI smartphone gimbals. The DJI Neo 2 is compatible with Apple Watch models Series 8, 9, 10, 11, Ultra 2, and Ultra 3, contingent upon users running watchOS 11 or newer. The sole prerequisite is the updated DJI Fly app (v1.19.4).

This feature proves especially advantageous during athletic pursuits, such as cycling or running, where reaching for a phone or standard controller can be inconvenient. Users can picture cycling down a mountain path while the Neo 2 follows their movements, responding to commands issued from their wrist, embodying the advanced lifestyle DJI seeks to promote.

### Notable Functions of the Apple Watch Connectivity

1. **Live Camera Feed with Wrist Control**: Users can view a live camera feed on their Apple Watch, although power-saving measures are in effect. Lowering the wrist pauses the live feed, while lifting it or tapping the screen resumes it immediately.

2. **Phone Screen Management**: Users can lock their iPhone, switch applications, or tuck it away while still maintaining a connection to the drone, as long as the DJI Fly app is active in the background.

3. **Voice Command**: By granting microphone permissions to the DJI Fly app and activating “Voice Control” in the settings, users can issue commands straight from their watch.

4. **App Audio Capture**: Similar to voice command, users can activate “App Recording” in settings, allowing the watch to act as a microphone for capturing audio while the drone records video.

5. **Prolonged Display Awake Time**: Users can configure their Apple Watch to remain awake for 70 seconds, ensuring that live views or status details stay visible during flights.

6. **Restrictions in Low Power Mode**: The DJI Fly app will be inoperable when the Apple Watch is set to Low Power Mode, which can be switched off in the settings.

### Further Advantages of the Firmware Update

In addition to Apple Watch compatibility, the firmware update for the DJI Neo 2 offers:

– **Auditory Notifications**: Alerts for instances when tracking loses the subject or when the battery is running low, particularly helpful when users may not be closely watching their devices.

– **Stability Enhancements**: Various performance-related fixes have been implemented to improve overall functionality.

These firmware updates have also been disseminated throughout the DJI ecosystem, including numerous remote controllers and goggles, ensuring a complete refresh for users.

### Final Thoughts

With the incorporation of Apple Watch control, the DJI Neo 2 situates itself as an optimal drone for Apple aficionados, catering to travelers, cyclists, vloggers, hikers, and anyone seeking a portable and user-friendly drone experience. This strategic initiative by DJI not only augments the functionality of the Neo 2 but also reinforces its position within the Apple ecosystem, motivating potential customers to dive into the realm of drone flying.

Comprehending App Age Verification: Data Distribution and Information Recipients

### App Age Verification: Present Situation and Future Consequences

App age verification has moved beyond theoretical discussions; it is now a reality as various regulations enforcing age verification for users are adopted in specific states. This development has significant consequences for both users and app creators.

A prominent instance is Bluesky, a platform akin to Twitter/X, which temporarily ceased operations for users in certain areas due to non-compliance with local age verification laws. Recently, the app has resumed functionality, but users must now submit personal information to a third-party service, KWS (Kids Web Services), to confirm their age. This situation may foreshadow what many other apps will adopt as age verification regulations spread.

#### VPN as a Short-Term Solution

At present, users can bypass age verification mandates by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN conceals the user’s actual IP address, making it seem as though they are accessing the internet from a different location. Although some browsers provide free VPN services, a paid VPN is typically essential for extensive coverage across all applications and devices.

This workaround is effective while age verification is restricted to a limited number of states. However, should federal regulations be introduced, users might need to use VPNs to connect via IP addresses from other countries that may have their own age verification requirements.

#### Actual Age Verification Procedure

The real-world application of age verification is evident in Bluesky’s recent modifications. When users click the “Verify now” button, they are prompted to confirm their email and are introduced to KWS, the third-party partner responsible for age verification. KWS states that it retains users’ verified status alongside a hashed email address, enabling other apps utilizing KWS technology to bypass the verification process for that email in the future.

To commence verification, Bluesky sends an email link to the user. The verification process necessitates users providing their full legal name, home address, and one of three methods for age verification: the last four digits of their Social Security number, a temporary credit card transaction, or a scan of a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport.

Bluesky collaborates with various companies for different verification methods, including Veratad for Social Security number verification, Stripe for credit card transactions, and Veriff for ID verification.

#### 9to5Mac’s Perspective

Among the verification options, using a credit card through Stripe might be viewed as the least risky due to its established reputation in online transactions. Conversely, sharing sensitive data like Social Security numbers or government IDs raises privacy issues, as these details are harder to change if compromised.

The primary objective of these age verification efforts is to improve online safety for children. However, the implications for user privacy and data protection are significant. As age verification becomes more prevalent across various platforms, concerns surrounding the handling of sensitive information are likely to grow.

In summary, the current state of app age verification demonstrates that it is beyond a mere policy discussion; it is a developing reality that both users and developers must navigate. As regulations expand, the challenge of ensuring child safety online while safeguarding user privacy will remain a crucial topic of discussion.

OpenAI and Disney Forge Significant Licensing Deal for Character Utilization on Sora

Disney characters are arriving on OpenAI’s Sora video generation application — this time, with authorization. OpenAI and Disney have just revealed a “historic agreement” that will feature select Sora content on Disney+.

This partnership forms part of an overarching $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI by Disney. The licensing agreement will begin with a duration of three years. Disney is positioned to enhance its equity investment in OpenAI down the line.

Besides the licensing deal and equity stake, Disney will obtain access to OpenAI APIs “to create new products, tools, and experiences, including for Disney+,” as stated by OpenAI. Additionally, Disney will implement ChatGPT for its workforce as a component of the arrangement.

OpenAI launched Sora for iPhone at the close of September. At first, there were minimal constraints regarding the intellectual property types users could produce. OpenAI gradually imposed restrictions on the use of licensed characters without consent following the initial rollout.

Now, OpenAI and Disney are promoting the new “historic agreement” as “a crucial step in establishing significant standards for responsible AI in entertainment.”

With the license, fans will have the opportunity to view curated selections of Sora-generated videos on Disney+, and OpenAI and Disney will work together to apply OpenAI’s models to drive new experiences for Disney+ subscribers, enhancing innovative and creative means to engage with Disney’s narratives and characters. Sora and ChatGPT Images are anticipated to begin generating fan-inspired videos featuring Disney’s multi-brand licensed characters in early 2026.

Among the characters fans will be able to incorporate in their creations are Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Lilo, Stitch, Ariel, Belle, Beast, Cinderella, Baymax, Simba, Mufasa, along with characters from the realms of Encanto, Frozen, Inside Out, Moana, Monsters Inc., Toy Story, Up, Zootopia, and many others; in addition to iconic animated or illustrated versions of Marvel and Lucasfilm characters like Black Panther, Captain America, Deadpool, Groot, Iron Man, Loki, Thor, Thanos, Darth Vader, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Leia, the Mandalorian, Stormtroopers, Yoda, and more.

You can view the complete announcement here. Sora is available for free on the App Store.

Spotify Investigates Emerging Trend of Improving User Authority Over Algorithms

**Spotify’s Innovative AI-Driven Addition: Prompted Playlists**

Spotify has recently introduced a groundbreaking feature known as Prompted Playlists, allowing users to take charge of their music listening experience. This announcement arrives just after Instagram launched the “Your Algorithm” feature, enabling users to impact the content displayed on their feeds. Both advancements indicate a rising trend among technology firms to offer users increased control over algorithmic experiences.

### Comprehending Prompted Playlists

The Prompted Playlists feature allows users to articulate their preferred music choices in everyday language. Requests can vary from general desires to very specific commands. For example, a user might request “songs from my favorite artists in the past five years” or “upbeat pop and hip-hop for a 30-minute 5K run.” This kind of customization aims to boost user satisfaction by curating playlists that mirror personal tastes and preferences.

Spotify’s algorithm takes into account the user’s complete listening history, ensuring that the playlists not only feature current favorites but also integrate previous listening behaviors. This thorough strategy ensures that Spotify maintains playlists that are fresh and pertinent, adapting to shifts in user preferences over time.

### The Relevance of Instagram’s Announcement

The timing of Spotify’s announcement is especially significant, as it occurs alongside Instagram’s rollout of the “Your Algorithm” feature. This new function allows Instagram users to examine their key interests and directly affect the content they encounter in their feeds. By choosing topics they wish to see more or less of, users can customize their experience on the platform, addressing dissatisfaction with algorithm-driven content delivery.

### Consequences for User Empowerment

The recent updates from both Spotify and Instagram illustrate a larger movement within the tech sector to respond to user frustrations regarding algorithmic content. Numerous users have voiced their displeasure over the lack of influence they have on what they encounter, leading to a call for more tailored experiences. By enabling users to guide the algorithms, these platforms are recognizing this feedback and working to improve user satisfaction.

### Final Thoughts

As Spotify introduces its Prompted Playlists feature, it represents a meaningful advancement towards enhanced user empowerment in music streaming. Alongside Instagram’s latest modifications, these innovations signify a transformation in how tech companies engage with users, emphasizing personalization and user control. As these features become more popular, it will be fascinating to observe their impact on user experiences across various platforms.