Author: sparta

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    • Comments Off on Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 Improves Essential Features on Pixel Devices
    Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 Improves Essential Features on Pixel Devices

    Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 illustrates that Google continues to address the minor details.

    What you should know

    – Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 has arrived just a few weeks after QPR2, likely indicating the final adjustments before Android 17.
    – You can now disable the “At a Glance” widget to free up space on your home screen.
    – The Quick Settings tile now incorporates a slider to manage beam intensity rather than just a basic on/off toggle.
    – A new feature allows you to rearrange the back and recent buttons in the three-button navigation bar.

    Just a short time after the launch of Android 16 QPR2 to the stable channel, Google has introduced Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1. This update is likely the last quarterly platform update prior to Android 17, and while it doesn’t introduce significant alterations, it aims to enhance everyday usability for Pixel users.

    Quarterly Platform Releases, or QPRs, enable Google to enhance Android between major updates. Rather than waiting for an annual upgrade, these updates provide small enhancements, new functionalities, and background fixes.

    Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 is now accessible for Pixel devices from the Pixel 6 up to the latest models via the Android Beta Program. The stable version is anticipated to launch around March 2026.

    At first glance, this beta emphasizes usability modifications that Pixel users have requested. One of the most prominent updates is in flashlight management. Instead of a straightforward on/off toggle, you now receive adjustable brightness, allowing you to modify the intensity based on your needs.

    The main feature is the option to eliminate the At a Glance widget from your home screen. In this beta, a new “Show on home screen” choice is available in the widget’s settings. Turn it off, and the widget vanishes, giving you additional space to organize apps, add widgets, or simply enjoy your wallpaper.

    Navigation has become more adaptable, as Google allows users to change the order of the traditional three-button navigation keys. This will feel recognizable to anyone familiar with Samsung devices.

    Track which app is using your location

    Privacy and transparency enhancements are also present. Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 introduces an expandable location indicator in the status bar, enabling you to easily identify which app is accessing your location. A tap provides more information, rather than just displaying a generic symbol.

    The update additionally brings support for over 160 new emojis from Unicode 17.0, subtly modernizing the platform.

    Of course, this remains beta software. Bugs, battery issues, and performance inconsistencies are expected, and choosing to participate means you’re committed until the stable release arrives, unless you are okay with resetting your device.

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    • Comments Off on Will Smith’s Documentary Series Provides Complimentary Episode Streaming
    Will Smith’s Documentary Series Provides Complimentary Episode Streaming

    new framework for the Big Bang Theory informed by recent findings.

    “One Strange Rock” provides plenty of enjoyment for anyone looking to binge the full series. It features scientific professionals, including astronauts, sharing insights and recounting their journeys. If the complimentary episode piques your interest, there are several options available to view the rest of the series.

    The One Strange Rock documentary

    <img class="gallery-image " src="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/will-smiths-must-watch-documentary-series-is-streaming-an-

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    • Comments Off on “Apple’s Age Verification System Focused on Privacy: Tackling Two Challenges”
    “Apple’s Age Verification System Focused on Privacy: Tackling Two Challenges”

    While Apple is actively opposing the imposition of legal responsibility for age verification in relation to app downloads, many of its users would gain from the company adopting this responsibility. Given Apple’s history of finding privacy-conscious methods for handling personal data, there is a compelling argument for the company to enhance its efforts beyond the current proposals.

    ### The Age Verification Narrative Thus Far

    Certain US states and countries enforce minimum age requirements for specific categories of apps. A notable instance is Australia, which prohibits anyone under 16 from using social media applications. Likewise, there are increasing demands for age verification across various US states. Presently, individual developers, rather than Apple and Google, bear the responsibility for confirming the ages of users downloading their apps. However, federal lawmakers are contemplating a shift with the introduction of a new proposed legislation, the App Store Accountability Act. This law would permit users to verify their age once with either Apple or Google, allowing these companies to age-gate apps accordingly, instead of necessitating age verification for each app downloaded.

    ### I Trust Apple More Than Developers

    There are persuasive reasons to support this method. Requiring users to submit government-issued photo IDs and video selfies to multiple developers presents a considerable privacy threat. Many would rather trust Apple to conduct identity and age verification once, subsequently blocking access to apps deemed inappropriate for certain ages. This initiative would also improve user experience since individuals would only need to confirm their age one time rather than each time they install a new age-restricted app.

    For example, users might opt to validate their identity with Apple instead of Meta to gain access to Instagram, with Meta only receiving an age verification confirmation. This option highlights a preference for Apple, which is viewed as having a greater dedication to privacy. Even if the law necessitates photo ID, it is anticipated that Apple would manage such data securely, ensuring its immediate destruction post-verification.

    ### It Isn’t Limited to Apps

    Age verification extends beyond apps; it is rapidly becoming a prominent concern for websites. The UK has recently enacted a law mandating adult websites to confirm the age of visitors, but the ambiguous wording raises fears it could inadvertently impact educational sites. Furthermore, there are calls for gambling platforms to incorporate photo ID verification to prevent minors from accessing services through parental credit cards. Detractors contend that the core motive behind these regulations may be an inclination towards enhanced government oversight online.

    ### Apple Could Seamlessly Be the Answer

    Should Apple assume the role of age verifier, the process could be made significantly more efficient. When users authenticate their identity with Apple, the company could link that verification to Safari on their devices. Thus, when accessing a website requiring age confirmation, the site would only receive validation from Apple that the user is of legal age, without any personal data being disclosed.

    This framework is already operational with Apple Pay, where retailers do not see identity proof but receive assurance that biometric verification has taken place. Similarly, a “verified adult” marker could be incorporated into the information Apple shares with websites, safeguarding privacy while fulfilling regulatory obligations.

    ### Would You Care to See This?

    While some may contest the necessity for age verification for apps or websites, positing that it should fall under parental duties, the fact remains that such measures are being put in place irrespective of individual viewpoints. The crucial question is not if age verification will take place, but who ought to take responsibility for it.

    This conversation encourages users to reflect on their preferences surrounding age verification and which entities they trust to manage such sensitive data.

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    • Comments Off on Guide to Utilizing Google’s Complimentary VPN on Android and Its Advantages
    Guide to Utilizing Google’s Complimentary VPN on Android and Its Advantages

    If you have significant worries about privacy while navigating the internet, you might have come across the idea of utilizing a VPN for protection. VPN, which stands for Virtual Private Network, serves as a method to prevent external parties from tracking your online activities and effectively enhances the security of your connection. Setting it up on your mobile device is not overly complex, typically requiring just a straightforward app installation. Interestingly, one of the most dependable free VPNs for Android is actually integrated into the device and developed by Google. Named VPN by Google, this no-cost VPN service is a distinctive feature available on Pixel phones starting with the Pixel 7.

    Similar to regular VPN services, VPN by Google establishes an encrypted and private connection via Google’s VPN servers rather than connecting directly to the internet. It masks your true IP address and location, replacing them with the server’s IP and location. This is what shields you from malicious entities and sites that wish to acquire your location information.

    However, unlike other VPN platforms, VPN by Google comes with certain restrictions. Firstly, it does not permit you to select which server to link to. For example, you can’t opt for a Japan-based server, so you won’t be able to access content that’s restricted to a Japanese audience. Moreover, a Google account is necessary to utilize the VPN service. VPN by Google is also functional only in 30 designated home countries (the country associated with your Google account). These include the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and Singapore. It does function in additional locations while traveling, enabling usage in places like the Bahamas, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, and even Antarctica.

    How to activate the free VPN by Google on your Pixel phone

    Activating VPN by Google on your Pixel phone is quite fast and straightforward through the Settings on your Pixel device. Follow these instructions:

    1. Open the Settings app.
    2. Choose Network & internet.
    3. Click on VPN.
    4. Under the Built-in section, select VPN by Google.
    5. Review the permissions.
    6. Enable Use VPN on mobile network if you wish to activate VPN while on mobile data.
    7. Click Use VPN.
    8. Select Allow if you want VPN by Google to send you notifications.
    9. Wait for the VPN to establish a connection.

    Once you spot the key icon on your Android screen, it indicates that the VPN service is operational, and you’re set to begin browsing. To simplify the process of pausing and resuming the VPN later, you can add it to your Quick Settings. Here’s how:

    1. Access Quick Settings by swiping down from the top of the screen.
    2. Tap the pen icon.
    3. Press and hold the tile for VPN by Google.
    4. Move it to your preferred location in the upper section of the screen.
    5. Press the back arrow to save your adjustments.

    You should now see the VPN tile in your Quick Settings. Long-press on the tile to open the VPN by Google settings page, or simply tap it to pause or resume the VPN service.

    How to set up VPN by Google on your Pixel

    Although Google’s free VPN service may not be as feature-rich as many other VPNs available, it still provides some degree of customization. Here’s how you can set up VPN by Google to better meet your requirements:

    1. Open Settings.
    2. Navigate to Network & internet > VPN.
    3. Select the gear icon next to VPN by Google.
    4. To keep the VPN service perpetually active, enable Always-on VPN.
    5. To ensure your device does not go online without initially connecting to VPN, activate Block connections without VPN and press Turn on to confirm.
    6. Return to the VPN page.
    7. Tap on VPN by Google.
    8. To pause the VPN service when you’re connected to specific Wi-Fi networks:
    – Under Advanced settings, navigate to Pause VPN on selected networks.
    – Tap on the saved networks where you wish to prevent the VPN service from operating.
    – Press the trash icon to remove the Wi-Fi network from the “pause” list.
    9. To stop certain apps from utilizing the VPN service, allowing them to connect to the internet normally:
    – Choose Exclude selected apps.
    – Select the apps for which you do not want VPN running.
    – Remove any app from the “excluded” list by tapping the trash icon.
    10. To check the app information:
    – Go to Notifications.
    – Adjust the notification frequency under Notifications.
    – Modify the permissions via the Permissions option.
    – View the amount of mobile data used by the VPN service by tapping Mobile data usage.

    Any adjustments made in the configuration will be automatically saved and applied whenever your VPN is active.

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    • Comments Off on Crucial Privacy Configurations for Roku Users to Adjust Immediately
    Crucial Privacy Configurations for Roku Users to Adjust Immediately

    your TV’s HDMI port keeps track of your viewing habits through devices connected, such as game consoles and media players. 

    To disable data tracking via HDMI on a Roku smart TV, go to Settings > Privacy > Smart TV Experience. In that section, you will find either “Use info from TV inputs” or “Automatic Content Recognition (ACR),” switch it off. By turning off these settings, you will limit the data being gathered and shared across your Roku streaming sticks and standalone devices.

    Why are these privacy settings crucial?

    <img class="gallery-image " src="https://www.bgr.com/img/gallery/roku-users-need-to-change-these-privacy-settings-immediately/how-important-

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Apple TV Set to Launch Season Finale of Pluribus Early Next Week
    Apple TV Set to Launch Season Finale of Pluribus Early Next Week

    **Pluribus Season One Finale: Early Release Announcement**

    Apple TV+ subscribers have something to look forward to as the eagerly awaited finale of the inaugural season of *Pluribus* is set to debut sooner than anticipated. Initially planned for December 26, the ninth episode will now be accessible on December 24, just in time for the holiday festivities.

    This is not the first occasion Apple TV+ has delighted its viewers with an earlier release. Last month, episode five was released two days prior to its scheduled airing during the Thanksgiving/Black Friday week. This pattern of early releases appears to be a tactical decision by Apple to boost viewer interaction during holiday times, with Christmas Day and Kwanzaa affecting the choice this time.

    Fans can anticipate watching the new episode on the evening of December 23, as Apple generally releases new episodes at 9 p.m. ET the night before the official debut date. This advanced access allows devoted viewers to savor the finale before the holiday celebrations begin.

    Episode nine, which has a runtime of 57 minutes, is noteworthy for being the third longest episode in the series. The premiere episode has the second longest duration at 59 minutes, while episode two is the longest, running for 1 hour and 5 minutes. As the season finale, this episode is anticipated to provide a gripping conclusion to the narratives established throughout the season.

    *Pluribus* has attracted considerable attention, marking itself as the most-viewed show on Apple TV+ thus far. Apple had earlier disclosed that two seasons of the series were commissioned in 2022, guaranteeing fans that the story will continue beyond this initial season.

    For those looking to view *Pluribus*, Apple TV+ can be subscribed to at a rate of $12.99 per month. Additionally, viewers have the option of a bundled subscription that features Apple TV+, iCloud, Apple Music, and Apple Arcade for $19.95 per month via Apple One.

    As the finale nears, anticipation mounts among fans eager to find out how the first season wraps up and what awaits in the next installment of *Pluribus*.

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    • Comments Off on Texas Initiates Legal Action Against Five Leading Smart TV Makers for Suspected Privacy Breaches
    Texas Initiates Legal Action Against Five Leading Smart TV Makers for Suspected Privacy Breaches

    your intelligent TV is monitoring you and your viewing habits. Realistically, it’s not the sole device or platform where this occurs. What’s more concerning, at least according to a lawsuit from Texas, is that it is allegedly happening without your approval. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is filing a lawsuit against five television manufacturers — Sony, Samsung, LG, Hisense, and TCL — asserting that these companies are employing ad-targeted spyware to track what viewers are watching. The lawsuit alleges that, through Automated Content Recognition (ACR) technology, firms “capture images of a user’s television screen every 500 milliseconds,” to monitor what they are viewing or engaging in. Subsequently, TVs “send that data back to the company without the user’s awareness or consent.”

    You may recognize ACR as the technology enabling companies to observe what you view on devices connected to your TV’s HDMI inputs. The Texas lawsuit also claims that television companies profit by selling the data they gather to “target advertisements across various platforms.” However, in pursuit of this profit, these companies are accused of jeopardizing user privacy and sensitive information. “This behavior is intrusive, misleading, and illegal,” states Paxton. He emphasizes that individuals’ “basic right to privacy” will be safeguarded in the state. While “Big Tech” is referenced, Paxton specifically calls out corporations “linked to the Chinese Communist Party,” who ought “to have no right to illegally document Americans’ devices within their own residences.” He also notes that Hisense and TCL are headquartered in China.

    In light of breaches of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, the Attorney General is pursuing damages of up to $10,000 for each infraction, and up to $250,000 for violations impacting individuals aged 65 or older. The state is also expressing interest in injunctions to prevent data collection, selling, and sharing while the lawsuits are in progress.

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