Author: sparta

TikTok Unveils Long-Expected Fact-Checking Tools and Improved Parental Controls

**TikTok Unveils Fact-Checking and Improved Parental Controls**

The video streaming platform TikTok is making notable advancements to tackle misinformation and enhance user safety through the rollout of TikTok Footnotes and updated parental controls. First introduced in the United States, these features are intended to elevate the quality of content available on the platform and offer parents improved oversight of their children’s activities.

### TikTok Footnotes: An Innovative Method for Fact-Checking

TikTok Footnotes serves as the platform’s response to the rising challenge of misinformation, akin to X’s Community Notes. This feature empowers users to add supplementary information to videos, aiding in the clarification or correction of misleading assertions. This initiative addresses the widespread circulation of conspiracy theories and harmful material that has been common on the platform.

As stated by TikTok, Footnotes will allow users to integrate relevant details into videos, leveraging the collective expertise of the community. U.S. participants involved in the pilot program can compose and evaluate footnotes, with those recognized as helpful becoming publicly accessible. This collaborative method seeks to cultivate a more informed user community while enabling users to report any footnotes that breach community standards.

### Improved Parental Controls with Family Pairing

Alongside efforts to counter misinformation, TikTok is concentrating on user safety, especially for the younger demographic. The recently introduced Family Pairing feature aims to assist parents and guardians in overseeing their teens’ TikTok engagement, including the content they publish and consume.

Key aspects of Family Pairing feature:

– **Upload Notifications**: Parents will obtain automatic alerts when their teen shares a video, story, or photo visible to others. This functionality fosters open dialogues about online behavior without hindering creativity.

– **Privacy Insights**: Parents will acquire insights into their teen’s privacy preferences, such as whether their content downloads are activated or if their follower list is public. Additionally, they can view the topics their teen has chosen to influence their content feed.

These initiatives are part of TikTok’s overarching pledge to create a safer environment for its users, particularly minors.

### Extra Tools for Creators

In conjunction with these features, TikTok is also launching new tools for creators. These tools aim to assist users in managing their content and interactions more effectively, including options to block inappropriate comments and unwanted engagements.

### Conclusion

Through the launch of TikTok Footnotes and enhanced parental controls, TikTok is taking active measures to confront misinformation and foster a safer online atmosphere for its users. As these features become available, they signify a considerable evolution in how social media platforms can interact with their communities and uphold the integrity of the shared content on their platforms.

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Apple Support Account Mistakenly Endorses Samsung Foldable Phone in Video

### The iPhone Fold: Apple’s Expected Arrival in the Foldable Market

In an unexpected twist, an official Apple support account on China’s Weibo social network mistakenly shared a promotional video for a Samsung folding phone. This incident coincided with recent analyst reports regarding Apple’s expected venture into the foldable smartphone arena, especially with the speculated iPhone Fold.

#### The iPhone Fold

Apple has been weighing the idea of a foldable iPhone for quite some time. However, the company has been prudent, awaiting the technology’s advancement to align with its stringent standards. A major worry for Apple has been the noticeable crease seen in current folding devices, including those made by Samsung, along with the risks posed by dust and debris.

Latest reports suggest that Apple’s display collaborator, Samsung, has created a new display that matches Apple’s quality requirements. This display is said to surpass those utilized in Samsung’s own foldable phones. Following this advancement, Apple has purportedly green-lighted the production kickoff for the iPhone Fold. A supply-chain report has also hinted that Samsung is setting up an exclusive production line for the iPhone Fold display.

Analysts at JPMorgan have forecasted a launch for the iPhone Fold in 2026, with an estimated introductory price of $1,999, placing it at the lower end of the anticipated pricing range for such devices.

#### The Unintentional Promotion

The unintentional post by the Apple support account showcased a promotional video for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7, which was promptly deleted after being recognized. The post aimed to highlight Apple’s parental controls for App Store downloads, but the embedded video was mistakenly linked to Samsung’s offering.

Speculation about how this error occurred suggests that the person managing the account may have meant to insert an Apple video but accidentally included a link to the Samsung video instead. Some users have suggested that the account might be overseen by a local marketing firm servicing both Apple and Samsung, although this theory seems improbable given the rivalry between the two brands.

Regardless of the reason, the post was quickly removed, but not before it was documented by users on social media.

### Conclusion

As Apple gears up to make its mark in the foldable smartphone sector, the inadvertent promotion of a Samsung device by an official Apple account underscores the fierce competitiveness and the difficulties of preserving brand integrity. With the iPhone Fold on the brink, both consumers and industry analysts are keen to observe how Apple will innovate in this developing niche of the smartphone market.

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Spain Broadens Antitrust Inquiry into App Store Pricing Rules

**Apple’s App Store Faces Examination: Spain Broadens Inquiry Amid EU Authorization Process**

As Apple nears a possible endorsement from the European Union for its latest adjustments to the App Store, Spain’s competition regulator, the National Commission of Markets and Competition (CNMC), is ramping up its inquiry into the technology firm’s pricing strategies for developers. This situation underscores ongoing worries regarding competition and equity in the app market.

In July 2024, the CNMC launched an investigation against Apple, claiming that the firm was enforcing “unjust commercial terms” on developers distributing their applications via the App Store. The inquiry has since widened due to what the CNMC refers to as “new evidence” indicating that Apple requires developers to follow a specific pricing framework to offer their apps.

The CNMC’s conclusions suggest that such practices could potentially hinder competition, thereby breaching European Union regulations. The regulatory agency has revealed that it has one year left to finalize its assessment, highlighting that the extension of the investigation does not imply any preordained outcomes.

In light of these accusations, Apple has defended its App Store, contending that it delivers a “secure and reliable experience for users” and is a substantial business opportunity for developers in Spain and worldwide. The company has pledged to work with the Spanish Competition Authority to clarify its stance and address any issues.

This development comes as Apple concurrently manages a complicated relationship with the European Commission concerning adherence to the Digital Markets Act. Recently, the company unveiled a series of modifications to its App Store policies in the EU, including eased restrictions on external payment options and the rollout of a new three-tier fee model. Reports indicate that the European Commission is likely to approve these modifications, suggesting a potential resolution to Apple’s enduring regulatory hurdles in Europe.

Despite the possible endorsement from the EU, the ongoing investigation in Spain highlights that the App Store’s operational framework may continue to endure examination not just within the EU but also in other territories. The results of this inquiry could have substantial ramifications for how Apple and other tech firms approach their app distribution and pricing methodologies in the future.

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Google Starts Rolling Out Video Summaries in NotebookLM

Google has commenced the rollout of Video Overviews to NotebookLM as of July 29. Even though it may take a few days for the feature to show up in your version of NotebookLM, every user of the software will soon have the capability to produce valuable video summaries of the information they’ve entered into their notebooks. Currently, the feature is available solely in English, but Google has indicated that it intends to introduce additional languages shortly.

This enhancement will further empower NotebookLM as a robust tool for students, working professionals, and anyone who finds utilizing tools like NotebookLM captivating and beneficial. Google previously introduced AI notebooks within NotebookLM, and now Video Overviews add even greater flexibility to the platform.

Video Overviews enhance information digestibility

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Mail App Switch Boosts Safeguards Against Questionable Emails

### Comprehending Apple Mail Privacy Protection

In a time when digital confidentiality is more vulnerable than ever, Apple has made notable advancements to bolster user privacy with tools like Mail Privacy Protection. Introduced a few years back, this feature aims to protect users’ private information while utilizing the Apple Mail app. This article delves into what Mail Privacy Protection entails, its advantages, and whether it is wise to enable it.

#### Synopsis of Mail Privacy Protection

Mail Privacy Protection is a capability that reroutes email retrieval through an Apple proxy instead of letting the device manage it directly. This feature is accessible to all Apple users without requiring an iCloud+ subscription. By utilizing an Apple proxy, Mail Privacy Protection offers two main privacy advantages:

1. **Concealment of IP Address**: Senders are unable to view the user’s actual IP address; they only see Apple’s IP address. This hinders possible location tracking.

2. **Content Pre-Caching**: External content is pre-cached, meaning senders cannot tell when a user has interacted with their email.

Moreover, there is a practical advantage: loading media in emails is quicker since the content is pre-loaded.

#### The Significance of Mail Privacy Protection

The importance of Mail Privacy Protection stems from its capacity to counteract tracking pixels. These minuscule, often invisible images embedded in emails alert the sender when an email is read, disclosing the recipient’s IP address and the time of interaction. This behavior raises privacy issues, as it may unveil a user’s approximate location and result in targeted follow-up emails or spam.

With Mail Privacy Protection activated, only Apple’s IP addresses are sent back, and all email content is retrieved on a scheduled basis. As such, each tracking pixel appears as “opened,” but the sender remains unaware of specific engagement details. Thus, email marketers must adjust their approaches to tracking engagement.

#### Is Enabling Mail Privacy Protection Recommended?

Considering that Mail Privacy Protection is a free feature open to all Apple Mail users, it is wise to activate it. Although the effect on privacy might seem slight, reclaiming even a little bit of private information can greatly influence your overall digital privacy.

To verify if Mail Privacy Protection is active, follow these steps:

1. Open the **Settings** app on your device.
2. Scroll down to the **Apps** section and select **Mail**.
3. Locate the **Privacy Protection** section and toggle the **Protect Mail Activity** option to turn it on.

#### Final Thoughts

Mail Privacy Protection is a valuable resource for Apple Mail users aiming to improve their privacy. By masking IP addresses and pre-caching content, it restricts senders’ ability to effectively track user interaction. Activating this feature is an easy approach to managing your personal information in an increasingly data-oriented environment.

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5 Requests to Steer Clear of When Using ChatGPT

LLMs) tend to produce hallucinations and confidently disseminate entirely incorrect information.

If you are utilizing LLMs in 2025, it is essential to verify any information they provide, and perhaps even contemplate steering clear of specific applications altogether to prevent risking your safety or causing harm to others.

Here, we will explore the top 5 inquiries you should never make to ChatGPT. Whether it involves seeking medical advice, pursuing mental health assistance, creating nonconsensual deepfakes, or generating hateful content, these are some applications you should bypass completely if you wish to maintain a positive user experience.

Provide medical guidance

Leaked iMac Prototype Reveals Apple Explored Front Logo Positioning

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Kosutami_Ito), prior to the engineering validation test (EVT) development phase, Apple was still in the process of determining whether to place its logo beneath the display.

Kosutami frequently publishes images of Apple’s prototypes and occasionally leaks information about upcoming products. A few months back, they disclosed potential components of the unreleased Apple Vision Air and a new HomePod product. Nevertheless, they were incorrect regarding the AirTag 2 launch date. Still, it is intriguing to note that Apple contemplated adding its logo on the chin of the Apple Silicon iMac.

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Samsung Anticipated to Refresh Galaxy S26 Series

Replacing the standard and plus editions with a ‘Pro’ and ‘Edge.’

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Key points to understand

  • Samsung might be phasing out the standard Galaxy S26 version in favor of a new “Pro” model this time.
  • A recent in-depth analysis of an internal One UI 8 build reveals signs of a new lineup featuring three devices: Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra.
  • Additionally, Samsung may also be eliminating its Plus model for the “Edge” in the upcoming series.

Samsung could grab attention with its forthcoming flagship series. An analysis of the One UI 8 build implies that it might be abandoning the standard Galaxy S26 in favor of a Galaxy S26 Pro (as initially pointed out by Android Authority).

This follows speculation that Samsung could also substitute the Plus variant with the completely new Edge, with certain modifications, suggesting that the Korean manufacturer might be making significant changes. The site appears to have discovered proof of this lineup rebranding within the One UI 8 build, and the product codenames seem to indicate that there might not be a base or, as referred to, vanilla variant for the Galaxy S26 series in the forthcoming year.

“Rather, Samsung’s next flagship series looks to include three models: Galaxy S26 Pro, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra,” the website noted.

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tvOS 26 Brings Long-Expected Apple TV Screen Saver Functionality

### tvOS 26: Personalizing Aerial Screen Savers on Apple TV 4K

This autumn, tvOS 26 will unveil a variety of new features for users of Apple TV 4K, with the enhancement of screen saver functionality being one of the most eagerly awaited additions.

#### Activate or Deactivate Specific Aerial Screen Savers

For owners of Apple TV 4K, screen savers are not merely eye candy; they symbolize a distinctive element of the device that enriches the overall user journey. The aerial screen savers, in particular, have emerged as a prominent highlight since their launch, presenting breathtaking visuals from various locations globally.

With the impending release of tvOS 26, Apple will introduce fresh aerial screen savers captured throughout India. Nevertheless, the most thrilling upgrade is the option to manually choose which aerial screen savers to show.

By heading to the Screen Saver menu in Settings, users can navigate to the Aerials section and discover the new choice: ‘Choose Aerials.’ This function enables users to tailor their viewing experience by activating or deactivating specific aerials from four categories:

– **Cityscape**
– **Earth**
– **Landscape**
– **Underwater**

This personalization capability allows users to assemble a custom playlist of screen savers that will cycle through on their Apple TV 4K. Previously, users could merely turn off entire categories of aerials, but with tvOS 26, they can refine their choices to feature only their favorites.

The opportunity to customize screen savers is a major upgrade, permitting users to curate their viewing atmosphere based on their tastes.

As the launch of tvOS 26 nears, many are excited to delve into the new personalization features for their Apple TV 4K.

#### Conclusion

The addition of individual aerial screen saver selection in tvOS 26 signifies a meaningful enhancement in user experience for Apple TV 4K. With this new capability, users can savor a more customized and visually pleasing interface, making their device feel even more unique.

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JPMorgan Acknowledges Anticipated Launch Date and Pricing Information for iPhone Fold

As Apple gets ready to reveal the iPhone 17 series in a few weeks, investor focus is already turning to what might be a far more substantial update in 2026, namely the launch of a foldable iPhone.

This includes JPMorgan, which has just issued fresh forecasts on what to anticipate.

### Launch Scheduled for September 2026, Priced at $1,999

In a message to clients (via CNBC), JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee indicated that Apple is expected to introduce its inaugural foldable iPhone in September 2026, aligning with predictions made by other analysts and recent leaks:

> “Given that the enhancements to the iPhone 17 series launched this autumn are anticipated to be rather limited, investors are already shifting their attention to the fall launches in 2026, with Apple expected to debut its first foldable iPhone as part of the iPhone 18 series in September 2026, featuring a book-style fold akin to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series.”

The anticipated iPhone Fold is likely to showcase a 7.8-inch inner screen and a 5.5-inch outer display, benefiting from one aspect over Samsung’s book-style foldable device: the absence of a crease.

Speculation has suggested that the iPhone will feature a crease-free inner display, a technology that the wider industry also expects Samsung to introduce with next year’s Z Fold 8.

Chatterjee forecasted a $1,999 price point (which falls at the lower end of the previously anticipated $2,100 to $2,300 range) and mentioned that the device could create a $65 billion revenue prospect, leading to a ‘high-single-digit’ earnings increase over the medium term.

Regarding shipments, he projects volumes to commence in the “low teens” of millions in fiscal 2027, rising to the “mid-40s of millions by fiscal 2029.”

### A Foldable iPhone Benefits All Players

In terms of the supply chain ramifications of a foldable iPhone, Chatterjee identified connector manufacturer Amphenol and specialty glass producer Corning as significant beneficiaries, “mainly driven by high content in foldable phones rather than the volume related to it.”

As CNBC highlighted, both firms have already demonstrated substantial growth in 2025, with Amphenol shares increasing more than 50% year to date, and Corning seeing a rise of over 30%, significantly outpacing the S&P 500’s 8% gain. Conversely, Apple has lagged behind the broader market this year, with its stock declining more than 10% thus far.

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