AllYouCanTech

The EU Tackles Significant Online User Annoyances

The EU’s significant privacy regulation, GDPR, was one of the most beneficial advancements for the internet in quite some time. Nevertheless, it also brought about a wave of pop-ups prompting users to make decisions regarding cookies.

### A Brief Overview of GDPR

The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) took effect in 2018, providing the most robust tech privacy safeguards ever introduced. Although the law was limited to EU citizens, numerous tech giants opted to adopt the regulations globally, which in turn benefited all users. The foundation of GDPR involves four key limitations on the collection, storage, and processing of personal data:

– There must be a defined and lawful purpose for data processing.
– Personal data needs to be encrypted.
– Individuals hold the right to access a copy of their data.
– Individuals have the ability to request the deletion of their data.

### The Issue with Cookies

Cookies are small text files that are stored on devices, enabling websites to monitor user actions, such as whether a user has visited the site earlier. While cookies can improve user experience by remembering login details, they can also serve less transparent purposes, like adjusting prices based on user behavior.

### The Frustrating Cookie Consent Requirement

In response to privacy issues, GDPR mandates that websites obtain consent to store cookies. This has led to a maddening pop-up appearing on nearly every site. Many websites engage in “malicious compliance,” presenting convoluted choices that make it simpler to just agree rather than sift through the alternatives.

### The Law is Set to Evolve

The EU has acknowledged that the existing consent framework fails to provide true choice, as the majority of users click “agree” to get rid of the pop-up. Upcoming regulations will permit users to establish a single cookie preference in their browser, which all websites will be required to honor. This adjustment aims to greatly enhance the online experience.

Companies will also no longer be required to request consent for benign uses, such as automatically logging users in after they have signed up. The new guidelines are anticipated to be enacted next year, with a temporary shift obligating websites to provide a simple yes/no option rather than convoluted choices.

Finalists for the 2025 App Store Awards Revealed

As we near the conclusion of 2025, Apple is preparing to announce the recipients of the 2025 App Store Awards. Apple has revealed today the 45 contenders for the App Store Awards, which cover an extensive array of categories.

Carson Oliver, the head of App Store Worldwide at Apple, shared his enthusiasm for the finalists, stating, “We’re excited to honor the finalists for the App Store Awards, a varied and gifted group of developers from across the globe. Their dedication to quality serves as an inspiration, creating experiences that empower users to unleash their creativity, accomplish more through technological advancements, and embark on new journeys within the realm of gaming.”

These finalists were carefully selected by Apple’s team of App Store editors for crafting outstanding experiences that encourage users to achieve more, rethink their daily processes, and expand creative horizons. The winners are set to be revealed in December.

### The Finalists for the 2025 App Store Awards

#### Finalists for iPhone App of the Year
– **[BandLab](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bandlab-music-maker-beats/id968585775)**: Assists musicians in recording and mixing tracks with a community aspect.
– **[LADDER](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ladder-strength-training-plans/id1502936453)**: Eliminates uncertainties in strength training routines.
– **[Tiimo](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tiimo-ai-planner-to-do/id1480220328)**: Displays tasks in a soothing manner.

#### Finalists for iPhone Game of the Year
– **[Capybara Go!](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/capybara-go/id6596787726)**: Guides players through a whimsical idle adventure as a charming creature.
– **[Pokémon TCG Pocket](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pok%C3%A9mon-tcg-pocket/id6479970832)**: Enhances the experience of collecting and battling with Pokémon cards.
– **[Thronefall](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/thronefall-a-little-kingdom/id6744029320)**: Merges exciting defense gameplay with simple controls.

#### Finalists for iPad App of the Year
– **[Detail](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/detail-ai-video-editor/id1673518618)**: Transforms the content creation process.
– **[Graintouch](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/graintouch/id6740813845)**: Introduces print art’s charm to a wider creative audience.
– **[Structured](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/structured-daily-planner/id1499198946)**: Maps out busy days in easy-to-read timelines.

#### Finalists for iPad Game of the Year
– **[DREDGE](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dredge/id6526463862)**: Provides a captivating mystery alongside seamless gameplay.
– **[Infinity Nikki](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/infinity-nikki/id6502622570)**: Immerses players in the enchanting universe of Miraland.
– **[Prince of Persia Lost Crown](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/prince-of-persia-lost-crown/id6504011865)**: Delivers an epic journey from beginning to end.

#### Finalists for Mac App of the Year
– **[Acorn](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/acorn-8/id6737921844)**: The preferred tool for professional-level photo editing.
– **[Essayist](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/essayist-academic-writing-app/id1537845384)**: Simplifies the task of sourcing and formatting academic writings.
– **[Under My Roof](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/under-my-roof-home-inventory/id1524335878)**: Aids homeowners in maintaining organization.

#### Finalists for Mac Game of the Year
– (Details not provided)

#### Finalists for Apple Arcade Game of the Year
– (Details not provided)

#### Finalists for Apple Vision Pro App of the Year
– **[Camo Studio](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/camo-studio-stream-record/id6450313385)**: Provides a versatile approach for livestreaming and video creation.
– **[D-Day: The Camera Soldier](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/d-day-the-camera-soldier/id6737838494)**: Innovates immersive storytelling experiences.
– **[Explore POV](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/explore-pov/id6479555991)**: Engages users through a collection of immersive videos.

#### Finalists for Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year
– **[Fishing Haven](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fishing-haven/id6737493339)**: Engulfs players in tranquil waters.
– **

The Transition from Mac Pro to Mac Studios: A Review of Evolving Demands in Professional Computing

**The Transformation of the Mac Pro: A Change in Apple’s High-End Desktop Vision**

During the Intel era, the Mac Pro was the machine many coveted, even if our reasons for purchasing one were tenuous. It was unquestionably the most robust Mac and the easiest to upgrade – not to mention one of the most aesthetically pleasing devices the company ever produced.

The 2023 Mac Pro was even more stunning than its predecessor, but with Apple’s new Silicon architecture, the signs of change were evident.

### Apple Silicon Altered Everything

The key to the strength and upgradability of the Mac Pro was the option to install CPUs and GPUs of your choosing, along with extra RAM and hard drives or SSDs. However, the transition to Apple Silicon centralized everything onto a single board. This change rendered the machines significantly less upgradeable than in the past, prompting inquiries about the necessity of the Mac Pro. While Apple initially offered it with a more powerful chip, that chip could have been incorporated into any other Mac.

Concerns regarding the need for the Mac Pro were further reinforced by the introduction of the Mac Studio in 2022. An M2 Ultra upgrade a year later led to the two devices providing similar performance levels. The situation deteriorated for the Mac Pro when the Mac Studio acquired an M3 Ultra chip, making it more powerful than the existing Mac Pro while also being considerably less expensive.

The sole benefit of the larger and pricier Mac Pro is the presence of PCIe expansion slots and extra ports. However, since PCIe slots no longer support more powerful graphics cards, they serve a very specific purpose these days. In most instances, a Thunderbolt connection to an external accessory is adequate.

### Apple Has ‘Deprioritized’ the Mac Pro

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman disclosed that Apple has “largely deprioritized the Mac Pro.” Apple is no longer developing an M4 Ultra chip, and the Mac Pro intended to feature that chip has also been scrapped. The upcoming high-end Apple Silicon chip will be the M5 Ultra, which is currently only intended for the Mac Studio.

Internally, the belief is that the Mac Studio now embodies both the present and future of Apple’s high-performance desktop strategy. While it is disheartening to see the potential discontinuation of the Mac Pro, this choice is logical considering that its primary justification—expandability—no longer holds true. Apart from a small segment of users who require internal storage options, the distinctions between the Mac Pro and the Mac Studio are minimal.

### macOS Tahoe 26.2 Offers Another Justification

A new functionality in macOS Tahoe 26.2 further emphasizes the Mac Pro’s obsolescence. This update enables users to form clusters of Mac Studios, facilitating powerful AI supercomputing abilities. The new low-latency feature allows multiple Macs to connect via Thunderbolt 5, simplifying the process for developers and researchers to conduct large-scale local models.

With macOS Tahoe 26.2, Apple introduces full-speed Thunderbolt 5 connectivity of up to 80Gb/s. This clustering capability extends beyond the Mac Studio; it is also compatible with the M4 Pro Mac mini and M4 Pro/Max MacBook Pro. Developers can create clusters without specialized hardware, utilizing standard Thunderbolt 5 cables and compatible Macs.

In addition, macOS Tahoe 26.2 will provide Apple’s open-source MLX project with full access to the neural accelerators on the M5 chip, greatly enhancing AI inferencing speed.

### Conclusion

The transformation of the Mac Pro signifies a notable shift in Apple’s perspective on professional desktops. As the Mac Studio gains prominence, the Mac Pro’s significance wanes, underscoring the evolving landscape of computing demands and capabilities. With powerful new features in macOS and the integration of Apple Silicon, the future of Apple’s professional computing strategy seems to focus on the Mac Studio, relegating the Mac Pro to a relic of a past era.

iPhone Owners Can Now Incorporate Driver’s Licenses into Apple Wallet Beginning Today

### Support for Driver’s Licenses in Apple Wallet for Illinois

Starting from November 19, 2025, residents of Illinois can integrate their driver’s licenses and state identification into the Apple Wallet application, signifying a major advancement in the range of digital identification options available for iPhone users. This functionality is part of Apple’s continuous initiative to improve the accessibility and safety of digital wallets.

#### Operational Details

To incorporate a driver’s license or state ID into the Apple Wallet, users should adhere to a simple procedure. Initially, they need to capture an image of their physical license and perform a Face ID-like scan for identity confirmation. Following a brief verification period, the digital ID will become accessible within the Wallet application.

Once integrated, the digital driver’s license can be utilized for various functions, such as in-person transactions, online shopping, and at designated businesses. Importantly, it is valid at TSA checkpoints in more than 250 airports nationwide, including prominent locations like O’Hare and Midway.

#### Growth of Digital ID Features

With Illinois on board, Apple Wallet now accommodates digital driver’s licenses across 13 states and Puerto Rico. This enhancement follows Apple’s recent introduction of Digital ID features in the Wallet app, which enables U.S. passport holders to digitize their identification.

#### Privacy and Security Measures

Apple highlights that the incorporation of driver’s licenses and state IDs into the Wallet app aims to offer users a secure and private method to handle their identification. Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, noted that this capability brings users closer to replacing their physical wallets with a digital version, improving the convenience of daily tasks such as traveling and dining.

#### Prospective Updates

While Apple has yet to provide an exhaustive list of businesses that accept mobile driver’s licenses, users can seek more details on where they can utilize their digital IDs. The company also suggests that more applications for Digital ID acceptance will be rolled out in the future, expanding the Wallet app’s capabilities.

In conclusion, the incorporation of driver’s licenses and state IDs into Apple Wallet in Illinois signifies a crucial move toward a more digital and efficient method of identification, improving user convenience and emphasizing security and privacy.

TikTok Suggests Badges as an Approach to Tackle Teenage App Dependency

As more legislators seek to impose restrictions on the usage of social media applications by children and teenagers, TikTok is responding.

The company asserts – seemingly without any irony – that new offerings such as an affirmation journal, background sound generator, and app badges are expected to be more beneficial than conventional usage limits.

An increasing number of lawmakers throughout US states and globally are introducing or implementing legislation to curtail or restrict social media app access for teenagers and younger children. TikTok is one of multiple tech corporations striving to contest these laws in legal arenas. The company has recently revealed several new initiatives, claiming they will be more impactful than merely enforcing usage limits.

The new offerings consist of:

– **Breathing exercises**, featuring various forms of mindful breathing.
– An **affirmational journal**, enabling users to establish their daily intentions, with over 120 different affirmation cards available for download or sharing.
– A **calming sound generator**, consisting of sounds like rain, waves, and white noise. Survey results indicate that TikTok users are 14% more likely than non-users to listen to music for sleep or relaxation.

Moreover, the app now provides teenagers the opportunity to earn badges by completing “wellbeing missions,” which involve setting screen-time limits, refraining from TikTok usage at night, and meditating. The company also intends to encourage users to check the time and wellbeing section of the app settings if they engage with the app during specified “sleep hours.”

Gentler Streak Unveils Weekly Activity Summary Function

### Gentler Streak Unveils Weekly Activity Recap Feature

After a short beta testing phase, Gentler Streak has launched an exciting update featuring a new Weekly Activity Recap tool. This enhancement aims to improve the user experience by offering an attractive method to monitor fitness progress without the stress typically linked to fitness applications.

#### A Fresh Approach to Visualizing Progress

Just days after debuting Apple Watch compatibility for its other application, The Outsiders, Gentler Stories has turned its attention to enhancing Gentler Streak. The Weekly Activity Recap tool enables users to access key metrics like duration, energy expenditure, distance, and elevation within a beautifully crafted interface. Color-coded graphs help users grasp how each activity impacts their overall weekly performance.

As pointed out by Gentler Streak on social media, the focus is on delivering data in a way that is both precise and visually appealing. The developers advocate that users’ feelings about their progress carry as much weight as the data itself.

#### Main Features of the Weekly Activity Recap

The Weekly Activity Recap offers a thorough summary of a user’s fitness endeavors, including:

– **Activity Hours**: Total time dedicated to physical activities throughout the week.
– **Calories Expended**: An estimate of energy burned based on the activities engaged in.
– **Distance Achieved**: Total distance covered during exercises.
– **Elevation Gain**: Total elevation ascended, particularly beneficial for outdoor lovers.
– **Mid-Workout Images**: Users can add photos captured during workouts, providing a personal flair to their activity recap.

This feature resonates with Gentler Streak’s philosophy of recognizing progress rather than pressuring users to fulfill specific fitness targets.

#### Excitement for Annual Recap

The launch of the Weekly Activity Recap arrives just prior to Gentler Streak’s highly-regarded annual recap feature, which highlights a user’s achievements over the past year through engaging animated charts and visuals. This yearly summary is a standout for many users, offering a complete view of their fitness journey.

#### Accessibility

Gentler Streak is available for free on the App Store, with in-app purchase options for monthly, yearly, family, and lifetime subscriptions. This makes it accessible to a diverse array of users eager to monitor their fitness in a nurturing and visually appealing way.

In conclusion, the rollout of the Weekly Activity Recap feature in Gentler Streak signifies a major upgrade to the app, enabling users to visualize their fitness journey in a manner that is both informative and enjoyable.