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Grasping and Applying Instagram’s ‘Vanish Mode’: Advantages and Usage Manual

what’s within the moon, at times it’s best to not leave a footprint. (Now, if Instagram is planning to emulate Snapchat, perhaps it will eventually unveil the iPad application it’s reportedly developing?)

Activating Vanish Mode on iPhone or Android is straightforward. It merely requires swiping up from the bottom of any private chat screen. This creates a really handy method to switch between a lighthearted discussion and something that requires discretion. Nonetheless, there are a few aspects to consider regarding it, as Vanish Mode isn’t an unassailable stronghold. While it’s beneficial for making a chat among friends more intimate, there are several points to remember if you believe it will safeguard anything and everything. First, however, let’s delve deeper into how to operate Vanish Mode.

How to operate Vanish Mode on Instagram

How to Fix iPhone Trapped in SOS Only Mode

The status bar on your iPhone acts as a useful dashboard that gives you an overview of your smartphone’s key metrics. You’re likely accustomed to seeing the Wi-Fi and cellular data symbols in this display area, along with the battery level of your iPhone. However, there may be a time when you encounter something less recognizable. Specifically, we are talking about messages such as “SOS Only,” “No Service,” or “Searching.”

When your iPhone is in SOS Only mode, this indicates that the device isn’t linked to a cellular network. Consequently, you won’t have the ability to make standard phone calls or send text messages, though you might still be able to contact emergency services like police, fire, coast guard, and other critical response teams if you are in the U.S., Canada, or Australia. “No Service” or “Searching” reflects that your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) lacks any carrier connection, making it impossible to reach emergency services.

How to remove your iPhone from SOS mode

iOS 26 Brings Four Fresh Features to Safari That You May Have Missed

# Safari Updates in iOS 26: Major Features and Improvements

With the launch of iOS 26, Apple has rolled out important updates to its Safari browser, enhancing user interaction and privacy. This article outlines some of the lesser-known modifications that come with the newest version.

## Web App Enhancements

A prominent enhancement in iOS 26 is the upgrade to the “Add to Home Screen” functionality. Users can now access any webpage as a standalone web app, which includes full-screen capability and visibility within the App Switcher. Previously, this feature was restricted to websites with appropriate web app configurations, but now it ensures a more fluid experience across multiple sites.

## HDR Photos

iOS 26 also offers support for HDR photos in Safari, delivering users with more vibrant colors and improved contrast when visiting HDR-capable websites. This enhancement seeks to elevate the visual experience for those accessing high-definition content.

## Improved Privacy Features

A significant update in iOS 26 is the Advanced Fingerprinting Protection feature, which is now active by default for all browsing sessions in Safari. This feature aids in obscuring browser and device information that is commonly used to create a digital fingerprint for tracking. Apple aims to establish a new industry benchmark for privacy with this update, making it simpler for users to uphold their anonymity online.

## Confirm Identity with Wallet on the Web

Another key addition is the “Confirm Identity with Wallet on the Web” feature, which enables users to verify their identity online using state IDs, driver’s licenses, and U.S. passports saved in Apple Wallet. This feature streamlines the age and identity verification process, eliminating the need for physical document uploads with a more secure and user-friendly interface. Supported by the W3C Digital Credentials API and FIDO CTAP protocol, this feature is anticipated to be adopted by various websites, including Chime, Turo, and Uber Eats.

## Conclusion

The updates in Safari with iOS 26, including the innovative Liquid Glass design, enhanced web app capabilities, HDR photo support, improved privacy measures, and identity verification options, represent a noteworthy advancement in user experience and security. As users engage with these new features, they can look forward to a more efficient and secure browsing journey.

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Assessing the Existing Market Situation for Acquiring an Apple Watch

Next month, Apple is anticipated to update its complete Apple Watch lineup, featuring the Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3. Recently, the company has brought back the Blood Oxygen feature that was absent in the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2, making this a favorable time for users who depended on that feature to think about upgrading.

### Next-gen Apple Watch Speculations

The new models are expected to be available for sale by the end of September. All three versions are likely to come with the new S11 chip, although it may not represent a considerable performance leap over the S9 and S10 chips. The SE 3 is predicted to emphasize cost-effectiveness, possibly considering a plastic casing to reduce the initial price.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is stirring enthusiasm with speculations of a slightly larger display accomplished through slimmer bezels and a higher resolution. It is also anticipated to include 5G RedCap and Satellite functionalities, improving connectivity. Moreover, the Ultra 3 may have Blood Pressure monitoring, alerting users to any alarming readings instead of providing live measurements.

While the Series 11 may adopt some features from the Ultra 3, it is rumored to be a less significant upgrade compared to earlier models.

### Is It Worth Upgrading Now?

For those thinking about the Apple Watch Ultra, it’s recommended to hold off until September to benefit from the new features. However, for shoppers interested in the regular Apple Watch or the SE, existing models are currently being offered at reduced prices. The Apple Watch SE 2 can be acquired for $169, which is 32% lower than MSRP, while the 46mm Apple Watch Series 10 is listed at $329, a $100 reduction.

### Wrap Up

Ultimately, the choice of whether to upgrade now hinges on personal preferences. Current Apple Watch models are available at attractive prices, and these offers may not persist after the debut of the Series 11 and SE 3. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is also sellable for $649, offering a $150 discount compared to the new pricing. With the reintroduction of the Blood Oxygen feature, users might discover current models to be a valuable buy.

What do you think about the forthcoming Apple Watch models? Would you contemplate acquiring a current model?

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Experts Evaluate Possible Dangers of Comet 3I/Atlas

On July 1, 2025, the Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Chile detected a newly arrived comet into our solar system. This comet has been designated 3I/ATLAS, marking it as the third interstellar object that humanity has observed traversing our solar system. The earlier two interstellar entities identified were 1I/’Oumuamua (recognized in 2017) and 2I/BORISOV (identified in 2019). It appears that 3I/ATLAS shares similarities with 2I/BORISOV in terms of its icy makeup. Beyond this, little is known about this new interstellar arrival. Scientists are hurrying to study 3I/ATLAS and gather as much information as possible, as its current path and velocity suggest it will exit our solar system by year’s end.

Its closest approach to our sun is anticipated in late October 2025, at which point solar heat will likely cause some of its ice to vaporize, potentially resulting in a prominent cometary tail rich in vapor and dust. Presently, this comet features a faint coma, which is the surrounding cloud of gas and dust enveloping its nucleus. However, this situation may alter as it nears the sun. An additional intriguing detail is that 3I/ATLAS will cross Mars’ orbit, leaving us uncertain about the outcome of that encounter.

The concern surrounding the fact that ATLAS was the first to identify this comet has raised some alarms. The Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System is inherently defensive, developed to detect and alert us about comets, asteroids, or other celestial objects that might collide with Earth. Nonetheless, NASA confirms that this interstellar object will most likely not come close enough to our planet to pose any risk.

### What NASA has to say

The ATLAS observatory in Chile forms part of NASA’s early warning system, focused on identifying and characterizing all near-Earth objects (NEOs), with a specific emphasis on asteroids and comets that could potentially impact our planet. ATLAS operates a network of wide-field telescopes that continuously scan the night sky above Earth. While primarily structured for planetary defense against hazardous space objects, ATLAS can also identify non-threatening yet scientifically intriguing celestial entities. The telescopes involved in this defensive initiative are stationed across various observatories worldwide (including locations in South Africa, California, and Chile), offering comprehensive global coverage of the night sky.

Naturally, upon the initial discovery of 3I/ATLAS, the immediate focus was on determining its trajectory and speed. It was established that this comet travels at a velocity of 137,000 miles per hour (61 km/s), with the nearest point of approach to Earth being 1.8 astronomical units (170 million miles, or 270 million kilometers) away. NASA has ultimately determined that 3I/ATLAS presents no danger to our planet.

With that in mind, the most fascinating established fact about this interstellar traveler is its age. Based on its current trajectory, scientists have concluded that 3I/ATLAS originated from a region of the Milky Way that predates our solar system; thus, it could potentially be older than 4.6 billion years. The estimation suggests that 3I/ATLAS is approximately 7 billion years old, making it the oldest comet recorded by humans to date.

### Could it be an alien probe?

Despite the limited knowledge surrounding 3I/ATLAS, several captivating theories exist regarding this interstellar visitor. Astrophysicist Abraham Loeb from Harvard, along with colleagues from the UK’s Initiative for Interstellar Studies, Adam Hibbert and Adam Crowl, theorize that this interstellar object might not be a comet but rather an alien probe sent from a distant location to survey Earth and its vicinity.

This isn’t the first occasion on which Loeb has proposed such an idea. In 2017, when Oumuamua was discovered, he suggested it could be an alien probe owing to its atypical shape, acceleration, reflectivity, and absence of trailing gases. While he hasn’t presented specific details regarding 3I/ATLAS, Loeb cautions that any interstellar object warrants investigation as a potential piece of alien technology.

Currently, there is no proof that 3I/ATLAS is anything other than an interstellar comet journeying through our solar system. The detection by ATLAS was fortunate, as it’s believed millions of similar objects traverse near or through our system without detection. Nevertheless, scientists like Loeb might not be entirely misguided; 3I/ATLAS is a distinctive interstellar comet, and it deserves closer scrutiny.

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Indie App Highlight: ‘Notify’ – A No-Cost Resource for Tracking Modifications on Websites

# Indie App Spotlight: Notify – Effortless Website Monitoring

Welcome to Indie App Spotlight, a weekly feature by 9to5Mac that showcases the newest advancements in the indie app landscape. This week, we shine a light on Notify, an innovative application designed for tracking website alterations directly from your iPhone.

## What is Notify?

Notify is a simple application that enables users to track specific websites for any updates. It functions entirely on your device, safeguarding your data and privacy. While it caters to a specific market, Notify excels in its purpose, making it an essential tool for individuals who need to remain informed about website updates.

## Features of Notify

### Change Detection

Notify’s main feature is its capability to identify changes on websites at regular intervals. Users can effortlessly configure the websites to be monitored and determine the frequency of checks. The app also keeps a record of changes, enabling users to review alterations over time.

### Integration with ChangeDetection.io

For more sophisticated users, Notify provides integration with ChangeDetection.io. This feature improves the app’s functionalities by offering a long-term change log and enhanced monitoring flexibility.

### Apple Push Notifications

Notify comes with an Apple Push Notifications URL, allowing users to receive alerts from various services. For example, if you are conducting a lengthy Final Cut Pro render on your Mac, you can create a script to alert Notify once the rendering is finished.

### Automation with Apple Shortcuts

The application is compatible with Apple Shortcuts, permitting users to establish custom automations. Moreover, it includes home screen widgets for quick access and hassle-free monitoring of your chosen websites.

## Download the App

Notify is entirely free to use, with no advertisements, tips, or subscription costs. You can download it from the App Store for iPhone and iPad models running iOS 18.5 and above.

For anyone seeking a dependable website monitoring solution, Notify stands out as an efficient and user-friendly choice.

Discover Notify today and enhance your website monitoring process!

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Mac.c Emerges as a Powerful Contender in the macOS Infostealer Sector, Competing with AMOS

**The Ascendancy of Mac.c: A New Menace in the macOS Malware Environment**

In 2023, the cybersecurity realm concerning macOS has been notably altered by the rise of AMOS (Atomic macOS Stealer), a infamous infostealer that has piqued the interest of security specialists and victims alike. Nevertheless, a fresh contender has emerged: Mac.c, created by a threat actor referred to as “mentalpositive.” This article examines the repercussions of this novel malware and its possible effects on the macOS ecosystem.

### The Advent of Mac.c

Mac.c, thought to originate from Russia, has gained momentum within just four months of its debut. As reported by Moonlock, the cybersecurity branch of MacPaw, Mac.c is already vying with established malware like AMOS. Mentalpositive’s strategy towards malware creation is distinctly different; they have embraced a transparent approach, disseminating updates and seeking feedback from users, which is rare in the malware world.

### Technical Observations

From a technical perspective, Mac.c shows code-level resemblances to both AMOS and another infostealer, Rodrigo4. However, it has been enhanced for swift data extraction, enabling it to download more rapidly and evade detection with greater efficiency. The malware’s updates have incorporated an increasing array of command-and-control URLs, suggesting that it may be a part of a broader operation.

Mentalpositive has also launched a web-based interface for clients, allowing them to create custom variants of the malware, track infection metrics, and oversee their operations. This degree of accessibility and personalization indicates a potential shift towards a stealer-as-a-service paradigm within the macOS threat sphere.

### The Wider macOS Threat Environment

The macOS malware marketplace, although historically less abundant than that of Windows, is witnessing a spike in activity. Apple’s expanding market share, which has reached around 17.1% of the total computer market in the U.S., has made macOS a more appealing target for cybercriminals. The growth of infostealers, which now represent over 28% of all detected Mac malware, underscores this tendency.

The rising prevalence of infostealers can be ascribed to their low entry barrier for cybercriminals. The Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) framework allows individuals with lesser technical skills to lease sophisticated malware instruments, facilitating their ability to initiate attacks. Moreover, infostealers provide quicker financial returns compared to other malware types, such as ransomware.

### Safeguarding Against Infostealers

Despite Apple’s inherent security features, users need to stay vigilant to defend themselves against threats like Mac.c. Here are some vital recommendations for securing your macOS devices:

1. **Investigate Before Installation**: Always confirm the source before installing programs not from the official Mac App Store.
2. **Exercise Caution with Links**: Hover over links to verify their authenticity before engaging.
3. **Utilize Strong Passwords**: Employ complex credentials and activate two-factor authentication, ideally using OTP methods.
4. **Handle Permissions Diligently**: Be wary about providing permissions to applications on your Mac.
5. **Maintain Updates**: Frequently update your devices and applications to guarantee you have the latest security fixes.

### Conclusion

The rise of Mac.c indicates a concerning trend in the macOS malware environment, as cybercriminals grow increasingly adept and systematic. Users must remain proactive in their security measures to reduce the risks posed by infostealers and other malware types. As the macOS ecosystem expands, so too will the threats aimed at it, making awareness and vigilance more essential than ever.

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“Elevate Your Journey with the Newest Tripsy Update for iPhone”

the 2024 iPhone App of the Year contender has just received a significant update. With version 3.5, the app now provides an enhanced experience for planning trips with friends or family, in addition to serving tour guides.

Developed by Brazilian programmers, Tripsy stands out as one of the top choices for those looking to coordinate a journey. This update focuses on social media sharing, increased collaboration, significant enhancements, and bug fixes in anticipation of the upcoming releases of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 this autumn.

As an example, Favorite Guests is one of the main features that has been added in Tripsy version 3.5. When embarking on a trip with a significant other or a close companion, the app will recommend them to be included in your upcoming adventure. They also have the ability to set up trips and automatically add you. Ultimately, there is nothing quite as thrilling as getting a notification from your best friend or loved one who has already begun organizing your next European getaway.

New features coming to Tripsy

“Ways to Improve Your ChatGPT Prompts: 5 Essential Guidelines”

there’s much you can gain from utilizing ChatGPT, ranging from addressing inquiries to product comparisons, itinerary creation, and so much more, but it all initiates with a user prompt.

Envision user prompts as a digital framework for your AI companion to adhere to. If you’ve been engaging with ChatGPT for some time and are struggling to achieve the type of responses you desire, that initial framework you’re constructing may require some refinement. To support you, we’ve compiled this list of five guidelines that can enhance your ChatGPT prompts, including adjusting your communication style and providing the AI tool with explicit directives. While these tips may not guarantee flawless results for every query, they should undoubtedly lead to a more favorable AI interaction.

Start with clarity and context

Researchers Uncover 400 Miles of Fossilized Volcanoes Underneath China

Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth. This finding may stimulate further investigations into ancient volcanic arcs like this one, which researchers utilize to gain insights into the formation of Earth’s crust millions of years in the past.

In 2021, scientists identified another array of volcanic arcs at the boundary of the Yangtze Block — a significant tectonic plate located beneath southern China — and the authors of the current study were intrigued about the possibility of discovering additional arcs found further inland. Their risk seems to have been rewarded, as Zhidong Gu, a senior engineer at PetroChina, and his team uncovered more than 400 miles of long-dormant, ancient volcanoes situated deep beneath the Earth’s surface.

A remarkable discovery with ancient significance