ending for Windows 10 shortly.
If you’ve already transitioned to Windows 11 or intend to, it’s essential to leverage the upgrade for optimal internet performance. One method is to utilize Windows 11’s features to connect to the upgraded Wi-Fi 7. Another approach is to remove temporary storage files from both your Windows 11 device and Microsoft Edge to make sure nothing is hindering your internet speed.
On September 2, a federal judge determined that Google will not be required to divest Android or Chrome as part of the remedies phase of an antitrust lawsuit initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice. Although certain limitations have been imposed on Google’s operations as a monopoly, the notion of compelling the sale of Android or Chrome was perceived by most consumers as a crucial element of the lawsuit.
The remedies implemented are not entirely advantageous for Google, yet this can be viewed as a victory for the tech giant, which narrowly avoided further disruption to its primary business centered around search and advertisements. Of course, the situation is far from resolved; another antitrust case concerning Google’s advertising operations is already in progress, with many more likely to follow. This specific case was advanced by individuals responsible for advocating our best interests, rather than those of Google’s rivals or emerging enterprises.
It’s easy to assume that Google achieved another legal victory after having initially faced setbacks; Google was identified as a monopoly that employed unfair tactics to sustain its monopoly status. However, the imposed penalties seem relatively mild and are not expected to significantly affect Google’s operations or financial performance. The company’s stock rose nearly 8% in response to this “positive” news.
While that may be true, other corporations desired or required a resolution like this, particularly the one you might not have considered: Apple. Google disbursed approximately 20 billion dollars to Apple in 2022 to retain its position as the default search engine on the iPhone. This arrangement can persist. Google’s not permitted to impose any additional conditions on the agreement, such as enforcing exclusivity, yet Apple can continue to accrue those substantial annual payments, which represent nearly one-fifth of its services revenue.
Additionally, Apple is free to establish contracts with other firms to endorse their search engines and faces fewer restrictions on how it develops partnerships with AI collaborators. Google may not favor OpenAI becoming Apple’s default AI engine, but it is a possibility. This also allows competing AI firms, like OpenAI or Perplexity, to benefit from this arrangement.
Smaller companies are likewise in a better position due to the ruling allowing Google to maintain its deals for default search services. Mozilla, in particular, would face significant challenges without Google’s support.
As Google can continue its operations with Chrome as usual, nearly every web browser company stands to gain. Although they may express dissatisfaction on social networks, CEOs from companies like Brave recognize that no one else will sustain the code base that underpins their product as Google has.
When there’s a “winner,” there must also be a “loser.” I identify two clear losers from this ruling: Microsoft and internet publishers.
Microsoft does not rely on Google for the support and maintenance of Chromium, despite its Edge browser utilizing the engine. It is entirely capable of managing this independently and would have willingly done so if it could have expanded its web browser market share while Chrome diminished. With Google maintaining its operations as they have, Microsoft will need to invest more in order to compete.
Finally, internet publishers will now experience Google, whose AI is already reshaping business models, disseminating some of the data it gathers with competitors. This means more AI companies will have the ability to bypass actual web articles in favor of an AI-generated response, diminishing web traffic and revenue for content creators. Many had hoped for some form of “opt-out” of AI web indexing without being penalized in standard search results, but such provisions were not included in the ruling.
While it is intriguing to explore how this court decision will influence the financial standing of tech companies, what matters most to me (and many of you) is its implications for us, the over 3 billion Google users relying on the company’s products and services.
The outcome is decidedly neutral. The lawsuit might have been initiated to safeguard users like you and me, but the result does not significantly address those concerns. Google will continue to operate as it has regarding consumers, even though some restrictions on its financial maneuvers exist.
Your Android device and Chromebook will function just as they always have. The same applies to YouTube and Gmail. It’s possible we might observe slight variations in Search, but given the recent chaos surrounding it, would we even take note?
The one way this ruling directly impacts users is that Google is required to share certain search index and user-interaction data with competitors. The specifics are not finalized, and the judge acknowledged the necessity for a cautious approach in this area, but the information you generate and provide to Google will ultimately be accessible to other companies.
Google voices, “We have concerns about how these requirements will impact our users and their privacy, and we’re reviewing the decision closely,” but does not indicate intentions to appeal the ruling outright.
The main distinction here is that prior to this, we understood the vast volumes of data Google amassed on all of us were kept internally. Now, some of that data will not be.
Read More### Apple Card Provides Increased Cash Back on Uber and Uber Eats
For a short period, Apple is amplifying its Apple Card benefits by presenting an elevated 5% cash back on transactions made with Uber and Uber Eats. This initiative enables users to gain additional cash back on rides, food deliveries, and beyond, making it an appealing choice for regular users of these platforms.
#### Offer Specifics
The 5% cash back promotion is accessible until September 30th. To benefit from this offer, users need to employ their Apple Card alongside Apple Pay. It’s crucial to remember that using the card number directly will not qualify for the cash back reward. There is a spending limit of $500 for this promotion, meaning users can earn as much as $25 in cash back during the promotional timeframe.
Alongside the cash back incentive, all Apple Cardholders can enroll in a six-month complimentary trial of Uber One, which includes perks like no delivery fees. This initiative commenced earlier this year and further enhances the Apple Card experience.
#### Regular Cash Back Rates
Normally, transactions conducted with Uber and Uber Eats via the Apple Card yield 3% cash back, as these services are included among Apple’s select partner merchants. Additional merchants that qualify for the 3% cash back rate consist of:
– Ace Hardware
– Booking.com
– ChargePoint
– Duane Reade
– Exxon Mobil
– Nike
– Walgreens
#### Other Promotions
Apple is also hosting a separate promotion that offers 5% cash back at selected gas and EV charging locations, valid until September 15th. This contributes to the overall attractiveness of the Apple Card, which typically provides 2% cash back on all purchases made with Apple Pay and 1% when swiping the physical card.
#### Closing Thoughts
This temporary promotion from Apple not only boosts the cash back potential for Apple Card users but also promotes the use of Apple Pay for transactions. With the additional advantage of the Uber One trial, users can optimize their savings while enjoying the ease of rides and food delivery services.
Read MoreI apologize, but I’m unable to help with that request.
Read MoreA summary of the most prominent technology news that captured attention this week.
Like our content? Be sure to designate Android Central as a preferred source in Google Search to stay informed on the latest news, reviews, features, and more.
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Read More**Stars of Gavin and Stacey to Develop New Drama for Apple TV+**
The cherished figures from the acclaimed BBC series *Gavin and Stacey*, James Corden and Ruth Jones, are set to launch an exhilarating new project. As reported by the Daily Mail, this duo has finalized a contract with Apple to create, produce, and star in a novel drama series for Apple TV+. Production is anticipated to kick off next year, marking a noteworthy progression in their already remarkable careers.
The forthcoming show is characterized as “overflowing with heart and warmth,” in line with the style of many of Apple’s successful comedic ventures. This new endeavor is expected to connect with viewers, similar to their earlier work on *Gavin and Stacey*, which has sustained a loyal following since its launch.
James Corden, who achieved global recognition as the host of *The Late Late Show* in the United States, holds a well-established connection with Apple TV+. He is famed for his widely popular segment, *Carpool Karaoke*, which is solely available on Apple TV+. Corden’s ties with Apple extend beyond *Carpool Karaoke*, as he has also been involved in various Apple Music promotional campaigns, including a notable instance where he transported Apple CEO Tim Cook to the keynote stage during the iPhone 7 event.
This existing partnership likely played a significant part in Apple obtaining the rights to the new series, coupled with a reported seven-figure offer, illustrating Apple’s financial dedication to the project. Although Apple has yet to officially announce the series order, the excitement around it is steadily increasing.
Corden and Jones share a long-standing history of collaboration in British television, tracing back to prior to Corden’s emergence as a late-night host in the U.S. Their alliance has yielded numerous successful endeavors, and the recent *Gavin and Stacey* Christmas special in 2024 shattered UK viewing records, underscoring their lasting charm.
As fans eagerly await further insights regarding this upcoming drama, the buzz surrounding Corden and Jones’s return to the screen is tangible. Their distinctive combination of humor and genuine storytelling is bound to draw a diverse audience on Apple TV+.
Read More### Grasping EasyLAPS: Fortifying Security for macOS Admin Accounts
Apple IT teams encounter a notable challenge while overseeing local admin accounts on macOS devices. While these accounts are essential for updates, troubleshooting, and device recovery, they also bring security concerns due to static or shared passwords. EasyLAPS presents a solution to this problem, offering automatic password rotation and secure storage for local admin passwords, thus improving security while streamlining management.
#### Functionality of EasyLAPS
EasyLAPS functions by changing the local admin password on a set schedule and securely storing it within your device management system or password manager. This framework preserves the account’s SecureToken and Volume Owner status, enabling it to carry out crucial tasks like unlocking the Mac, applying updates, and modifying startup security settings. IT administrators can retrieve the most recent password when necessary, keeping it hidden from end users, thereby reducing security risks.
#### Two Password Storage Modes
EasyLAPS provides two separate options for password storage, offering flexibility according to organizational requirements:
1. **Logic 1**: This mode encrypts the password and retains it in both the device management system and the EasyLAPS Keychain. Only those with the EasyLAPS Toolkit and the private key can decrypt it, making it ideal for settings where multiple technicians can access the device management system, but only a few should be able to see the password.
2. **Logic 2**: In this more straightforward mode, the password is kept in clear text within the device management system, with no local copy unless a rotation fails. This method necessitates tighter access controls to the device management system.
#### Compatible Device Management Solutions
EasyLAPS works with a number of device management solutions, such as:
– Mosyle
– FileWave
– Jamf Pro
– Jamf School
– JumpCloud
– Meraki
– Microsoft Intune
– Miradore
– SimpleMDM
– Omnissa
Moreover, it can connect with Passwordstate for those employing it as their password management solution.
#### Significance for Apple IT
Utilizing static admin passwords presents a considerable security threat, especially if not managed properly. A breached password can provide unauthorized access to multiple devices. EasyLAPS alleviates this risk by guaranteeing that each Mac has a distinctive, regularly updated password. This strategy not only secures the devices but also reduces the burden of manual password resets and the risks linked to shared credentials.
#### Summary
For IT teams, EasyLAPS strengthens the security of local admin accounts through automated password management. It removes the need to monitor device updates or manually reset passwords after deployment. For security teams, it addresses vulnerabilities that could be taken advantage of by former employees or attackers. EasyLAPS functions effortlessly in the background, enhancing the security of Mac fleets without increasing operational burdens.
For further details about EasyLAPS, visit
Read More**Why Is The Sky Blue?**
Looking up at the vast blue sky can create a feeling of gazing into the endless. That expanse of blue hovering above seems limitless, yet it may surprise you to learn that it only appears blue to us because of a specific physical process. Although it sadly doesn’t involve any enigmatic green spirits in the sky, it does encompass a considerable amount of science.
The blue hue of the sky is due to Rayleigh scattering: a physical occurrence where sunlight is scattered as it interacts with molecules and particles in the Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in blue being the main visible wavelength. In addition to determining the color of the sky, Rayleigh scattering is also a reason why some people’s eyes can appear green.
This phenomenon also influences the appearance of sunrises and sunsets, as it contributes to the scattering of blue wavelengths, producing those recognizable red and orange tones. It also gives our occasionally picturesque sun its characteristic yellow color when viewed from Earth. When Rayleigh scattering collaborates with another scientific phenomenon, the outcomes can be truly breathtaking.
**What is the real color of the sky?**
Before diving into the reasons behind the blue sky, here’s a brief introduction. The sunlight that penetrates the Earth’s atmosphere radiates nearly every wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum, albeit not in equal amounts. This spectrum embodies all varieties of electromagnetic radiation, including microwaves, X-rays, infrared light, ultraviolet light, and visible light. Visible light represents the colors our eyes interpret, all linked to specific wavelengths on the spectrum. Blues and purples have shorter wavelengths, while reds and oranges possess longer wavelengths.
As sunlight passes into the Earth’s atmosphere, it interacts with the molecules within it, such as oxygen, nitrogen, and other tiny gases and particles. Since these molecules are smaller than light waves, they scatter the wavelengths, with shorter waves like blue scattering more than longer waves like red. This process is what we previously referred to as Rayleigh scattering.
In essence, sunlight interacts with atmospheric molecules, redistributing wavelengths towards the blue end of the visible spectrum. This results in a predominance of blue light wavelengths, giving the sky its well-known look. As renowned scientist Bill Nye states, “The sky is blue because the molecules in the Earth’s air are just the right size and just the right distance apart to cause the blue light to scatter more than the red light” (via Sophia Learning). Because of the cones that detect light in our eyes, we find it challenging to perceive the purples that should also exist in the sky.
**What causes a sunset to be red?**
As the sun lowers in the sky, its light must travel through a denser layer of the Earth’s atmosphere. The density of the atmosphere combined with a longer travel distance scatters blue light even more, leaving only red and orange light in the spectrum. “At sunset, so much blue light is scattered so strongly, because the atmosphere is a little thicker with respect to the path of the sun, that all that’s left is red light,” explains Nye. “It’s not magic. It’s science.”
In addition to atmospheric molecules affecting the sky’s color, cloud droplets can also impact the sky’s appearance. If the droplets are similar in size to or larger than the wavelengths, the visible wavelengths will scatter evenly across the sky. This phenomenon is known as Mie scattering, which is why a cloud might seem white. Denser clouds might look gray due to the obstruction of more light, or the cloud may even take on a slightly blue tint if it isn’t receiving direct sunlight, reflecting the sky’s color.
If you’ve witnessed a beautiful sunrise where the sun triumphs over the clouds, it’s a result of Rayleigh scattering and Mie scattering working together. Rayleigh scattering assists in removing all the blues, while Mie scattering highlights the reds in the clouds, crafting a visual spectacle that can be utterly magnificent to behold.
Read More### Apple’s “Awe Dropping” Event: What to Anticipate
In merely three days, Apple is poised to present its much-awaited “Awe Dropping” event, during which the tech titan is anticipated to reveal the iPhone 17 series, the Apple Watch Ultra 3, and possibly other thrilling products. The occasion is sure to be a noteworthy event for Apple fans and technology enthusiasts alike.
#### Event Information
The Apple Event keynote will be live-streamed commencing at 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET. Audiences can join via Apple’s official site, YouTube, or the Apple TV app. This gathering is especially thrilling as it signifies the launch of new offerings that could transform user interactions and shape trends within the tech sector.
#### Wallpapers for Celebration
To boost the enthusiasm prior to the event, a number of creators have provided distinctive wallpapers.
– **Basic Apple Guy** presents a selection of wallpapers, including a stunning gradient choice. You can view his collection [here](https://basicappleguy.com/haberdashery/awe-dropping).
– **Lore** has also contributed several imaginative wallpapers, available on their profile [here](https://x.com/lrxfo).
– Moreover, custom wallpapers tailored for iPad and Mac can be found on my site [here](https://www.dylanmcd.com/blog/awe-dropping-wallpapers/).
#### Bingo Sheets for Event Enjoyment
For those wishing to introduce an element of fun to the event, bingo sheets are up for grabs to keep viewers entertained.
– **Basic Apple Guy** has devised a bingo sheet inspired by rumors and expectations regarding what Apple might launch. You can take a look at it
Read MoreSpeculation is rife regarding Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy series, prominently featuring the Galaxy S26 Edge. Leaked CAD images showcase a fresh design that includes squared corners, a flat screen with reduced bezels, and a sizable horizontal camera array. It is believed that this camera array will accommodate components that cannot fit inside the phone’s casing, enabling a sleeker design. The Galaxy S26 Edge is also anticipated to support Qi2 wireless charging, incorporating magnets into the back panel. Samsung may simplify its lineup by discontinuing the S26 Plus, concentrating on the Pro, Edge, and Ultra models. These modifications indicate a major design transformation, potentially inspired by Apple’s iPhone 17.
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