AllYouCanTech

Roblox Introduces Video Selfie Mandate for Age Confirmation of 9-Year-Old Players

### Roblox Age Verification: A Fresh Chapter for Online Security

Roblox, a leading app for children worldwide, has introduced a novel age verification system necessitating that users as young as nine provide a video selfie. This initiative follows criticism concerning the platform’s capability to safeguard young users from possible online threats, especially regarding their communication with adults.

#### The Importance of Age Verification

The age verification program of Roblox seeks to boost safety by curbing adult-child interactions in chat functionalities. The firm intends to leverage a mix of facial age estimation technology, ID validation, and parental approval to guarantee a more precise evaluation of a user’s age compared to conventional methods that depend on self-reported data during account setup. This strategy aims to foster a more secure atmosphere for children by limiting their ability to engage with users who are outside their age range.

Reportedly, this policy is presently being introduced in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, with aspirations for a worldwide rollout by early next year. Most children are unlikely to possess government-issued photo identification, which will lead many to depend on the video selfie option for age verification.

#### Age Group Classifications and Communication Limitations

After a user’s age has been validated or estimated, they will be sorted into one of six age brackets, ranging from under 9 to 21 and older. This categorization will determine their capacity to interact with others in the game, ensuring that minors have restricted communication with users who are outside their assigned age group.

#### The Responsibility of Tech Giants in Age Verification

The increasing trend of age verification in applications raises inquiries about who should be accountable for this procedure. At present, the responsibility rests on individual developers, which could result in privacy issues as numerous companies access sensitive data like photo IDs and video selfies. Observers suggest it would be more effective and secure for major tech firms such as Apple and Google to manage age verification centrally.

This transition could simplify the user experience, enabling individuals to confirm their age once instead of repeatedly for different applications. Moreover, with new laws in various U.S. states advocating for stricter age verification standards, it might become more imperative for app store proprietors to assume this responsibility.

#### Conclusion

Roblox’s updated age verification policy marks a crucial advancement in improving online safety for children. Nonetheless, it also underscores the wider implications of privacy and security in the digital era. As discussions on age verification progress, the possibility of tech giants assuming a more proactive role in protecting young users becomes increasingly pertinent.

Apple Unveils Compilation of Most Favored and Highly-Rated Podcasts of 2025

Apple has revealed the most listened to podcasts of 2025, presenting an extensive collection of charts that illustrate the most streamed episodes and the most circulated shows. The company’s editorial squad has assembled a choice of what it deems to be the finest podcasts of the year, offering both worldwide and local viewpoints through region-specific charts.

Audiences can dive into the complete array of 2025 charts on the New tab of the Apple Podcasts app, which showcases different perspectives on the year’s top successes. The rankings comprise categories such as:

– **Top Shows**: The leading podcasts based on listenership.
– **Top New Shows**: The most significant breakout titles that surfaced in 2025.
– **Most Followed Shows**: Podcasts that attracted the highest number of new followers.
– **Most Shared Shows**: Content that was often shared with friends and on social media by listeners.
– **Top Channels**: The most favored channels based on listenership.

Alongside the analytics-driven charts, Apple has compiled a selection of remarkable podcasts that resonated with its editorial team, accessible in more than 15 markets. The company intends to announce its Apple Podcasts show of the year on December 4.

### Top Shows
1. *The Joe Rogan Experience*
2. *The Daily*
3. *The Mel Robbins Podcast*
4. *Crime Junkie*
5. *Dateline NBC*
6. *SmartLess*
7. *Call Her Daddy*
8. *This American Life*
9. *Huberman Lab*
10. *The Ezra Klein Show*

### Top New Shows
1. *Good Hang with Amy Poehler*
2. *Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce*
3. *Deadly Mirage*
4. *Blink | Jake Haendel’s Story*
5. *Murder in the Moonlight*
6. *Devil in the Desert*
7. *What Happened to Holly Bobo?*
8. *Cold Blooded: Mystery in Alaska*
9. *Unicorn Girl*
10. *The Best People with Nicolle Wallace*

### Top Series
1. *The Telepathy Tapes*
2. *The Binge Cases*
3. *Deadly Mirage*
4. *Blink | Jake Haendel’s Story*
5. *Dateline Originals*
6. *Murder in the Moonlight*
7. *Serial*
8. *THREE*
9. *Devil in the Desert*
10. *CounterClock*

For further detailed rankings, audiences can view the complete list on the Apple Podcasts app.

Survey Data Shows Notable Enhancements in Wi-Fi Speed on iPhone 17 Attributable to Apple N1 Chip

### Wi-Fi Performance of iPhone 17: An Advancement with the N1 Chip

Recent insights from Ookla, the parent company of Speedtest.net, indicate notable enhancements in Wi-Fi performance for iPhone 17 users, attributed to the newly designed Apple N1 chip. This analysis shows that the latest iPhone models, which encompass the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Air, reach significantly quicker download and upload speeds than the earlier iPhone 16.

#### Key Insights

Per Ookla’s examination, the typical download and upload speeds on iPhones using the N1 chip are around 40% greater than those of the iPhone 16. For instance, in North America, the iPhone 16 registers average download speeds of 323 Mbps, whereas the iPhone 17 showcases an impressive average of 416 Mbps.

#### Performance Variations by Region

The performance enhancements provided by the N1 chip are evident across different regions, though the degree of improvement may differ. Particularly, the iPhone 17 shows enhanced performance in locations with poor signal reception, surpassing older models that employed Qualcomm modems. This suggests that the new chip is especially efficient in demanding environments, offering users a more dependable connection.

#### Support for Wi-Fi 7 and Real-World Consequences

The N1 chip accommodates the new Wi-Fi 7 standard, although some users have expressed concerns regarding the iPhone 17’s constraint to the 160 MHz frequency instead of the broader 320 MHz band. Nonetheless, Ookla’s results imply that this limitation does not markedly affect real-world speeds. While other brands may claim compatibility with 320 MHz connections, the iPhone 17 has established itself as a frontrunner in Wi-Fi performance among premium smartphones in North America.

It’s crucial to recognize that the availability of Wi-Fi 7 routers that can exploit the 320 MHz band is still scarce. Additionally, the advantages of a wider spectrum lessen with increased distance from the access point, emphasizing the iPhone 17’s performance benefits in practical scenarios.

#### Conclusion

The rollout of the N1 chip signifies a major leap in Wi-Fi capabilities for the iPhone series. As an inaugural in-house chip, its performance and efficiency denote a notable accomplishment for Apple’s silicon development teams. The N1 chip not only bolsters Wi-Fi connectivity but also coordinates integrated Bluetooth and Thread radios, enhancing overall device performance.

In conclusion, the Ookla report highlights the exceptional Wi-Fi performance of the iPhone 17, reinforcing Apple’s dedication to innovation and user satisfaction in mobile technology.

Ongoing Disruptions Impacting Various Applications and Websites, Including X

**Cloudflare Outage Results in Extensive Disruption Across Major Applications and Websites**

A large number of applications and websites are presently facing outages or have completely gone offline due to a problem with Cloudflare, a prominent infrastructure network provider. The Cloudflare Content Delivery Network (CDN) underpins many well-known applications, which means that any interruption in its services can lead to widespread effects across the internet.

One of the most impacted platforms is the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter. Users are reporting issues with posting new content and updating their timelines, suggesting that the issue is affecting internet users worldwide.

Cloudflare has recognized the situation, announcing that it is looking into a problem that is triggering error code 500 server outages. The firm confirmed that the issue is impacting multiple clients and has persisted for around half an hour. Those affected may encounter a message instructing them to “Please unblock challenges.cloudflare.com to proceed,” while others may receive standard error code 500 alerts.

For users, there is not much that can be done except to wait for Cloudflare to fix the issue and restore services. This incident follows a similar event just last month, when Amazon Web Services (AWS) faced outages that disrupted various services, including Amazon Alexa, Snapchat, and ChatGPT.

As the situation unfolds, users are encouraged to remain patient and keep an eye out for updates from Cloudflare regarding the resolution of the outage.

iPhone 17 Achieves Unprecedented Sales in Difficult Chinese Market

### iPhone 17 Sales Boost in China: A Market Overview

A recent market analysis report reveals that the iPhone 17 series is witnessing extraordinary sales in China, a market that has historically presented difficulties for Apple. The findings show that one out of every four smartphones sold in China during October was an iPhone, with total sales exceeding the previous record established in 2021.

#### Apple’s Intricate Relationship with China

Apple’s connection with China is complex. Although the company has worked to diversify its manufacturing to nations like India and Thailand, it still heavily relies on China as its main production center. This dependency has prompted Apple to make considerable concessions, such as taking down VPN apps from the Chinese App Store and permitting iCloud data to be hosted on servers linked to the Chinese government.

Alongside manufacturing obstacles, Apple experiences pressure from the Chinese authorities, who have at times motivated consumers to prefer local brands over iPhones. This presents a challenge to Apple’s standing in one of its major markets. Additionally, the attractiveness of iPhone applications in China does not align with that in other regions, complicating the company’s efforts to preserve its market presence.

#### Robust Growth Despite Challenges

Regardless of these difficulties, Counterpoint Research presents optimistic news for Apple. The overall Chinese smartphone market expanded by 8% year-on-year in October, while iPhone sales soared by a remarkable 37%. This increase was primarily fueled by the iPhone 17 series, with all three models showcasing mid-to-high double-digit growth rates when compared to the iPhone 16 series. Significantly, the base model of the iPhone 17 emerged as the top-selling variant.

This sales spike signifies the best beginning to a December quarter for Apple, with total sell-through far surpassing the previous peak in October 2021. The accomplishment of attaining a 25% market share in October is especially remarkable, reflecting Apple’s supremacy in the smartphone market, eclipsing rivals like Mi and Vivo, which captured 16% and 17% of sales, respectively.

#### Changes in Consumer Preferences

Counterpoint’s evaluation indicates that Apple has effectively drawn in former Huawei users, as Huawei’s sales decreased by 19% year-on-year. The iPhone 17’s strong results illustrate a shift in consumer preferences, with numerous customers choosing Apple’s products over local brands.

While the report emphasizes the success of the iPhone 17 models, it lacks specific information regarding the sales of the iPhone Air. Nonetheless, the overall trend implies that Apple’s strategy in China is producing favorable outcomes, even in a tough environment.

### Conclusion

The iPhone 17’s remarkable sales figures in China highlight Apple’s fortitude and capability to maneuver through a complicated market landscape. As the company continues to adjust to the challenges posed by the Chinese government and local competition, its recent achievements serve as evidence of the lasting allure of its products among consumers.

Apple @ Work Podcast: A Summary of the Present Condition of Passkeys

### The Significance of Password Management in Today’s Digital World

In a time when digital security is vital, the handling of passwords has become an essential part of protecting personal and organizational information. As cyber threats become more advanced, it is crucial to grasp the tools and methods available for effective password management.

#### The Growth of Password Management Tools

With the increase of online accounts, the typical individual now oversees countless passwords. This complexity frequently results in poor password behaviors, such as reusing passwords over various sites or choosing easily guessable passwords. To address these challenges, password management tools have surfaced as indispensable resources. These applications securely keep and encrypt passwords, enabling users to create strong, unique passwords for every account without the hassle of remembering them.

#### Dashlane’s Perspectives on Password Security

In a recent segment of Apple @ Work, Rew Islam from Dashlane talked about the company’s latest publication titled “The 2025 Dashlane Passkey Power 20.” This report underscores the changing landscape of password management and the growing acceptance of passkeys as a safer substitute for conventional passwords. Passkeys eliminate the requirement for passwords by utilizing cryptographic keys stored on devices, significantly diminishing the risk of phishing schemes and credential theft.

#### The Advantages of Utilizing Passkeys

1. **Improved Security**: Passkeys provide greater security than standard passwords because they are not vulnerable to typical attacks like brute force or phishing.

2. **User Ease**: With passkeys, users can validate their identity without the burden of recalling complex passwords, resulting in a more seamless user experience.

3. **Lowered Risk of Data Leaks**: By removing passwords, organizations can greatly reduce the likelihood of data leaks resulting from compromised credentials.

#### The Responsibility of Organizations in Password Management

Organizations have a vital role in encouraging secure password practices among their employees. Adopting password management solutions and informing staff about the significance of strong, unique passwords can assist in minimizing security risks. Additionally, organizations should contemplate implementing passkey technology as part of their cybersecurity plan to stay ahead of possible threats.

#### Conclusion

As the digital environment continues to advance, our strategies for password management must adapt as well. Tools like Dashlane are leading the charge towards a more secure future, where reliance on conventional passwords decreases in favor of innovative technologies like passkeys. By emphasizing password security, both individuals and organizations can enhance the protection of their sensitive information in an increasingly interconnected environment.

For more insights and to keep informed on the latest developments in password management, consider tuning into previous episodes of the Apple @ Work podcast and examining the resources offered by industry pioneers such as Dashlane and Mosyle.

Apple’s iPhone Air Designer Leaving for Anonymous AI Startup

**Apple’s Brain Drain Persists: The Exit of Abidur Chowdhury**

Apple Inc. has been facing considerable turnover within its staff, especially in its artificial intelligence (AI) and design sectors. The latest update features Abidur Chowdhury, an industrial designer renowned for his key contributions to the creation of the iPhone Air, who has exited the organization to join an undisclosed AI startup.

### The Persistent Talent Exodus

Reports suggest that Apple has been struggling with a “brain drain,” particularly from its AI divisions. High-profile engineers and researchers are departing for rival companies such as Meta, Anthropic, and OpenAI. This trend is not limited to AI, as it also impacts Apple’s design team. Noteworthy exits include Evans Hankey, who succeeded Jony Ive in industrial design, along with several other veteran designers who have joined Jony Ive’s new team at io, recently acquired by OpenAI.

Chowdhury’s exit is a part of this broader trend. His departure has raised eyebrows internally, considering his ascending role within Apple’s design team. While his LinkedIn profile still reflects Apple as his current employer, sources have confirmed that he has transitioned to explore opportunities in the AI field.

### Chowdhury’s Influence at Apple

During his tenure at Apple, Chowdhury was instrumental in the creation of the iPhone Air, a product that has received considerable attention since its debut. However, it’s worth noting that his departure is said to be unrelated to the product’s release. His contributions to the design team have been acknowledged, and his exit signifies another major loss for Apple as it faces a competitive talent landscape.

### The Prospects of Apple’s Design Division

The ongoing departures raise concerns regarding the future of Apple’s design division and its capability to uphold its innovative edge. With critical personnel leaving for competing firms, Apple could encounter difficulties in preserving its status for avant-garde design and technology. The exit of experienced designers like Chowdhury may affect upcoming product innovations and the overall creative trajectory of the company.

As the tech sector continues to transform, the race for top talent remains intense. Apple’s capacity to attract and keep skilled professionals will be vital in sustaining its leadership position in the industry.

### Conclusion

Abidur Chowdhury’s departure from Apple underscores a wider trend of talent migration within the tech sphere, especially in the areas of AI and design. As Apple navigates this persistent challenge, the ramifications for its future creativity and product evolution will be closely monitored by industry analysts and consumers alike.

“News on Possible Follow-Up to ‘F1 The Movie’: Perspectives from Tim Cook and Director Joseph Kosinski”

As Apple gears up for the release of “F1 The Movie” for streaming on Apple TV, excitement is already mounting for a possible sequel. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film is scheduled to debut on December 12, after its previous availability for purchase or rental in August. With its success, both fans and participants in the project are keen to consider the continuation of the narrative.

Director Joseph Kosinski shared his eagerness for a sequel, expressing a wish to explore the characters and storylines introduced in the initial film. He indicated a desire to witness the future journeys of Sonny Hayes and the evolution of the APXGP team, implying that the story has more to reveal.

Apple CEO Tim Cook also suggested the possibility of a sequel during an interview at the Emmys, recognizing the film’s achievement as a summer hit and the exceptional talent involved. His remarks demonstrate a mutual interest among the creative team to broaden the F1 universe.

The consideration of a sequel is understandable, particularly since Apple recently secured exclusive streaming rights for F1 races in the U.S., which could enhance the franchise’s attractiveness. As fans eagerly await the streaming debut of “F1 The Movie,” the chance of a sequel contributes to the thrill surrounding the film.

For those looking to watch “F1 The Movie,” it will be accessible on Apple TV, which provides a subscription service that includes a selection of popular shows and films. The dialogue about a sequel emphasizes the film’s influence and the possibilities for future storytelling within the realm of Formula 1.

Apple Secures Legal Win as Supreme Court Declines to Examine Challenge on Lapsed Patent

**Apple, Google, and LG Electronics Triumph in Patent Case as Supreme Court Rejects Appeal**

Today, Apple, Google, and LG Electronics marked a substantial legal success as the U.S. Supreme Court decided against hearing an appeal concerning an expired patent, bringing an end to a heated legal struggle initiated by Gesture Technology Partners.

### A Brief Overview

The legal conflict dates back to 2021 when Gesture Technology Partners launched a lawsuit against Apple, Google, and LG Electronics. The claim alleged that these technology leaders violated U.S. Patent No. 7,933,431, which is titled “Camera Based Sensing in Handheld, Mobile, Gaming, or Other Devices.” This patent pertains to technology concerning input devices for computers, especially those utilized in 3-D graphics, functioning by optically detecting human input through cameras.

However, the patent had already lapsed in 2020, one year before Gesture Technology Partners initiated legal action against the three corporations. Regardless of the patent’s expiration, the entity pursued damages for asserted infringements that took place when the patent was still in effect.

Throughout the legal proceedings, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board invalidated 31 of the patent’s 33 claims, and later, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled the entire patent as invalid.

### Today’s Developments

As per Reuters, the Supreme Court’s choice not to entertain the appeal effectively sustains the lower court’s decision. Apple, Google, LG, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) filed briefs encouraging the Court to uphold the Federal Circuit’s ruling, asserting that even expired patents can be reviewed by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board due to ongoing implications for public rights.

On the other hand, Gesture Technology Partners argued that expired patents should be contested solely in federal court, beyond the jurisdiction of the PTAB. Nevertheless, with the Supreme Court opting not to intervene in the matter, the lower court’s ruling remains unaltered.

This result not only represents a notable victory for the involved tech firms but also establishes a precedent concerning the authority of the PTAB over expired patents, potentially affecting future patent litigation cases.

Apple Unveils Support for External Voice Assistants through Side Button in Japan

### Apple Unveils Side Button Personalization for Voice Applications in Japan

A recent update from Apple’s Developer blog indicates that users in Japan will soon have the option to reassign the side button on their iPhones to activate third-party voice-driven conversational applications instead of Siri. This feature is included in the upcoming iOS 26.2 update, which is currently undergoing beta testing.

#### Currently Exclusive to Japan?

Recent findings in the iOS 26.2 beta 3 code demonstrate that Apple is working on a new capability that enables users to customize the assistant triggered by the side button. A new system application, known as ‘SystemVoiceAssistant,’ is tied to this feature, hinting at a major transformation in user interactions with their devices.

As stated in Apple’s documentation, this feature will initially be available exclusively in Japan. Developers can utilize the App Intents framework to enable users to access their app’s features directly via the side button. This implies that users could potentially launch a voice-driven app instantly by pressing the side button.

#### Guidelines for Developers

Apple has provided detailed instructions for developers to activate their voice-driven conversational applications for this new capability:

1. **Include Entitlement**: Developers need to add the `com.apple.developer.side-button-access.allow` entitlement within their app’s Xcode project.

2. **Develop App Intent**: An app intent that complies with the `activate` app intent schema must be developed.

3. **Set Up Audio Session**: In the `perform()` implementation of the app intent, developers should proceed to the scene that offers voice functionality and establish an audio session.

Apple highlights that, as users anticipate immediate engagement with the voice assistant upon pressing the side button, developers should ensure their applications are prepared to respond promptly.

#### Prospective Availability

Although Apple has not verified that this feature will be accessible with the official rollout of iOS 26.2, the recent code revisions imply that a launch is probable soon. The documentation also provides sample code to help developers in implementing this new capability.

At this moment, the feature is confined to Japan, and it is yet to be determined if Apple will extend this feature to additional regions in the future. Developers and users are encouraged to express their opinions regarding the possibility of wider availability in the comments section of the announcement.

For further details and to access Apple’s sample code, visit the