Search results for: “android”

  • New iPhone Feature: Reverse wireless charging coming soon?

    New iPhone Feature: Reverse wireless charging coming soon?

    Apple has been quietly working on a feature many have been waiting for – reverse wireless charging. This means your iPhone could charge other devices like your AirPods or Apple Watch directly from its battery. Although this feature has been common in Android phones, Apple has yet to fully unlock it in their iPhones.

    Back in 2020, the iPhone 12 hinted at this capability, but it was only partially implemented. We saw the phone could charge the MagSafe Battery Pack, but not other accessories like AirPods. Since then, Apple has been refining this technology.

    Recent leaks suggest that Apple might be ready to introduce this feature with the iPhone 17 Pro. According to sources, they’ve been testing a 7.5W reverse charging capability in this model. This isn’t just about adding a feature; it’s about ensuring it works well. Apple is focusing on managing charging speeds, heat, and efficiency to make this a useful addition.

    Moreover, Apple is reportedly developing a user-friendly interface for this feature, complete with animations and sounds to guide users on how to use it. This would make the experience seamless and intuitive, much like the current MagSafe interactions.

    While the charging speed might not be super fast, think of it as an emergency tool – perfect for when you’re out and about without your charger. Imagine your Apple Watch battery dying on a long trip; your iPhone could come to the rescue.

    The leaker, known for accurate past predictions about Apple products, claims this feature is in the testing phase. However, whether it will make it into the final release of the iPhone 17 Pro remains uncertain. This development could significantly change how we use our devices, offering more flexibility and convenience. But until Apple officially confirms this, we’ll have to wait and see if our iPhones will soon play the role of a mini charging station.

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  • Apple’s App Store faces public hearing in Brazil over competition rules

    Apple’s App Store faces public hearing in Brazil over competition rules

    Next week, Apple will have to explain its App Store practices in Brazil due to an ongoing antitrust investigation. The Brazilian competition authority, known as Cade, has been looking into whether Apple’s rules for the App Store are fair to other companies.

    Antitrust Scrutiny in Brazil

    Cade is holding a public hearing to talk about competition issues in the world of mobile apps, especially on iOS devices. Google will also be there since it’s under similar scrutiny for its Android platform.

    According to local news sources, the hearing is meant to address the increasing complaints about unfair business practices in digital markets, focusing on how mobile devices and their operating systems operate.

    Complaints and Investigations

    Companies like Match, which runs Tinder, and Epic Games, famous for their battle with Apple over Fortnite, have made complaints to Cade about both Apple and Google. These firms argue that Apple and Google have rules that hurt competition. Representatives from these companies are expected at the hearing.

    Cade’s investigation into Apple started when Mercado Libre, a big e-commerce player in Latin America, claimed that Apple forces developers to use its payment system for digital goods, which could stifle competition. There’s also a concern about “tying,” where Apple links the use of one product to another, potentially anti-competitive practice.

    Previous Rulings and Appeals

    Last year, Cade decided that Apple couldn’t stop developers from selling apps outside the App Store in Brazil. Apple was supposed to follow this rule within 20 days or face daily fines of over $40,000. However, after Apple appealed, a judge decided they didn’t need to change right away, giving them more time to argue their case.

    The outcome of this case could mean big changes for how Apple’s App Store operates in Brazil if Apple doesn’t win the appeal.

    Looking Ahead

    The Brazilian government is also planning to look into how other big tech firms like Meta and Amazon do business, showing that this hearing might just be the start of broader regulatory actions. All this comes at a time when international trade tensions, like those hinted at by former US President Trump’s tariff threats, could influence tech policy globally.

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  • Special Apple TV patches for all 30 MLS teams in 2025

    Special Apple TV patches for all 30 MLS teams in 2025

    The 30th season of Major League Soccer kicks off this weekend, with every team playing matches on both Saturday and Sunday.

    New Apple TV Jersey Patches

    To mark this special milestone, Apple has introduced unique Apple TV patches for each of the 30 MLS clubs. These patches will be displayed on the left sleeve of every team’s jersey throughout the season. Each patch is designed to reflect the unique logo, colors, and identity of each club.

    Here’s an example of what the new patch looks like for Inter Miami CF:

    Tech expert Jacob Krol from TechRadar gave us more insights into these patches. He also interviewed Emeka Ofodile, who leads Apple’s sports marketing globally. Previously, MLS jerseys featured a simple black or white Apple TV logo. But for 2025, each team gets its special design.

    Apple and MLS Partnership

    2025 is the third year of a decade-long collaboration between Apple and MLS. Fans can watch all the games by subscribing to MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app. In the U.S., this service costs $14.99 monthly or $99 for the entire season. Apple TV+ subscribers enjoy a discount, paying $12.99 monthly or $79 for the season.

    A new highlight this year is that Apple TV+ subscribers can watch one MLS game every Sunday night without needing an MLS Season Pass subscription. The first game of this series will feature San Diego FC, the newest team, playing against the current champions, LA Galaxy, at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday.

    Apple TV App Now on Android

    In other news, last week saw the Apple TV app becoming available on Android phones, including access to the MLS Season Pass.

    This blend of tech and sports continues to bring fans closer to the action in exciting new ways.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra outspeeds iPhone 16 Pro Max in app loading

    Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra outspeeds iPhone 16 Pro Max in app loading

    In a recent speed test by PhoneBuff, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has shown it’s faster than the iPhone 16 Pro Max when opening apps. This test looked at how quickly each phone could handle tasks across different programs, from social media to games.

    The Galaxy S25 Ultra, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and equipped with 12GB of RAM, took the lead right from the start. It was quicker in opening work apps and even faster in processing photos in Snapseed, an editing app. When it came to video editing with LumaFusion, the Samsung phone was 25% faster than the iPhone, which is surprising since Apple phones usually do well in this area.

    Even in games, where iPhones have often led, the S25 Ultra kept ahead. It did better or just as well as the iPhone in games like Subway Surfers and Flip Diving. The iPhone only slightly won in some games, but overall, Samsung was ahead.

    The first round of app openings took the Galaxy S25 Ultra just 2 minutes and 18 seconds, beating the iPhone by 15 seconds. In the second round, which checks how well the phones keep apps running in the background, the iPhone narrowed the gap a bit, but Samsung still won by a clear margin, which PhoneBuff described as one of the biggest victories in recent speed tests.

    Samsung’s advantage seems to come from its powerful chip, more RAM, and a larger cooling system. This setup, along with Android 15 and One UI 7, gives the Galaxy a performance boost. Although Apple has had time to fine-tune iOS 18 for its hardware, Samsung has seemingly taken the lead in speed.

    Looking ahead, Apple might catch up with the iPhone 17 series expected in September. The new models could feature an A19 Pro chip made with an advanced manufacturing process, potentially offering better speed and efficiency. Also, all iPhone 17 models are rumored to have better cooling to manage heat during heavy use.

    This speed test shows that while both phones are top performers, Samsung currently holds the lead in how quickly apps can be loaded and processed.

  • New Beats earbuds to get immediate software update

    New Beats earbuds to get immediate software update

    Apple’s latest earbuds, the Beats Pro 2, will come with an immediate software update immediately. The earbuds will start with the 7B15 firmware, but a new update, version 7B24, is already available.

    While specifics on the update aren’t detailed yet, the Beats Pro 2 introduces new features like heart rate tracking, which is a first for Apple’s earbuds. They use small LED lights to check your heart rate by sensing the blood flow in your ears.

    In addition to heart rate tracking, these earbuds offer noise cancellation, personalized sound positioning, and enhanced audio thanks to a new sound system and Apple’s H2 chip for better connection.

    Design-wise, the Beats Pro 2 has a much smaller ear hook, now 50% less than the original, comes with more choices for ear tips, are 20% lighter, and have a sleeker charging case that lasts longer.

    To update the firmware, just connect the earbuds to a power source while they’re near an iPhone, iPad, or Mac with Wi-Fi. On an iPhone, you can check for updates by going into Settings, then Bluetooth, and clicking on the Beats icon. Android users will need the Beats app to get these updates.

    You can pre-order the Beats Pro 2 from Apple’s site starting today, with an official release date set for this Thursday, February 13. They’re priced at $250.

  • Try free Starlink service on your iPhone until summer

    Try free Starlink service on your iPhone until summer

    T-Mobile has launched a public beta for its Starlink satellite service, inviting everyone in the U.S. with a compatible iPhone or Android phone to join. This is great news even if you’re not with T-Mobile, as you can test this new way to stay connected without traditional cell service.

    How to Get Involved:

    • Free Beta Access: You can sign up to use Starlink for free until July, but there are only a few spots.

    Pricing After July:

    • T-Mobile’s Go5G Next plan users and those with other eligible plans will keep using it for free.
    • If you have another T-Mobile plan, you can add Starlink for $15 a month, per phone line.
    • Users on other carriers will pay $20 a month, per line.
    • Early Bird Discount: Sign up before February ends, and you’ll get the service for just $10 per month starting in July.

    Where It Works:

    • In areas outside the usual cell service range in the U.S., your phone will link up with one of Starlink’s many satellites to send and receive texts when you’re off the grid.

    Future Features:

    • While it currently supports messaging, T-Mobile plans to add voice calls and internet data soon.

    iPhone Users, Take Note:

    • Your iPhone will show “SAT” when using this satellite service.
    • To stop using it, go to Settings, find Cellular, select your carrier, and switch off Satellite.

    What You Need:

    • An iPhone 14, 15, or 16 model.
    • The newest iOS update.
    • A compatible carrier plan.

    This isn’t the first time iPhones have used satellites; Apple already has a deal with Globalstar for emergency messaging. However, Starlink’s network is much bigger, offering smoother, automatic connections without aiming your phone.

    Remember:

    • Apple’s satellite features are currently free, but this might change.
    • The service is available in the U.S., with varying availability elsewhere.

    Starlink’s wide reach could change how we think about staying connected, making it an exciting time for smartphone users looking to stay in touch no matter where they are.

  • Easy guide to using the new Apple Events App

    Easy guide to using the new Apple Events App

    Apple just launched a new app called “Party Planner” for iPhone users. It’s all about making event planning fun and easy, but some cool features are only for specific users. Here’s who can enjoy what in this new app.

    Installing Party Planner

    Who can do it? iPhone users with the latest iOS update
    To use Party Planner, you need to have iOS 18 on your iPhone. This means if you’re still using an older version like iOS 17, you won’t be able to join the fun. Also, there’s no version for Android users.

    Making Your Own Event Invites

    Who can do it? iCloud+ or Apple One subscribers
    If you want to create your own event invites, you must subscribe to iCloud+. This service gives you extra storage space and some privacy features. Even the basic $0.99/month plan lets you make and send invites. Remember, if you’re on an Apple One plan, you already have access to both iCloud+ and Party Planner.

    Accepting Event Invites

    Who can do it? Anyone with an email address
    The good news is, you don’t need an Apple account or even an iPhone to accept an invite. All you need is an email address. You can easily accept or decline invites sent your way.

    Music Collaboration

    Who can do it? Apple Music subscribers
    With Party Planner, you can set up a shared playlist for your event where guests can add their favorite songs. But, both the event creator and the guests need to be subscribed to Apple Music to play around with the playlist.

    Sharing Photos in an Event Album

    Who can do it? Apple Account users
    One of the best parts of Party Planner is the shared photo album for events. It’s a place where everyone can upload and share photos from the event. You just need a free Apple Account to contribute, and you don’t even need an iPhone – you can upload photos right from the web at iCloud.com/party-planner.

    This app is designed to make your events more interactive and memorable, but remember, some of its features do require you to be part of the Apple ecosystem or subscribe to their services.

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  • Security issues in DeepSeek app for iPhones

    Security issues in DeepSeek app for iPhones

    The DeepSeek app, which quickly became one of the top downloads on the Apple App Store, has been found to have several serious security issues.

    Past Concerns with DeepSeek

    DeepSeek caught everyone’s attention when it suddenly became the most downloaded app for iPhones. AI experts were amazed because it worked well even on phones with less powerful hardware. This led to a drop in stock prices for some big AI companies in the U.S.

    However, soon after, questions about privacy and security started to come up. Privacy regulators in Italy and Ireland began to question if the app followed European privacy laws, while U.S. officials looked into possible security risks. A major slip-up was when DeepSeek left a database unprotected, spilling over a million lines of user data, including private chats and secret codes.

    New Security Flaws in DeepSeek App

    NowSecure, a company that checks mobile app security, found that DeepSeek has turned off a key security feature on iPhones. This feature, called App Transport Security (ATS), makes sure that private information is sent safely. With ATS off, the app sends data without protection, which could be seen by anyone.

    The data might not look dangerous by itself, but when you put a lot of these pieces together, you can figure out who people are. This was shown in another case with Gravy Analytics where similar data was used to identify millions of people.

    Also, the app uses an old and weak method of hiding data, known as 3DES, which isn’t good enough to keep information secret anymore.

    Espionage Risks

    The app collects lots of little bits of information which, if combined with data from other apps, can be used to pinpoint specific users. For example, if someone is using DeepSeek on an iPad connected to a special network used by emergency services, they might become a target for spying.

    The report from NowSecure strongly suggests that the DeepSeek app for iPhones isn’t safe to use, and it warns that the version for Android phones might be even worse.

  • UK demands Apple create Global encryption backdoor

    UK demands Apple create Global encryption backdoor

    The British government has quietly asked Apple to give it full access to every user’s encrypted data stored in the cloud, according to The Washington Post. This secret directive reportedly came last month, compelling Apple to design a backdoor allowing UK security agencies to access encrypted user data around the world. This is a demand that has never been made in any other democratic nation.

    The order was delivered via a “technical capability notice” under the UK’s 2016 Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), which critics call the “Snooper’s Charter.” This law allows law enforcement to force companies to assist in gathering evidence.

    Apple has not commented on this issue. The law makes it illegal for Apple to even acknowledge such a demand from the government. Similarly, the Home Office declined to confirm or deny the existence of such notices, stating it does not discuss operational details.

    A consultant who advises the US on encryption issues said Apple would not be able to inform users that their encryption is no longer secure. A former White House security advisor verified the UK’s order.

    Apple Might Stop UK iCloud Services Over Privacy Concerns

    There’s talk that Apple might pull its encrypted storage service from the UK rather than weaken the privacy promises it made to its users. However, this wouldn’t stop the UK from accessing the service in other countries. Apple has hinted before that it might withdraw services like FaceTime and iMessage from the UK if privacy is compromised. Apple’s Advanced Data Protection, introduced in 2022, allows users to encrypt additional data categories like Photos and Notes, keeping them private even from Apple.

    Google, on the other hand, has made encryption standard for Android backups since 2018. When asked if any government had asked for a backdoor, Google responded that they can’t access encrypted backup data, even with a legal order.

    How to Secure Your iCloud Data

    The IPA was revised in 2023 to let the Home Office potentially ban certain encrypted services. Apple criticized these changes as excessive government control, suggesting they could prevent new security features from being offered globally.

    Apple CEO Tim Cook has always argued against providing backdoors, stating it would invite criminals to access user data. Cybersecurity experts agree, warning that any backdoor could be exploited. Apple’s resistance was notable in 2016 when they fought and won against a US order to unlock an iPhone.

    With increasing cyber threats from state actors, like those from China, US officials are now more focused on cybersecurity than ever, promoting encryption to protect communications. Privacy advocates, like Big Brother Watch, argue that such measures won’t make the UK safer and will instead undermine basic rights and freedoms.

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  • First ever malware with screen capture reading found in iPhone Apps

    First ever malware with screen capture reading found in iPhone Apps

    For the first time, a type of harmful software that can read what’s on your screen has been spotted in apps from the Apple App Store, according to a report by Kaspersky.

    This new malware, known as “SparkCat,” can look at screenshots on your iPhone to find private information. The main aim of these apps is to find the secret codes for cryptocurrency wallets, making it possible for thieves to steal your bitcoins and other digital money.

    The apps contain a sneaky part that uses a special tool from Google’s ML Kit to read text in pictures. If it sees an image of a crypto wallet, that image gets sent to a server where the attacker can grab it.

    SparkCat has been around since about March 2024. While similar malware was previously found on Android and computers, it’s now made its way to iPhones. Kaspersky found apps like ComeCome, WeTink, and AnyGPT in the App Store with this spying software. However, it’s not clear if these developers put the malware there on purpose or if it was added by someone else attacking the app’s supply chain.

    Once you download these apps, they’ll ask to see your photos. If you say yes, they’ll use their reading tool to scan through your pictures for important information. These apps are still in the App Store and seem to be focusing on people in Europe and Asia.

    While the primary target is crypto information, Kaspersky warns that this malware could also steal other screenshot data, like passwords. This issue isn’t just for iPhone users; similar threats have been seen on Android too, but iPhone users usually think their devices are safer from such threats.

    Apple usually checks all apps before they go into the App Store, so finding malware like this shows a slip in their review process. In this case, the harmful apps don’t show they’re bad, and the permissions they ask for look like they’re needed for the app to work.

    Kaspersky advises against keeping screenshots of important details like crypto wallet codes in your photo collection to protect yourself from such attacks. For more details on which apps are affected and more about this malware, you can visit Kaspersky’s website.

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