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Search results for: “apple ios”

  • EU’s new law lets iPhones have first Adult app

    EU’s new law lets iPhones have first Adult app

    In Europe, a new law called the Digital Markets Act lets developers share iOS apps through other app stores, not just Apple’s. This means that for the first time, you can download a special adult app on your iPhone in the EU.

    The app, named Hot Tub, is available on the AltStore PAL, which is like a different app store made by developer Riley Testut. Hot Tub provides a safe and private way to watch adult videos, with no ads or tracking. It’s described as “An elegant, native porn app. Thoughtfully designed, ethically made, and free to use.” Users can look for and watch videos from places like Pornhub and Xvideos right from the app.

    Apple has strict rules against adult content in its App Store in many countries, including the U.S. and the EU. However, with the new EU law, apps like Hot Tub can exist outside of Apple’s control.

    Apple still checks these apps from other stores for harmful software, but they don’t control what kind of content is allowed. This means other types of content like hate speech or adult materials can appear in these alternative app stores.

    Phil Schiller from Apple mentioned in early 2024 that they usually try to keep certain content off the App Store or allow users to choose for themselves. But these controls don’t apply to apps in other marketplaces unless those marketplaces set their own rules.

    AltStore was among the first new app stores to appear in the EU after Apple changed its rules to follow the EU’s new law. These alternative stores have to pay a small fee for each app download, but thanks to a special grant from Epic Games, AltStore doesn’t charge users to download it anymore.

    Hot Tub might need to pay Apple a fee if it gets many downloads or makes a lot of money. It’s free to use, but there’s also a paid version. Apple’s rule from May 2024 says smaller apps don’t pay this fee for the first three years if they make less than 10 million euros annually.

    Right now, Hot Tub is in testing mode and only available in the EU. People in the U.S. can’t download it because they can’t get apps from outside Apple’s App Store.

    Source

  • New Danger Alert: Harmful software hiding in the DeepSeek craze

    New Danger Alert: Harmful software hiding in the DeepSeek craze

    Are you tired of hearing about DeepSeek? This popular chatbot from China has taken over tech news and even topped the App Store charts. But with fame comes risk, as it’s now linked to scams, phishing, and dangerous software for Mac users. Here’s what you need to know.

    Welcome to our weekly security update, where we talk about keeping your Apple devices safe amidst the latest threats.

    Scams and Fake Apps

    Cyble, a well-known cybersecurity company, has been tracking various scams that use DeepSeek’s popularity. Scammers are tricking people into scanning QR codes for fake crypto deals or offering fake investments. There are also fake DeepSeek apps for Mac that look real, but the catch is, there’s no official DeepSeek app for Mac.

    Malware Alert

    The latest scam involves spreading AMOS, a notorious type of Mac malware, disguised as a DeepSeek app. AMOS, written in Swift, can work on both Intel and Apple Silicon chips. Hackers charge $1,000 a month to use this malware, which communicates with a cybercriminal’s server to steal your personal data like passwords, credit card details, and more.

    How It Works

    Here’s how you might get tricked:

    • You download a fake DeepSeek app from a website or an email.
    • The scammer tells you to open Terminal and drag a file into it.
    • What looks like a safe file actually runs harmful scripts, putting your Mac at risk.

    Protecting Yourself

    With macOS Sequoia, Apple made it harder for unsigned apps to run, but hackers have found ways around this by using Terminal. Remember, DeepSeek only has apps for iOS and Android, so any Mac version you see is not legitimate. Also, avoid using DeepSeek altogether because of privacy issues; in China, laws allow for extensive data access and censorship.

    Your Thoughts?

    Are you concerned about DeepSeek’s privacy issues? Share your thoughts with us.

    Stay safe out there, and keep your devices secure by being wary of what you download and where it comes from.

    For more on Apple security:

    • DeepSeek has raised privacy alarms, leading to investigations in the US and Europe, with the app already removed from Italy’s App Store.
    • Security flaws named SLAP and FLOP could expose your web tabs on Apple devices.
    • A court has put limits on how much data the FBI can search from tech companies under FISA.
    • Google Ads are still being used by hackers, despite Google’s advanced tech and resources.

    Stay informed and stay safe!

  • New Update for App Store Connect: Dark mode icon and bug fixes

    New Update for App Store Connect: Dark mode icon and bug fixes

    The App Store Connect app, which helps developers manage their software on the App Store, has been updated to version 2.1. This update brings a new look with a dark mode icon, switching from the usual white background to a sleek black one.

    Here are the fixes included in this update:

    • Fixed a problem where reviews for apps only available on macOS were not showing up in the Ratings and Reviews section.
    • Corrected an issue that prevented some apps from sharing their marketing videos.
    • Fixed a glitch in the Trends section so Finance and Sales users can now see all the necessary details.
    • Other small tweaks have been made to make the app run more smoothly.

    Apple has recently added the option for dark mode icons with iOS 18. To change how your icons look, simply hold down on your Home screen, hit ‘Edit’ at the top left, then ‘Customize’, and you can choose from light, dark, automatic, or even tint the icons to your liking.

  • iPhone now works with Starlink for T-Mobile users

    iPhone now works with Starlink for T-Mobile users

    The latest iOS 18.3 update now lets T-Mobile customers with certain iPhones use Starlink satellites to send texts. This new feature was introduced without much fanfare, with Apple working alongside SpaceX and T-Mobile to bring this technology to iPhone users. You can find details about this new feature right on T-Mobile’s website.

    Back in 2022, T-Mobile teamed up with Starlink, and by December 2024, they started a test program where people could send texts using Starlink satellites if they were somewhere without regular cell service. At first, this was just for Samsung phones, leaving iPhone users out of the loop.

    Now, with the iOS 18.3 update, T-Mobile has begun inviting a select group of iPhone users to try out this satellite service. If you’re one of the chosen ones, you’ll get a message like this:

    “You’re in the T-Mobile Starlink beta. You can now stay connected by texting via satellite from virtually anywhere. To start experiencing coverage beyond, please update to iOS 18.3.”

    When you’re out of range for T-Mobile’s usual service, your iPhone will connect to Starlink satellites automatically for texting. Right now, it’s just for texts, but T-Mobile and SpaceX are planning to add voice and data options down the road.

    Apple hasn’t said much about this, but T-Mobile has hinted that this service will soon work with most new smartphones.

    If you have an iPhone 14 or newer, you can already send emergency texts via satellite thanks to Apple’s deal with Globalstar. Now with Starlink, you have another option for staying connected off the grid. Remember, both services only kick in when you’re out of regular cell range.

    The Starlink beta is still pretty exclusive, but T-Mobile aims to open it up to more people soon. If you want to get in on this, you can sign up on T-Mobile’s site. This service is currently only for folks in the U.S., and there’s no cost during the beta phase.

    Source

  • Keep your iPhone, iPad, and Mac safe: Update Now!

    Keep your iPhone, iPad, and Mac safe: Update Now!

    Apple keeps a close eye on security, and they’ve just released updates for iPhone, iPad, and Mac to tackle some security weaknesses. It’s wise to update your devices right away to keep them secure.

    iOS 18.3

    Available for:

    • iPhone XS and newer
    • Various iPad models from the 3rd generation Air onwards

    Security Fixes:

    • Photos Access: If someone could physically access your unlocked device, they might have seen your photos. This has been fixed with better security checks.
    • AirPlay: Several issues have been resolved, including risks of system crashes or memory problems when on the same network as an attacker. Also, remote attackers could mess with your apps or even cause them to crash, but not anymore thanks to these updates.
    • ARKit: Now, opening a bad file won’t crash your apps.
      CoreAudio and CoreMedia: Parsing risky files could lead to app crashes, but Apple has tightened up these areas.
    • ImageIO: Handling images won’t cause your system to slow down or crash.
    • Kernel: Apps trying to gain too much control or run harmful code have been stopped by new security measures.
    • Safari: Visiting malicious websites could trick you, but the update adds better protection against this.
    • SceneKit: There was a chance for user information to leak through file parsing, which has been fixed.
    • Time Zone: Now, sensitive contact details won’t appear in system logs.
    • WebKit: Web browsing could lead to privacy issues or system crashes, but these have been addressed.

    macOS Sequoia 15.3

    AirPlay, AppKit, AppleGraphicsControl, and More:

    • Like iOS, macOS has patched issues with AirPlay, preventing crashes or memory corruption.
    • AppKit and other components have been secured to prevent unauthorized access to user data or system crashes.
    • AppleMobileFileIntegrity: Several fixes ensure apps can’t tamper with protected parts of your system or access private data.
    • Kernel: Enhanced to prevent apps from gaining excessive permissions or causing system instability.
    • Safari and WebKit: Improved to safeguard against deceptive websites and ensure web content doesn’t cause disruptions.
    • SceneKit: Just like on iOS, file parsing is now safer.
    • Time Zone: Privacy has been bolstered to keep contact details out of logs.

    watchOS 11.3

    For Apple Watch Series 6 and Later:

    • Similar security enhancements have been applied, focusing on AirPlay, CoreAudio, CoreMedia, ImageIO, Kernel, and WebKit to prevent unauthorized access, crashes, or performance issues.

    Updating your devices is crucial for maintaining security. Always check for the latest software updates to ensure your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch are protected against known vulnerabilities.

  • Siri’s super bowl slip-up: gives eagles 33 fake wins

    Siri’s super bowl slip-up: gives eagles 33 fake wins

    In a recent test, Siri showed it still has trouble with basic facts. One Foot Tsunami’s Paul Kafasis checked how well Siri knew Super Bowl history, and the results were not great. Siri only got it right 34% of the time, correctly naming just 20 winners out of 58 Super Bowls.

    The most surprising mistake was Siri saying the Philadelphia Eagles won 33 Super Bowls. In reality, the Eagles have only won one. Siri’s answers were all over the place, sometimes talking about the wrong Super Bowl or giving unrelated football info.

    Siri did okay for a little while, correctly answering for Super Bowls V to VII, but then it went off track, getting 15 answers wrong in a row from XVII to XXXII. When asked about Super Bowl XVI, Siri even suggested asking ChatGPT, which gave the right answer, showing Siri’s knowledge isn’t up to par.

    This test was done on iOS 18.2.1 with Apple’s new smart tech, and the same problems were seen on the latest iOS beta and macOS. Kafasis put all the results into a spreadsheet you can look at.

    Daring Fireball’s John Gruber also tested Siri with sports questions and found it did worse than other search engines and AI like ChatGPT, Kagi, DuckDuckGo, and Google. Interestingly, the old version of Siri was better at admitting when it didn’t know the answer by showing web links, which at least gave a chance at finding the right answer.

    Gruber was quite critical, saying:

    “New Siri, with Apple’s smart tech and ChatGPT help, gives answers that are completely but believably wrong, which is the worst kind of mistake. It’s also inconsistent in its errors — I asked the same thing four times and got four different wrong answers.”

    Siri’s performance has been criticized before, but these tests show how it can confidently give wrong information. Apple is working on a smarter Siri using advanced language models, hoping to make it as good as other chatbots like ChatGPT. They plan to show off this new Siri in 2025 but won’t release it until spring 2026 with iOS 19.

  • Samsung’s New Galaxy S25: Borrowing over a dozen iPhone traits, claims Macworld

    Samsung’s New Galaxy S25: Borrowing over a dozen iPhone traits, claims Macworld

    Macworld argues that Samsung’s latest Galaxy S25 has taken inspiration from over a dozen iPhone features. From the phone’s sleek, straight-edged design to how its AI assistant displays, Samsung seems to have borrowed quite a bit from Apple.

    Macworld’s Mahmoud Itani highlights this, starting with the AI features. The Galaxy S25 has integrated AI similar to Apple’s, allowing users to connect with third-party chatbots like Google Gemini, just as Apple does with ChatGPT in its system. When activating Gemini on the Galaxy S25, users see a text box with a colorful, glowing border, which looks a lot like Siri’s interface on iPhones. Additionally, the text selection tool in Samsung’s phone mimics Apple’s Writing Tools, offering options to proofread or transform text into tables.

    Itani goes on to mention other features like the ability to record and summarize calls, perform natural language searches in the photo gallery, and a photo editing tool that resembles Apple’s Image Playground. There’s also a new feature similar to Apple’s Live Activities, called the Now Bar, and enhanced audio features for video recording akin to Apple’s cinematic audio.

    9to5Mac’s Viewpoint
    It’s clear that Samsung often looks to Apple for inspiration. Their strategy seems to involve quickly bringing to market features similar to those rumored or leaked for upcoming iPhones, aiming to beat Apple to the punch. However, Apple isn’t innocent of copying either, as both companies tend to adopt similar technologies once they’re mainstream.

    Ultimately, this mutual borrowing is beneficial. The competitive pressure drives each company to innovate and perfect their offerings, leading to better products for consumers.

  • Unlock two key benefits with your iPhone’s new thread radio

    Unlock two key benefits with your iPhone’s new thread radio

    Apple began introducing Thread radios into its devices towards the end of 2023, starting with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. While Apple has been relatively quiet about this new feature, a recent interview sheds light on its benefits.

    Understanding the iPhone’s Thread Radio Advantages

    An insightful interview was published by The Verge, featuring three major contributors to Matter, the new standard for smart home devices. Among them was Vividh Siddha, who serves as both President of the Thread Group and Director at Apple.

    In the discussion, Siddha explained the purpose behind incorporating Thread radios into iPhones. He highlighted two main advantages:

    • Simplifying Smart Home Automation: For those new to smart homes, like someone buying a smart bulb or switch from a store, automating these devices can be tricky without additional equipment. The Thread radio in your iPhone allows for these automations directly, making life easier for early adopters.
    • Maintaining Access During Power Outages: If you lose power, and thus your Wi-Fi or other network systems are down, the Thread radio can still function. This means you can still use important smart devices like your front door lock, ensuring you can enter your home even in emergencies.

    Siddha’s dual roles give him a unique perspective on how Thread can revolutionize home automation, emphasizing these benefits are just the beginning.

    Thread Radios: A Step Forward for Apple’s Smart Home Vision

    The smart home landscape can be confusing, but with Matter, Apple aims to streamline this. Moreover, Apple’s recent push into smart home gadgets could change the game. In the coming months, expect new devices like the ‘HomePad’, followed by updates to the Apple TV 4K and a new HomePod mini. By 2026, Apple plans to launch smart doorbells and cameras.

    While the inclusion of Thread radios in the latest iPhones might not show immediate effects, over time, this technology is poised to enhance Apple’s smart home ecosystem significantly.

  • What’s coming in the next iPhone software update?

    What’s coming in the next iPhone software update?

    Apple is set to roll out the new iOS 18.3 update next week after months of testing. Even though it’s not a huge update, it does bring some cool new features and fixes for iPhone users.

    Changes in Notifications

    Apple has decided to pause its AI-powered news summaries because they’ve been getting some details wrong. In iOS 18.3, you’ll see summarized notifications in italics so they’re easy to spot. Also, you can now tweak your notification summary settings right from your lock screen. Apple has promised to make these summaries better in future updates.

    New Visual Intelligence Features

    If you’ve got one of the iPhone 16 models, you can enjoy enhanced Visual Intelligence. This feature lets you get instant info about things around you by just holding down the Camera Control button. Now, you can add events to your calendar from posters you see in public, and it can even tell you about different animals or plants. Remember, these features are only for the latest iPhone models.

    Calculator App Gets a Boost

    A handy feature is back in the Calculator app with iOS 18.3. Now, when you hit the equals button twice, it repeats the last calculation, which is super useful for things like figuring out compound interest.

    Maybe Something for Black Unity

    There’s a hint in the tvOS update code about a possible “UNITY25” campaign, suggesting Apple might celebrate Black Unity again this year with new watch bands, faces, or iPhone wallpapers. Nothing’s confirmed yet, but we might hear something soon.

    Bug Fixes and More

    iOS 18.3 also fixes some annoying bugs. For instance, Siri won’t make your keyboard vanish when you try to type a request, and Apple Music will stop playing when you close the app, not after the song ends. There’s also talk about adding support for robot vacuums in the Home app, but that seems to be pushed to a later update.

    This update is shaping up to make your iPhone experience smoother and more useful, especially if you’ve got the latest model. Keep an eye out for the official release next week.

  • New updates coming to iPhone screen recording

    New updates coming to iPhone screen recording

    The iPhone’s screen recording tool is about to get even better with three cool new features. It’s great for making quick videos of your screen, like when you’re showing someone how to do something on their phone. I talk about these updates in my latest “iPhone Secrets” episode.

    What Does Screen Recording Do Now?

    Screen recording on your iPhone lets you capture whatever is on your screen and save it in your Photos. You can also stream it live! To do more, just hold down the Screen Record button in the Control Center. This lets you turn on your microphone or choose where to send your live video, like to Zoom or Instagram.

    What’s New?

    • Stereo Sound Recording: Right now, when you record your screen, the sound is only in one channel (mono). But soon, you’ll be able to record in stereo using the iPhone’s multiple microphones for a richer sound experience.
    • HDR Screen Capture: Currently, if you record your screen while watching high-quality (HDR) video, it all goes back to standard quality (SDR). In the next update, you’ll keep the high quality, making your recordings look just as good as what you’re watching.
    • Live Camera Overlay: Imagine recording your screen and adding a live video of yourself in a small window. This is coming soon! It’s like having a mini TV of you in the corner of your screen recording, perfect for tutorials or explaining things hands-free.

    Here’s what the new screen recording menu might look like, with a camera icon next to the microphone icon, allowing you to turn your camera on while recording.

    These changes might not excite everyone, but for people who use screen recording a lot, they’re big improvements. Especially the camera overlay, which can make your videos much more engaging.

    What do you think about these updates? For more details, check out the latest “iPhone Secrets” episode where I go over these features and more coming to iOS 18.3.

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