In the Settings around Screen timeout, there’s an option to leave the screen on while you are looking at the screen. It needs to be enabled.
Android: Screen Attention is a feature on some Google Pixel phones that uses the front-facing camera to detect if you're looking at the screen. This helps to prevent the screen from turning off automatically if you're actively using it. iPhone: iPhones use a similar concept called "Attention Aware" features within Face ID. When Face ID is enabled, the iPhone uses the TrueDepth camera system to detect if you're looking at the screen to dim the display or prevent accidental lock actions. They say no data is sent to the servers even though the camera is active. Before you ask, extra battery usage is negligible as the camera is only active for a fraction of a second at various intervals. Screen brightness is your biggest battery killer.
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The take-up of pass-codes has been a bit slower than expected, so fair enough if you're not ready to jump in… but in the meantime, you need to at least be looking at some form of secondary security - like 2FA. Have you used 2FA? Did you skip it when asked to set it up? hmm
Well, Two-Factor Authentication Just Got Easier with Google! (No Phone Number Needed!)Keeping your Google account secure is more important than ever, and two-factor authentication (2FA) is a great way to add an extra layer of protection. Historically 2FA has been setup to work with your phone number. This is not as safe as it used to be as scammers are working out ways to intercept messages. Good news! Google just made things easier to setup 2FA without a phone number at all. Step 1: Head to Your Google Account Settings Log in to your Google account and navigate to your security settings. This might be under "Security" or "Two-factor authentication" depending on your settings. (swipe right) Step 2: Choose Your "Second Step Method" This second method can be:
Google will guide you through setting up your chosen method, whether it's linking the authenticator app or registering your hardware key. Benefits of Ditching Phone Number 2FA:
With this change, there's no excuse to skip 2FA. Take advantage of Google's update and choose the method that best suits your needs. A more secure Google account is just a few clicks away!
Candle Power to the Stars! German Rocket Makes Historic Wax-Fueled FlightA German space company has defied expectations by successfully launching a rocket powered by paraffin wax – common candle wax! This test flight is a massive leap forward in affordable and sustainable space exploration.
HyImpulse (High-m-poolse), a startup spun off from the German space agency, successfully launched its first "SR75" rocket from South Australia. The 12-metre tall rocket, despite its unusual fuel source, carried a payload and reached an altitude of 250 kilometres (155 miles). Paraffin Power: A Cheaper, Cleaner Option Paraffin wax offers several advantages over traditional rocket fuels. It is significantly cheaper, potentially reducing satellite transportation costs by up to 50%. Additionally, paraffin burns cleaner, reducing environmental impact. "We're signalling Germany's prowess as a spacefaring nation and expanding Europe's access to space," said HyImpulse (High-m-poolse) CEO Mario Kobald. The company reports pre-orders for satellite launches exceeding €100 million ($105 million). Future of Flight: Bigger Rockets, Brighter Prospects HyImpulse (High-m-poolse) is looking to capitalise on the growing demand for commercial satellite launches. Their sights are set on developing the "SL-1," a larger, multi-stage rocket capable of carrying heavier payloads into low Earth orbit. The company projects annual sales of €700 million by 2032. This successful test flight with an unconventional fuel source is a testament to ingenuity and may very well forge a global change in the space industry. Yep, with lower costs and a reduced environmental footprint, paraffin wax could pave the way for a new era of accessible and sustainable space exploration.
Here are some ways to send photos from your Android phone to your friend's iPhone:
Using Built-in Features:
Google Uses AI to Show Shoppers How Clothes Fit Different Body TypesOnline shopping can be a gamble, especially when it comes to figuring out how clothes will actually fit. Google is rolling out a new solution that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help shoppers visualise how items will look on different body types. We’ve seen virtual try-on for glasses- yes?
Seeing Clothes on Diverse Models Previously, brands might showcase clothing on a limited number of models, making it difficult for shoppers to imagine how the clothes would look on them. Now, brands can pay Google to generate images featuring the clothing on a variety of models with different skin tones and body types. This can be done without the need for additional photo shoots. For example, searching for "eyelet crop top" on Google could display an ad with a gallery showing the top on various models. This should give shoppers a better idea of how the garment might look on them or someone they're shopping for. AI-Generated Shopping Tools This new ad format is an extension of a free virtual try-on tool Google introduced recently. It utilises AI to combine product images with existing model photos. Google is also experimenting with other AI-powered shopping tools:
These AI tools can save businesses time and money on professional photography, graphic design, and models. However, there are potential drawbacks:
Despite these concerns, AI-generated advertising is becoming more common. Both Google and its competitors are offering similar tools. Whether this translates to increased ad spending remains to be seen. However, for smaller businesses, the potential benefits of AI may be significant.
Here are some key things to look for to determine if a website is safe:
Microsoft has unveiled a new range of PCs, CoPilot Plus, that they claim marks a whole new era for personal computing. These PCs integrate cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence directly into the device, moving beyond traditional cloud-based AI assistants.
CoPilot, Microsoft's AI assistant launched last year, forms the core of this new technology. Previously, AI functions often relied on sending information to the cloud for processing, raising privacy concerns. CoPilot Plus PCs, however, boast a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of a staggering 40 trillion operations per second. This allows AI to run directly on the device, providing features like one-click email replies, enhanced search capabilities, and even anticipating user needs. The goal… "Empowering every person to be more knowledgeable and more productive", according to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. The launch includes new Surface devices – a Surface Laptop and Surface Pro – but the vision extends far beyond Microsoft's own hardware. Major PC brands like HP, Asus, Dell, and Lenovo will also be bringing CoPilot Plus PCs to market. While AI is the headlining feature, these new machines offer significant improvements across the board. Battery life has been a major focus, with CoPilot Plus PCs delivering up to 22 hours of web browsing – numbers previously only seen in Apple's MacBooks. Microsoft even claims a performance advantage, boasting that CoPilot Plus PCs are 58% faster than a MacBook Air with M3. However, the true innovation lies in the integration of AI throughout the Windows experience. A new feature called "Recall" allows users to search for anything they've done or seen on their PC, not just files. The NPU essentially acts as a personal digital assistant, remembering what you see on your screen. Privacy is paramount, with all processing happening on-device and the ability to disable Recall for specific apps or websites. Imagine searching for "blue sports car" and Recall not only showing documents containing those words, but also relevant web pages and photos you've browsed. Using AI, CoPilot Plus PCs can categorise and understand what you see, providing a powerful and personalised search experience. The launch of CoPilot Plus PCs feels as significant as the introduction of Windows 95, ushering in a new era of intelligent and user-centric computing. These new features, coupled with the hardware advancements, promise to redefine how we interact with our computers. Look out for the launch of new CoPilot Plus PCs from Microsoft and other major brands in the coming months, with HP's HP OmniBook X AI PC and HP EliteBook Ultra AI PC leading the charge on June 18th.
Reddit Joins Forces with OpenAI: Your Posts Powering the Future of AI?The online world just witnessed a fascinating collaboration, but it comes with a surprising twist! OpenAI, the renowned artificial intelligence research lab, has struck a deal with social media giant Reddit. This partnership will see Reddit's vast treasure trove of posts and comments become training grounds for OpenAI's powerful AI models.
AI Learns from the Masses (But Not Everyone Agrees): This deal follows a recent controversy on Reddit. In June 2023, many Reddit users participated in a two-day blackout to protest changes to the platform's API, fearing it would stifle the development of independent AI tools built on Reddit data. This episode highlighted a portion of the Reddit community's apprehension towards the ever-growing influence of AI. OpenAI's Blog Post Hints at Broader Impact: Despite the recent blackout, OpenAI, in a blog post, highlighted the potential of this partnership: "Using large language models (LLMs), machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence will allow Reddit to improve the user experience for everyone." This suggests that Reddit's unique brand of user-generated content – discussions, debates, and everything in between – will be used to train OpenAI's AI models, potentially influencing how these models understand and interact with the world. Benefits Beyond Training Data: The deal goes beyond just data exchange. Reddit will also become an official advertising partner for OpenAI. This suggests a potential revenue stream for Reddit, while also raising questions about how advertising might be integrated with OpenAI's future products and services. The Future of AI and Social Media (And the Questions It Raises): Well, money talks and we’ve now opened the doors to exciting possibilities. Imagine AI chatbots trained on Reddit conversations, capable of engaging in more nuanced and human-like interactions. Or perhaps AI-powered tools that can filter and personalise the massive amount of information on Reddit, making it easier for users to find what they're looking for. The usual questions apply, but now some new ones:
Restart Your iPad:
A simple restart can sometimes resolve minor glitches. Press and hold the top button (or the side button on newer models) and either volume button until the power off slider appears. Slide the slider to power off your iPad. Wait a few seconds and then press and hold the top button (or side button) again to turn it back on. Inspect Your Speakers: Make sure there's no debris blocking the speaker grills on the bottom of your iPad. A gentle cleaning with a soft, dry brush might be necessary. If your iPad has been exposed to water damage, the speakers might be malfunctioning. Software Update: An outdated version of iPadOS could be causing the sound issue. Connect your iPad to Wi-Fi, go to Settings > General > Software Update and see if there's a newer version available. Installing the update might resolve the problem. If just some sounds - check app settings: If the issue is only happening with a specific app, there might be a setting within that app that's muting the sound. Open the app and explore its settings menu to see if there's a mute option or volume control. Check the App Store for updates to the app. Still No Sound? If you've tried all these steps and your iPad still has no sound, it might be a hardware issue. In that case, it's best to contact Apple Support or take your iPad to an authorised Apple service centre for further diagnosis and repair.
Untangle the Rope promises a puzzling good time, tasking you with untying knotted ropes in a mobile game available for both Android and Apple devices. Let's see if it unravels into a satisfying experience or leaves you in a tangled mess.
Straightening Out the Good:
Untangle the Rope offers a basic and fun puzzle experience. It's a decent choice for casual players seeking a simple and relaxing way to pass the time.
U.S. Considers Sharply Raising Tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles, Sparking DebateThe Biden administration is reportedly on the verge of significantly escalating tensions with China's booming electric vehicle (EV) industry. According to sources, President Biden is expected to announce a dramatic increase in import tariffs on Chinese EVs, jumping from the current 25% to a staggering 100%.
Shutting the Door on Affordable EVs? This potential move has sent shockwaves through the automotive industry. Analysts warn that a 100% tariff would effectively bar Chinese EVs like those from MG and BYD from entering the U.S. market. While Chinese EV presence is currently minimal in the U.S., these manufacturers offer some of the most affordable electric cars globally. Examples include the MG4 and BYD Dolphin, which could pose a significant competitive threat to established American automakers. Economic Concerns and Job Security The White House reportedly views the tariff increase, as a way to protect American jobs and domestic EV production. Supporters of the move argue that subsidised Chinese EVs could undercut U.S. manufacturers, hindering domestic growth in the electric vehicle market. However, critics argue that such high tariffs would ultimately hurt American consumers. By limiting competition, the move could stifle innovation and slow down the overall affordability of electric vehicles. A Global EV Powerhouse: China is currently the world's largest importer of cars, and its domestic EV market dwarfs all others. This dominance allows Chinese companies to achieve significant economies of scale, translating into lower production costs. With these competitive advantages, Chinese EVs could potentially accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in the U.S. and globally Perhaps we should refocus our efforts on the global goal here, which is reducing carbon emissions!
Court Victory for X: Australian Social Media Platform Wins Fight Against eSafety Over Violent Content TakedownIn a landmark case, the social media platform X, has emerged victorious in a legal battle against the Australian eSafety Commissioner. A Federal Court Judge has lifted a temporary order requiring X to block footage of a recent stabbing attack in Sydney, according to The Australian.
The Dispute: The conflict arose when eSafety, the Australian government agency responsible for online safety, argued that X wasn't doing enough to remove violent content from its platform. While X had geo-blocked the disturbing videos of the terrorist attack, eSafety Commissioner believed Australians were still bypassing these restrictions using virtual private networks (VPNs). In response, the eSafety Commissioner issued X stronger takedown notices demanding the removal of the content on a global scale. X Challenges the Order: X contested the eSafety Commissioner's request, leading to a court hearing. Justice Geoffrey Kennett of the Federal Court sided with X, refusing to extend the temporary injunction that had mandated the removal of the footage. Get this though…The judge's reasoning behind the decision will be released at a later date. Courtroom Repercussions: Justice Kennett's decision has significant implications. It suggests limitations on the power of the eSafety Commissioner to compel social media platforms to remove content beyond their geographic boundaries. Additionally, the court has reserved its decision on awarding costs, leaving open the possibility that eSafety may be liable for legal expenses incurred by X. The Future? of Online Safety in Australia: This court case raises questions about the balance between online safety and freedom of expression in Australia. While eSafety strives to protect users from harmful content, social media platforms like X may resist overly broad content takedown requests. The full reasoning behind Justice Kennett's decision will likely shed light on how Australian courts navigate this complex landscape going forward.
Tile Dynasty: A Traditional Treasure with Modern PolishTile Dynasty dives into the world of mahjong, offering a mobile experience that blends classic tile-matching gameplay with vibrant visuals and modern features.
A Modernised Mahjong Masterpiece
You remove tiles from the structure into your 7 tile rack and you keep going - matching 3 tiles and they disappear. You keep going until you release all the tiles and you win! OR the rack fills up and you lose 🙁
In the Settings around Screen timeout, there’s an option to leave the screen on while you are looking at the screen. It needs to be enabled.
Android: Screen Attention is a feature on some Google Pixel phones that uses the front-facing camera to detect if you're looking at the screen. This helps to prevent the screen from turning off automatically if you're actively using it. iPhone: iPhones use a similar concept called "Attention Aware" features within Face ID. When Face ID is enabled, the iPhone uses the TrueDepth camera system to detect if you're looking at the screen to dim the display or prevent accidental lock actions. They say no data is sent to the servers even though the camera is active. Before you ask, extra battery usage is negligible as the camera is only active for a fraction of a second at various intervals. Screen brightness is your biggest battery killer. The big ticket items at the Apple iPad Let Loose Event 2024  Apple Unleashed: Bigger iPads, Blazing Speed, and a Camera App for FilmmakersApple's "Let Loose" event unleashed a wave of innovation, catering to creators, professionals, and casual users alike. With bigger iPads, a blazing-fast chip, and software designed to unleash creativity, Apple has set the stage for an exciting future in mobile computing.
Let’s have a quick look at the biggest reveals: Supersized iPad Air: The iPad Air gets a supersized option with a new 13-inch model, offering more screen real estate for work and play. Pro Gets a Pro Makeover: The iPad Pro gets a sleek redesign, boasting a stunning OLED display for vibrant colours and deeper blacks. But the beauty goes beyond skin deep – the M4 chip, Apple's next-generation processor, delivers a 50% performance jump over the M2, making it a powerhouse for creative professionals and demanding users. M4 Chip: The Speed Demon: The star of the show might be the M4 chip. This powerhouse boasts a 10-core CPU and GPU, built on a cutting-edge 3nm process for improved efficiency. Apple touts the M4 as an "outrageously powerful chip for AI," paving the way for future advancements in machine learning applications. Apple Pencil Pro Gets an Upgrade: Digital artists, take note! The new Apple Pencil Pro gets a haptic feedback boost, providing a more natural and responsive drawing experience. A new squeeze gesture lets you access a menu quickly, and the ability to roll the Pencil allows for intuitive brush shape changes. Magic Keyboard Gets Magical: The Magic Keyboard isn't just about typing anymore. The redesigned keyboard features a luxurious aluminium palm rest, a larger trackpad with haptic feedback, and a function row for added convenience. Available in silver and space black to match the iPad Pro, the Magic Keyboard starts at $299. iPad Gets More Affordable: Apple made the base iPad even more accessible, dropping the starting price to $349. This budget-friendly option is perfect for students, casual users, and anyone looking for a basic tablet experience. Calling All Filmmakers: Apple announced Final Cut Camera, a brand new app designed specifically for live multicamera productions. This app seamlessly integrates with Final Cut Pro, allowing users to connect multiple iPhones or iPads to capture various angles and create professional-looking videos. AI Infusion for Musicians: Musicians using Logic Pro can get excited about new AI-powered features. A virtual bass player and keyboard player join the digital band, offering an extra layer of creativity and assistance for music production. Image by Apple Electric SUVs for Less? Peugeot slashes price of e-2008 by $25,000! Is this the deal that jumpstarts Aussie EV sales? Find out what this new price tag means for electric car buyers. Limited time offer, so don't miss out!  Peugeot Slashes Price of Electric SUV by $25,000 to Boost Sales in AustraliaFrench automaker Peugeot is making a big push to attract Australian electric vehicle (EV) buyers with a dramatic price cut on its e-2008 SUV. The car, which launched last year with a starting price of $59,990 before on-road costs, is now available for a drive-away price of $39,990 – a saving of almost $25,000.
This aggressive pricing strategy follows similar moves by other major EV manufacturers like Tesla, BYD, and MG. Peugeot, however, may be looking to jumpstart sales of the e-2008, which has seen slow uptake in Australia. In 2023, only 57 units were sold, and sales figures for the first quarter of 2024 reached just 40. Peugeot e-2008: Features and Performance Despite the initial slow sales, the e-2008 boasts some compelling features:
The current price drop applies to both new and demo MY23 e-2008 SUVs and is valid from May 1 to June 30, 2024. This significant price cut, coupled with similar offers from competitors, could signal a growing price war in the Australian EV market – good news for consumers looking to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Do you use Google Photos and are you familiar with the suggestions that pop up from time to time?
Google Photos automatically creates various compilations and edits of your photos, which can sometimes appear unexpectedly. Here's a list of some of the most common Google Photos creations:
The tip is sometimes you don;t save the creation and then it’s gone, well… in a browser go to photos.google.com/unsaved and viola spend some time scrolling through the pages and pages of content. Incidentally, if these suggestions bother you, you can turn them off in Settings.
We've all been there: you're casually chatting with a friend about needing a new pair of shoes, and then BAM! Your social media feed is flooded with targeted ads for sneakers. It's enough to make you wonder if your phone is actually listening to your conversations.Well, the truth is, it depends. Many apps request permission to access your phone's microphone during installation. Buried deep within those privacy policies you probably skimmed (we've all done it!), could be the key that unlocks your phone's ability to listen.
You can take control to some degree by adjusting your phone's settings, you can decide which apps get to listen in and which ones don't. iPhone:
Android:Slightly different:
Don’t worry, you won’t break anything… If the app needs it, it will ask for permission next time you try to use the mic feature in that app. Taking control of your phone's microphone permissions is a simple step towards protecting your privacy. So go forth, chat freely, and don't worry about your phone turning into a secret eavesdropper!
Qantas App Glitch Exposes Passenger Data, Raising Privacy ConcernsQantas is facing a major privacy headache after a glitch in their mobile app allowed users to access the personal information and boarding passes of other passengers. The airline assures customers the issue has been resolved, but the incident highlights potential security risks and the challenge of preventing follow-up scams.
What Happened? On Wednesday morning, Qantas app users reported seeing details of other passengers' flights, including names, frequent flyer information, and even boarding pass QR codes. This incident bears resemblance to previous data breaches in apps from banks, car manufacturers, and telecommunication companies. Often, these glitches stem from faulty system upgrades and are swiftly rectified, but the consequences can be significant. Potential Impact: While Qantas assures no financial or sensitive personal information was exposed, the leaked data raises several concerns:
Although Qantas apologised for the inconvenience and assured users the app issue has been fixed, they emphasised that only basic information was accessible, and loyalty points could not be compromised. What You Should Do: like any other data breach…
The Qantas app glitch underscores the importance of robust data security measures in mobile applications. Furthermore, it serves as a reminder for users to remain vigilant against potential phishing attempts, especially following data breaches or security incidents.
Hold Your Applause (or Fart): Google Phone App Gets "Audio Emoji" UpdateCalling all pranksters (and those easily amused)! An upcoming update to the Google Phone app might have you both laughing and groaning. The update introduces "Audio Emoji," a feature that lets you play sound effects during phone calls that both you and the other caller can hear.
Six Sounds to Spice Up Your Calls: While the usefulness of this feature might be debatable, the options are certainly...interesting. Choose from clapping, laughter, crying (trombone sound effect!), a party popper sound, a drum roll, and yes, even a fart noise. These "Audio Emojis" can be accessed through the overflow menu or a dedicated button during a call. A Novelty That Might Wear Thin? Hmm, while the initial silliness might be tempting, I question the long-term practicality of Audio Emojis. Will these sounds add genuine meaning to conversations, or will they become annoying distractions? Perhaps a version 2 with user-created sounds or pre-recorded messages might be more useful? I can see a button that says Ahah, which I could press occasionally or better still, play automatically at random intervals 🙂 Limited Use and Google I/O Await It could get very tedious very quickly, so thankfully, there’s a cooldown period to prevent excessive spamming of these sound effects. Listen out for more details and the potential for Audio Emojis in the very near future.
Australian social media users are for the most-part, welcoming the arrival of Meta AI, a powerful AI assistant integrated across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Meta AI is a chatbot now available in your Meta apps including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp. It’s basically like Chat-GPT and Gemini but baked into your Meta experience. A Creative Spark: Meta AI, powered by the cutting-edge Llama 3 technology, offers a range of functionalities beyond just information retrieval. One of the most exciting features is its ability to generate creative text formats and lifelike images based on user prompts. Imagine describing your dream vacation destination and having Meta AI conjure a captivating image to match. This is now a reality for Aussies, allowing them to explore their artistic side through AI-powered prompts. Beyond the Brushstrokes: Meta AI's capabilities extend far beyond artistic endeavours. Users can leverage it for real-time information access within their favourite Meta apps. Need restaurant recommendations or want to understand a complex news article? Simply ask Meta AI, and it will provide the answers you seek. Seamless Integration: The beauty of Meta AI lies in its seamless integration. Users can access it through various methods:
The rollout of Meta AI isn't limited to Australia. Users in Canada, several African nations, New Zealand, and Singapore are also enjoying the benefits of this innovative AI assistant. What's Next? While some features, like real-time image generation as you type, are currently limited to US users, the Australian launch paves the way for their eventual arrival Down Under. A New Era of Social Interaction: The introduction of Meta AI marks a significant shift in the Australian social media landscape. With its emphasis on creativity, information access, and user-friendly interaction, Meta AI has the potential to transform the way Aussies engage with their favorite Meta apps. |
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