WebProNews

Tag: iOS

  • Google’s iOS Apps Will Start Using Apple’s UI Elements

    Google’s iOS Apps Will Start Using Apple’s UI Elements

    Google’s iOS apps will stop using the company’s Material Design interface elements, in favor of iOS’ native UIKit.

    In a thread on Twitter, Jeff Verkoeyen, Google Design Lead for Apple platforms, explained that the company originally used its own Material Design libraries to fill gaps in Apple’s UIKit.

    As UIKit has continued to evolve, however, maintaining code using Material Design has taken more time and effort, and led to Google’s apps drawing away from the look and feel of Apple’s iOS. The improvements to UIKit have also made much of Google’s reliance on Material Design unnecessary.

    The move is good news, not only for Google’s developers, but also for Apple customers who prefer a more unified experience across their apps.

  • Google SVP Wants to Help Apple Support RCS Messaging

    Google SVP Wants to Help Apple Support RCS Messaging

    Google SVP Hiroshi Lockheimer has extended an open invitation to help Apple embrace RCS messaging.

    RCS is the next-gen text messaging that brings Android on par with iOS. For years, Android’s messaging was little more than basic SMS. As a result, it had limited to no support for read receipts, group management, file sharing and encryption.

    Google has been pushing RCS for some time, and many of the major carriers have finally started adopting the newer protocol. Google’s RCS implementation brings those features that were sorely lacking, including end-to-end encryption.

    Unfortunately, there is no cross-platform compatibility between Apple’s iMessage and RCS. As far as iOS is concerned, texting an Android phone is no different from texting a phone with basic SMS — even if that phone is using RCS. That means no read receipts, no file sharing, no group management and no end-to-end encryption between the platforms.

    Google, at least, appears willing to change that. Hiroshi Lockheimer, SVP for Android, opened the door in a tweet.

    Hopefully Apple will take Google up on the offer, easing a major cross-platform pain point. Realistically…it’s probably never going to happen.

  • Google Maps Now Features Eco-Friendly Routing

    Google Maps Now Features Eco-Friendly Routing

    Google Maps has introduced a new feature, eco-friendly routing, to help individuals be a little greener in their travels.

    Google Maps already offers a number of routing options, including the fastest route, a route that avoids tolls, one that avoids highways and more. The latest option will appeal to environmentally conscious drivers, giving them the ability to choose the route that is the most fuel-efficient. Google estimates eco-friendly routing could help eliminate up to one million tons of carbon emissions annually.

    “Not only does Google Maps’ eco-friendly routing bring NREL’s fuel-efficient technology from the lab to the road, but it has huge potential to significantly lower emissions and save drivers money on gas — something that’s good for both people and the planet,” said Jeff Gonder, from the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

    Users who always want the fastest route can still set that as the preferences as well.

    The new feature is available on Android and iOS in the US, with plans for Europe in 2022.

  • Google Working to Bring Android Closer to Linux Kernel

    Google Working to Bring Android Closer to Linux Kernel

    Google is working to bring Android closer to the Linux kernel in a move that could significantly speed up development time.

    Android is arguably the biggest Linux-based operating system (OS) in existence, powering billions of devices the world over. Unfortunately, the OS is a far cry from the base Linux kernel, being forked several times before it gets to a user’s device. The first fork occurs when Google takes the Linux kernel to create the base Android kernel, and then again by each chip maker, and yet again by device manufacturers.

    The end result of repeated forking is that it can take a significant amount of time for improvements, features and fixes to make their way from the top all the way to the end user.

    According to Ars Technica, Google is working on an innovative solution to the problem, one that will only require a single fork from the Linux kernel. From that point forward, System on Chip (SoC) venders — Qualcomm, Samsung and others — and device manufactures will be able to use plugins to customize Android, rather than relying on additional kernel forks.

    The end result will be a much shorter path from the original Linux kernel to end user devices. This will allow Google and its Android ecosystem partners to develop and release updates and patches much faster than the current fragmentation allows.

    Fragmentation and delayed update cycles have been a major problem for Android since its inception. Unlike iOS, where the majority of users quickly migrate to the latest version, Android users are far more spread out over multiple versions of the OS. This poses a problem for Google, as well as the many third-party developers. Google’s efforts to address this are good news for developers and users alike.

  • PSA: Update to iOS 14.8 Immediately

    PSA: Update to iOS 14.8 Immediately

    Apple has released iOS 14.8, just days before the anticipated release of iOS 15, and the update fixes two serious security issues.

    According to Apple, iOS 14.8 addresses two issues that are both being actively exploited. The first issue revolves around CoreGraphics:

    Processing a maliciously crafted PDF may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.

    The second issue involves WebKit, the browser rendering engine that powers Safari, as well as all other iOS browsers:

    Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.

    With the vulnerabilities being actively exploited, all users should update immediately. To update, go to Settings > General > Software Update.

  • Apple Delays CSAM Scanning Amid Backlash

    Apple Delays CSAM Scanning Amid Backlash

    Apple has announced it is delaying its plans to implement CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material) scanning amid backlash from all sides.

    Apple previously announced plans to implement CSAM scanning in the next versions of iOS, iPadOS and macOS. While many companies, including Microsoft, Google, Dropbox and Facebook, all scan their servers for CSAM, Apple’s solution was unique in that part of the process would take place on-device.

    The backlash was immediate and severe, leading Apple to try to explain how the system worked. Ultimately, it has not been successful assuaging people’s concerns and is now delaying the feature, according to a statement on its website.

    Update as of September 3, 2021: Previously we announced plans for features intended to help protect children from predators who use communication tools to recruit and exploit them and to help limit the spread of Child Sexual Abuse Material. Based on feedback from customers, advocacy groups, researchers, and others, we have decided to take additional time over the coming months to collect input and make improvements before releasing these critically important child safety features.

    Unfortunately, Apple’s statement is small comfort, as many have pointed out that any attempt to continue with the original goal is extremely dangerous. In our upcoming multi-part breakdown of Apple’s plans, we’ll explain why.

  • AccuWeather Alerts Coming Exclusively to T-Mobile Customers

    AccuWeather Alerts Coming Exclusively to T-Mobile Customers

    AccuWeather has announced a new severe weather alert notification system exclusively for T-Mobile customers.

    Severe weather is becoming an increasingly dangerous issue for people around the world. More powerful hurricanes, raging wildfires, blistering heat waves, freak blizzards and devastating tornadoes wreak havoc with greater frequency each year.

    AccuWeather is one of the leading weather forecast services, serving more than 1.5 billion people daily. The company is now rolling out a severe weather alert system, AccuWeather Alerts, specifically for T-Mobile customers, following a successful pilot program in three T-Mobile markets.

    T-Mobile customers can receive up-to-the-minute alerts for “Severe Weather Potential,” “Severe Weather Threat” and “Dangerous Weather Imminent!” via their iOS and Android devices.

    “Every year, severe weather claims hundreds of thousands of lives and causes trillions of dollars in damage around the world,” said AccuWeather Founder and CEO Dr. Joel N. Myers. “Our expert meteorologists not only offer the most accurate forecasts, but they understand the importance of communicating the impact of severe weather effectively, so people can take appropriate action. As part of our mission to save lives, help keep families and property safe, AccuWeather Alerts can inform people to make the best weather-impacted decisions.”

    The new alerts are integrated into the AccuWeather app, and will be available in 20 markets prone to severe weather beginning August 31. The markets include Atlanta, Boston, Greenville, SC, Houston, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and many more.

  • Apple’s Privacy Hypocrisy: The $15 Billion Google Deal

    Apple’s Privacy Hypocrisy: The $15 Billion Google Deal

    Google is continuing to pay Apple to remain the default search engine in iOS, a deal that benefits Apple to the tune billions of dollars.

    Google is the dominant search engine by far, but it’s hard to know whether that is the result of true technological superiority or through the sheer power of its market dominance. A key element to that dominance is paying smartphone makers to make Google the default search engine in the browsers they ship with their devices.

    Such an arrangement is extremely profitable for smartphone makers, bringing in a steady stream of income for essentially no work. At the same time, however, it poses a signifiant privacy and moral dilemma for Apple. The Cupertino company has built a reputation around protecting user privacy, often more so than its rivals, including Google. Because the iPhone maker is primarily in the business of selling hardware, it doesn’t rely on monetizing user data the way Google does.

    Despite that stance, however, Apple is projected to reap $15 billion in 2021 for keeping Google the default search engine in iOS Safari, and as much as $20 billion 2022, according to Bernstein analysts, via long-time Apple reporter Philip Elmer-DeWitt.

    While Apple no doubt sees it as a way to give customers what it thinks they want, in terms of the search engine they’re probably most familiar with, it’s still a strange compromise for a company that puts so much value in protecting privacy. It would be far better, and more in line with the company’s overall stance, to refuse Google’s money and offer users a choice when they first set up their iPhones.

    The more time passes, the harder it will be to defend this deal.

  • Apple Releases Dev Tool to Prioritize 5G Over WiFi on iOS/iPadOS 15

    Apple Releases Dev Tool to Prioritize 5G Over WiFi on iOS/iPadOS 15

    Apple has released a tool for developers to use to prioritize 5G over WiFi, a useful feature when connected to insecure networks.

    According to MacRumors, the tool builds on an existing feature that prioritizes 5G when it offers a better connection than the available WiFi.

    5G devices running iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 can automatically prioritize connecting via 5G instead of WiFi when the performance of WiFi networks you visit occasionally is slow, or when you are connected to captive or insecure WiFi networks. Install the 5G Preferred Over Wi-Fi profile (“profile”) on devices running iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 Beta 4 or greater to greatly increase the likelihood of seeing 5G preferred over Wi-Fi connections and to ensure your networking path logic is optimized for situations where 5G will be preferred. For more information, see https://developer.apple.com/5g/.

    Apple’s new tool illustrates the potential uses cases and benefits of 5G as it becomes more commonplace.

  • Windows 11 Will Ship With Light Mode on by Default, Not Dark Mode

    Windows 11 Will Ship With Light Mode on by Default, Not Dark Mode

    Despite an announcement to the contrary, Windows 11 will ship with the more traditional light mode activated by default.

    At a recent event, a Microsoft employee had announced the company would ship Windows 11 with dark mode on by default. Dark mode is a popular choice across platforms, supported by macOS, Windows, iOS, Android and Linux.

    Users who were excited about such a visibly obvious refresh are in for a disappointment, as Microsoft has backtracked in a statement to BetaNews.

    We are aware that inaccurate information about Windows 11 shipping in dark mode on by default to all commercial SKUs was recently shared and apologize for the confusion. To clarify, Microsoft will ship Windows 11 SKUs in light mode on by default. However, OEMs can choose to ship their devices in dark mode and customers will have the choice to easily customize their experience in Settings to dark mode or light mode. As with all of our products, we will continue listening to customer feedback to ensure Windows 11 meets customers’ needs, wherever they are in their computing journey.

    At least dark mode will still be available on Microsoft 11, but it will require manual activation, unless a specific OEM choose to ship their computers with it on by default.

  • Antitrust Bill Would Prevent Apple From Preinstalling Its Own Apps

    Antitrust Bill Would Prevent Apple From Preinstalling Its Own Apps

    A bill introduced by the US House would prohibit Apple and Google from preinstalling their own apps, in an effort to reign in Big Tech.

    Regulators are looking with increased scrutiny at Big Tech and trying to introduce measures to curb their power and influence. As part of a group of five bills, one in particular would place strict limits on so-called “first-party” apps — those that come preinstalled on a device or platform.

    If the bill becomes law, companies like Apple would be prohibited from installing their own software on devices, such as the iPhone and iPad, and instead simply make them available for download. This would, in theory, put the company’s apps on the same footing as third-party options.

    “It would be equally easy to download the other five apps as the Apple one so they’re not using their market dominance to favor their own products and services,” said Representative David Cicilline, according to Bloomberg.

    As with most solutions, it’s far from a perfect outcome. For example, this writer specifically uses Apple products and software, as opposed to Google’s, because of the superior privacy and integration Apple’s apps offer. If I wanted to use Google’s apps…I would purchase an Android phone, and I suspect many Android users feel the same way in reverse.

    For users like us, the added step will be an unwelcome inconvenience.

  • Google Rolling Out End-to-End Encryption in Messages

    Google Rolling Out End-to-End Encryption in Messages

    At long last, Google is rolling out end-to-end encryption (E2EE) in its Android Messages app.

    Android messaging has lagged behind Apple iMessage for some time. In most ways, Android messaging has been little better than standard text messages. In contrast, Apple iMessage has offered read receipts, group administration, E2EE, sending files and more.

    Google has been working to move Android Messages to the RCS standard, which is far more comparable to iMessage. After waiting for carriers to adopt the updated standard, Google finally took matters into its own hands and started implementing it in Android. RCS was available globally in November 2020, but E2EE wasn’t included initially.

    The company is now rolling out E2EE, although with some caveats. Needless to say, both parties must have RCS enabled in order to benefit. In addition, E2EE only works for one-on-one conversations, not groups messages.

    While still not as comprehensive as iMessage, the improvements in Google’s Messages will be a welcome upgrade for users.

  • Dark Sky Weather App Shutting Down at End of 2022

    Dark Sky Weather App Shutting Down at End of 2022

    Popular weather app Dark Sky is shutting down at the end of 2022, following Apple’s purchase of the app in 2020.

    When Apple purchased Dark Sky in March 2020, the company announced it would shut down its Android app immediately, followed by the API at the end of 2021. It appears that date is being pushed back, with the API, iOS and web apps all shutting down at the end of 2022.

    Dark Sky’s Adam Grossman made the announcement on the company’s blog.

    Update: Support for the Dark Sky API service for existing customers will continue until the end of 2022. The iOS app and Dark Sky website will also be available until the end of 2022.

    Some of Dark Sky’s features have already been making their way into the iOS weather app since the purchase. iOS 15 promises to bring even more features to the native weather app so, hopefully, Dark Sky’s eventual demise will be a little easier to swallow.

  • Twitter Uses Prompts to Encourage Nicer Tweeting

    Twitter Uses Prompts to Encourage Nicer Tweeting

    Twitter is rolling out a feature that prompts user to be more considerate, with iOS and Android English-speaking accounts first to see it.

    One of the biggest challenges social media grapples with is discouraging bullying, vitriol and hateful content. Since the early days, social media has struggled with the best way to moderate such content, while still encouraging open, free-flowing discussion.

    Twitter believes it has found a solution, using prompts to warn people of potentially harmful content, and give them the opportunity to change it before posting.

    Based on feedback and learnings from those tests, we’ve made improvements to the systems that decide when and how these reminders are sent. Starting today, we’re rolling these improved prompts out across iOS and Android, starting with accounts that have enabled English-language settings.

    Based on an initial test period, Twitter was able to improve their algorithm for accuracy and consistency. The tests ultimately resulted in 34% of people revising their tweets once they were prompted, or deciding not to send the tweet at all. In addition, once prompted, individuals sent 11% fewer offensive replies in the future.

    Twitter says this is just the beginning, with more improvements yet to come.

    We’ll continue to explore how prompts — such as reply prompts and article prompts — and other forms of intervention can encourage healthier conversations on Twitter. Our teams will also collect feedback from people on Twitter who have received reply prompts as we expand this feature to other languages. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to learn and make new improvements to encourage more meaningful conversations on Twitter.

  • Facebook and Instagram Try to Scare iOS Users Into Accepting Tracking

    Facebook and Instagram Try to Scare iOS Users Into Accepting Tracking

    Facebook and Instagram are resorting to scare tactics to convince iOS users to allow the companies to track them.

    The latest version of iOS 14 forces apps to ask for permission before tracking users. Apple has framed the feature in the context of protecting user privacy and, just as importantly, giving users control over their own data and how it is used. As a company that charges for the vast majority of its products and services, Apple does not view its customers as the product, and doesn’t need to sell its users’ data to make money.

    In contrast, Facebook, Instagram and other social media companies view their users as their main product, profiting off the wholesale monetization of their data. Facebook has made no bones about its opposition to Apple’s latest iOS privacy move, and is now resorting to scare tactics to convince iOS users to give them permission to track them and continue profiting off of them.

    In the most recent notification asking for permission, Facebook and Instagram’s iOS apps imply that, without permission to track, the apps may not remain free. Ashkan Soltani, a technology reporter and former Obama White House advisor, was the first to report on the change.

  • Twitter Enables 4K Uploads on iOS and Android

    Twitter Enables 4K Uploads on iOS and Android

    Twitter has enabled 4K picture uploads via iOS and Android, bringing its mobile apps on par with its web app.

    Twitter’s apps were previously limited to 2048 x 2048 pixels, whereas the web app could upload photos with a resolution of 4096 x 4096. The company has now upgraded its mobile app abilities to match the web app.

  • Xbox Cloud Gaming for iOS and PC Entering Beta

    Xbox Cloud Gaming for iOS and PC Entering Beta

    Microsoft has announced its Xbox Cloud Gaming will enter beta Tuesday, giving users the opportunity to test the service on PCs and iOS devices.

    Microsoft has been working to bring Xbox gaming to more devices and platforms, rather than simply the console that started it all. A key component of the strategy is bringing the gaming service to Windows 10 and iOS/iPadOS devices. The company has reached the next step in the process, with the service entering an invitation-only beta tomorrow.

    Starting tomorrow, we’ll begin sending out invites to select Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to start testing the Xbox Cloud Gaming limited beta for Windows 10 PCs and Apple phones and tablets via web browsers. We’re launching xbox.com/play where invitees can play over 100 Xbox Game Pass titles through Edge, Google Chrome, or Safari. Offering cloud gaming through the browser and having a simplified, universal landing page presents a great opportunity to make cloud gaming approachable to more players in more places over time.

    The beta will help Microsoft evaluate its progress and make any necessary changes.

    Those who receive an invite just need a compatible Bluetooth or USB-connected controller or can use custom touch controls for more than 50 games to start playing and testing. In the early stages of the beta, we’ll be focusing on fine-tuning features and creating a consistent experience across platforms, while making sure games are running their best.

    The company hopes to open up access to all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members in the coming months.

  • Apple Rejecting Apps that Use Fingerprinting SDKs

    Apple Rejecting Apps that Use Fingerprinting SDKs

    Apple has begun rejecting apps that use software development kits (SDKs) that engage in fingerprinting.

    Fingerprinting is a method of collecting data and tracking users, creating a unique device fingerprint that can be tracked across services. As part of iOS 14’s improved privacy, Apple is now rejecting app submissions that use SDKs known to engage in this behavior.

    According to AppleInsider, a number of developers have already been notified of rejections.

    “Our app just got rejected by Apple’s app reviewer, blaming the MMP SDK for building a fingerprint ID,” wrote Heetch‘s Aude Boscher, in an industry Slack channel. “I saw other people complaining … so it might soon come up for you as well!”

    Apple’s notification message clearly says what the problem is:

    Your app uses algorithmically converted device and usage data to create a unique identifier in order to track the user. The device information collected by your app may include some of the following: NSLocaleAlternateQuotationBeginDelimiterKey, NSTimeZone, NSLocaleGroupingSeparator, NSLocaleDecimalSeparator …

    Adjust makes one of the offending SDKs, used by some 50,000 apps. The company has released an update that removes the offending code, however, providing a path forward for the apps using it.

    While the change is no doubt inconvenient for developers, kudos to Apple for cracking down on one of the more insidious methods of tracking users.

  • Android Phones Home 20x More Than iOS

    Android Phones Home 20x More Than iOS

    A computer researcher at Trinity College Dublin has released a report showing Android phones home to Google 20x more than iOS does to Apple.

    Apple and Google have fundamentally different approaches to data. Apple is a hardware and, increasingly, a software and services company. Unlike Google, however, Apple charges for the majority of its products and services. As a result, the company has repeatedly said it has no interest in consumer data, or viewing that data as the product.

    In contrast, Google offers much of its services completely free of charge. To make a profit, the company is primarily a data-driven company, where the customer — and their data — is Google’s primary product.

    Researcher Doug Leith shows how different the two companies’ approach is to how their phones transmit data, mirroring their approach to consumer data, according to Ars Technica.

    Where Android stands out, Leith said, is in the amount of data it collects. At startup, an Android device sends Google about 1MB of data, compared with iOS sending Apple around 42KB. When idle, Android sends roughly 1MB of data to Google every 12 hours, compared with iOS sending Apple about 52KB over the same period. In the US alone, Android collectively gathers about 1.3TB of data every 12 hours. During the same period, iOS collects about 5.8GB.

    Needless to say, Google has disputed the findings, with a spokesperson providing the following statement to Ars:

    We identified flaws in the researcher’s methodology for measuring data volume and disagree with the paper’s claims that an Android device shares 20 times more data than an iPhone. According to our research, these findings are off by an order of magnitude, and we shared our methodology concerns with the researcher before publication.

    This research largely outlines how smartphones work. Modern cars regularly send basic data about vehicle components, their safety status and service schedules to car manufacturers, and mobile phones work in very similar ways. This report details those communications, which help ensure that iOS or Android software is up to date, services are working as intended, and that the phone is secure and running efficiently.

    Despite Google’s protestations, Leith’s research is no surprise to anyone who has followed Google’s data-mining and collection practices.

  • Apple Maps Now Showing COVID-19 Vaccination Locations

    Apple Maps Now Showing COVID-19 Vaccination Locations

    Apple Maps has been updated to display COVID-19 vaccination locations, making it that much easier to set up an appointment.

    As the US rolls out COVID-19 vaccines, one of the biggest challenges is finding a location and setting up an appointment. Some have relied on their local pharmacy, or used websites such as those provided by local governments.

    Apple is making it a bit easier, integrating vaccination locations in Apple Maps.

    Apple today updated Apple Maps with COVID-19 vaccination locations from VaccineFinder, a free, online service developed by Boston Children’s Hospital that provides the latest vaccine availability for those eligible at providers and pharmacies throughout the US. Users can find nearby COVID-19 vaccination locations from the Search bar in Apple Maps by selecting COVID-19 Vaccines in the Find Nearby menu or by asking Siri, “Where can I get a COVID vaccination?”

    The placecard will include operating hours, phone number, address and a link to the provider’s website. Although the data is being provided via VaccineFinder, providers and businesses can also submit their information directly to Apple.

    Along with the data provided by VaccineFinder, healthcare providers, labs, or other businesses can submit information on COVID-19 testing or vaccination locations on the Apple Business Register page. Once validated, Apple may display information about the testing or vaccination locations to people using Apple services such as Apple Maps.

    Apple’s move is good news for Mac and iOS users, removing one more hurdle to people accessing the vaccine.

  • DuckDuckGo Calls Out Google’s Apps For Spying On Users

    DuckDuckGo Calls Out Google’s Apps For Spying On Users

    DuckDuckGo is mincing no words in calling out Google’s apps for spying on users and not respecting their privacy.

    Google drew widespread criticism for taking months to roll out updates to its iOS apps after Apple introduced privacy labels in the App Store. The new feature is designed to let users know exactly what personal information an app collects and tracks. Google has only recently updated many of its apps, after dragging its feet for months after privacy labels went live.

    DuckDuckGo is calling the company to task for what Chrome and the Google app privacy labels reveals about Google’s data collection.

    Google is already facing increased backlash for its privacy practices, including a lawsuit that claims the company continues to track people even when Chrome’s Incognito Mode is enabled.

    Users who truly value privacy should migrate away from Google’s apps sooner rather than later.