Category: Uncategorized

  • AirTag Precision Finding Interface Includes Hidden ‘Developer Mode’

    AirTag Precision Finding Interface Includes Hidden ‘Developer Mode’

    An annoyed AirTag owner has unintentionally found the presence of a hidden “designer mode” in the on-screen interface that Find My displays when the Precision Finding feature is triggered to assist find one of Apples product trackers.
    Accuracy Finding is a feature that supplies users with particular on-screen instructions for finding a close-by AirTag. iPhones with a U1 chip, that includes the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 12 models, can make the most of the feature, which combines electronic camera input, AR, noise, Ultra Wideband radio innovation, and haptic feedback to help locate the item tracker.
    The concealed modes overlay, which appears after tapping the items name four times in the Precision Finding user interface, shows real-time diagnostic and technical info about the functions operation, consisting of accelerometer and gyroscope collaborates, haptic feedback, screen resolution, tracking animations, and more.
    Reddit user “cyem” came across the concealed mode after becoming annoyed with the efficiency of their AirTag, especially when Precision Finding is triggered:

    Surprisingly enough, I tapped on my name about 5 times in disappointment, and discovered what appears to be a covert designer mode. Even more interesting, the arrow appears to in fact be working underneath – just not in the normal mode.
    The concealed mode in iOS 14.5 is not likely to be particularly useful to the typical user, and the sliders and buttons that it tosses up most likely shouldnt be controlled unless you know what youre doing. Still, the discovery provides an appealing peek under the hood at the hardware and calibration included every time an AirTags Precision Finding is allowed.
    Apple offers private AirTags for $29, while a pack of 4 AirTags can be acquired for $99. Single AirTags purchased straight from Apple presently ship in 5 to 7 days, while engraved AirTags and multipacks are presently on a five- to six-week lead time.

  • Apple TV+ Thriller ‘Servant’ Nominated for 2021 TV Choice Award

    Apple TV+ Thriller ‘Servant’ Nominated for 2021 TV Choice Award

    Popular Apple TV+ original show “Servant” has actually been nominated for the Best Drama Series category in the upcoming 2021 TV Choice Awards.
    Apple revealed the election this week through its authorities “Servant” Twitter account. The TV Choice Awards is held annually, with winners awarded on the basis of a public vote, instead of being picked by critics. “Servant” will take on 62 other competitors in the Best Drama Series classification in the viewer-selected awards, which celebrate their 25th anniversary this year.
    “Servant,” a horror thriller produced by M. Night Shyamalan, follows a Philadelphia couple who remain in grieving after losing their kid. Their child, Jericho, is replaced by a reborn doll that Dorothy, the mom, thinks is genuine, and a weird nanny, Leanne, is worked with to care for the doll. After Leannes arrival, strange things start happening to the family.
    “Servant” was one of the very first series on Apple TV+, and it has stayed popular with Apple TV+subscribers, following a strong 2nd season. Apple renewed the program for a 3rd season in December.
    The winners will of this years TELEVISION Choice Awards will be announced online in early September.

  • Servant is longlisted for ‘Best Drama’ TV Choice award

    Servant is longlisted for ‘Best Drama’ TV Choice award

    Apple TV+ show Servant is among the longlist candidates for Best Drama Series at the 2021 TELEVISION Choice Awards, Apple has revealed.
    While its great to see Apple TELEVISION+ rack up another award nomination, its crucial to keep in mind that the longlist is, well, really long: Servant is one of more than 50 shows up for the award. A representative told Cult of Mac that the shortlist will be announced in June.

    Servant is up for Best Drama award. Image: TELEVISION Choice Awards

    Servant, a creepy mental thriller from Tony Basgallop and M. Night Shyamalan, was an early program to get here on Apple TELEVISION+. Its second season debuted in January 2021– apparently signing up double the audience that enjoyed the show “during the very same timespan” during season one. That recommends that Servant has actually spread through word of mouth. Apple has currently commissioned a 3rd season.

    On Rotten Tomatoes, Servant currently has an 85% average from critics, and 78% audience score. The verdict for season 2 reads:
    ” Servants 2nd season serves up a strong– if not always persuading– set of thrills with a better grasp on its dark humor.”
    Servant has likewise been nominated for a Saturn Award in the category of Best Horror Television Series. And its clearly liked by the fans. However, its still got a long method to go to capture up with Ted Lasso, Apple TELEVISION+s champ awards winner so far.

    Unlike numerous market awards, TV Choice Awards are elected by members of the general public online. That makes it a very various possibility to previous awards Apple has won for Apple TELEVISION+.

    Are you a fan of Servant? Which Apple TELEVISION+ program do you think is most worthy of awards applaud? Let us understand in the comments listed below.

    Think what you doubt. #Servant has actually been nominated for Best Drama Series at the #TVChoiceAwards. Specifically on the Apple TV app with an Apple TV+ subscription. https://t.co/i28x1MpgU0 pic.twitter.com/SQiRLHD9DS
    — Servant (@Servant) May 4, 2021

    Exclusively on the Apple TELEVISION app with an Apple TELEVISION+ membership. Servant has also been nominated for a Saturn Award in the category of Best Horror Television Series. Its still got a long way to go to catch up with Ted Lasso, Apple TELEVISION+s champion awards winner so far.

    Which Apple TELEVISION+ show do you think is most deserving of awards praise?

  • This is No Trick: ‘Loki’ is Coming to Disney+ Two Days Early

    This is No Trick: ‘Loki’ is Coming to Disney+ Two Days Early

    The program marks another entry for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, following the renowned trickster and brother to Thor. In it, well see Loki getting picked up by the Time Variance Authority simply after he teleported away with the Tesseract in Avengers: Endgame. The organization will attempt to make Loki go back and remedy all the timelines hes previously messed with so that reality is “broken” no longer.
    via CNET

    Marvel
    In between Wandavision and The Mandalorian, Disney+ has actually trained us to reserve Fridays in the name of home entertainment. But a current statement stated that new episodes of its upcoming show, Loki, will air two days early on a Wednesday.
    The statement can be found in video type and functions Tom Hiddleston, who plays the programs name character, stating “Wednesdays are the brand-new Fridays.” So grab your pencils and save the programs new best date– Wednesday, June 9.

  • Slap A Wallet on Your iPhone 12 with Otterbox’s New MagSafe Options

    Slap A Wallet on Your iPhone 12 with Otterbox’s New MagSafe Options

    OtterBox
    OtterBox has included 2 new additions to its line of MagSafe iPhone devices. Theres the standalone OtterBox Wallet for MagSafe, for structured card and money storage, and the Folio for MagSafe, which offers storage along with screen security.
    The Wallet for MagSafe uses 2 ID slots and room to keep money and shields your cards from magnetic damage. Itll work on all iPhone 12 devices, and can even attack through Otterboxs MagSafe cases, like the Figura, Aneu, or Symmetry designs. Its made of soft-touch artificial leather and looks more rugged than Apples leather wallet option, and its strong magnets will stay attached and lined up on the back of your iPhone.
    The Folio for MagSafe is a wallet-style case made with the very same synthetic leather as the Wallet for MagSafe. It includes three card slots, along with area for cash, and twists around your phone to keep your iPhones screen secured. The Folio remains closed when youre not on your phone, thanks to the strong magnetic latch, and you can even utilize it in tandem with compatible OtterBox cases.
    Both of OtterBoxs brand-new styles have an easy all-black style that looks stylish and tidy. They are both a bit expensive– thats $39.95 for the wallet and $49.95 for the folio– they do cost less than Apples leather wallet so theyre a great option.

  • Why Is It So Hard to Buy a Graphics Card in 2021?

    Why Is It So Hard to Buy a Graphics Card in 2021?

    Rates Are Soaring and Availability Is Dropping.

    Graphics processing units (GPUs) or graphics cards are a necessary part for most people who utilize a desktop computer system. If youve attempted to develop or purchase a computer in 2020 or 2021, you might have discovered insane spikes in costs for graphics cards and the prevalent unavailability of new cards. A lot of retailers, from online parts sellers like Amazon and Newegg to big-box shops like Best Buy, have practically no graphics cards left. While the silicon chip scarcity has had a serious effect on the graphics card market, its not the only industry affected by the supply problem. Mining for crypto frequently makes use of the processing power of a graphics card, and therefore, a mining rig may have multiple graphics cards that arent running on a desktop setup.

    FeelGoodLuck/Shutterstock. com.
    An international shortage of graphics cards is making it hard for consumers to get their hands on them at a reasonable cost. Heres why it feels difficult to purchase a graphics card in 2021.

    Graphics processing units (GPUs) or graphics cards are a vital element for many people who utilize a home computer. They are responsible for developing the screen output of your PC, allowing you to view multimedia material, and rendering the complex 3D graphics in modern video games. Theyre likewise essential for creative specialists, as they permit computer systems to run jobs like graphic design, video editing, and 3D animation.
    If youve tried to buy a computer or construct in 2020 or 2021, you may have noticed crazy spikes in rates for graphics cards and the prevalent unavailability of brand-new cards. A lot of retailers, from online parts sellers like Amazon and Newegg to big-box shops like Best Buy, have nearly no graphics cards left. In market sites, like eBay, rates for resold or pre-owned GPUs are a number of times higher than their original suggested list price.
    This presents a large problem for numerous computer-building enthusiasts, multimedia professionals, and players, as even the everyday of running a PC relies on the graphics card. This has forced numerous to buy old models from a years ago, spend countless dollars on the utilized market without a service warranty, or utilize the inferior integrated graphics that include their processor. The shortage has also driven away possible first-time PC builders from developing their own systems.
    The Global Chip Shortage.
    The PC graphics card industry is dominated by 2 chip manufacturers: Nvidia and AMD. These 2 companies make up nearly all dedicated GPUs found in home computer and laptops. Nvidia is the leader of the pack with its GeForce GTX series, while AMD produces the Radeon RX series.
    The biggest reason for the absence of supply is an ongoing global lack of silicon chips. Computer system chips, likewise called semiconductors, are mainly made from an aspect called silicon. Since of the pandemic, the worlds largest semiconductor makers, such as Samsung, were forced to slow or stop production totally. This interruption in production, paired with the rising demand for consumer electronics like computer systems and video gaming devices also driven by the pandemic, has made it tough for producers to meet that need.
    While the silicon chip shortage has had a serious effect on the graphics card market, its not the only market affected by the supply problem. A wide variety of customer items, from computer-powered vehicles to game consoles like the PS5 and Xbox, have dealt with serious accessibility issues and increasing rates. Significant items, like Apples iPhone 12, were launched delayed since of concerns of stock availability.
    Cryptocurrency Miners.
    socrates471/Shutterstock. com.
    However, graphics cards seem to be much more difficult than other electronic items, like cellular phones and even CPUs. The other huge reason that the demand for GPUs has actually increased in the last year is cryptocurrency mining, which is the process of using the power of a computer system chip to present new tokens into flow. Mining for crypto often uses the processing power of a graphics card, and therefore, a mining rig might have multiple graphics cards that arent operating on a desktop setup.
    Unlike GPUs utilized for gaming and basic work, GPUs used for mining are utilized to their max processing limitation. Nvidia has hinted that in the future, the business may reestablish a graphics card made specifically for mining to keep them separate from customer GPU products.
    In early 2021, Nvidia tried to obstruct cryptocurrency mining on its RTX 3060 graphics card, but the companys technique quickly failed when it mistakenly released graphics chauffeurs that re-enabled mining abilities.
    RELATED: Of Course NVIDIAs Attempt to Limit Cryptocurrency Mining Immediately Failed.
    The Scalper Problem.
    Scalpers purchase products at close to retail rate then resell them for substantial margins on websites like eBay. Whenever makers restock new cards on the retail market again, numerous of them are immediately purchased out by scalpers and resold for multiple times the initial cost.
    Some stores have attempted to curb scalping habits by forcing stock limitations of one item per person. If you can, you might even desire to have a look at a physical retailer instead, as they are less likely to have stock and be impacted by scalping.
    Whats Next for GPUs?
    According to The Verge, Nvidia has specified that the GPU scarcity is most likely to continue throughout 2021. Since May 2021, Nvidia and AMD have actually just recently gotten production back to pre-pandemic levels, and even then, demand is at an all-time high.
    It might be worth searching on the utilized market for a great offer instead of purchasing brand-new if youre looking to develop a PC quickly. You might likewise desire to use the slower, integrated GPU that features your chipset, such as Intels UHD or AMDs Radeon Vega series, up until you can purchase a dedicated GPU at a regular price. Finally, if you have an older model, you might want to hold back on acquiring a high-end upgrade up until costs normalize.

  • Facebook is right: Signal’s viral ads are just a publicity stunt

    Facebook is right: Signal’s viral ads are just a publicity stunt

    ” This is a stunt by Signal, who never even tried to in fact run these ads, and we didnt shut down their ad account for trying to do so,” Facebook representative Joe Osborne said in a statement. “If Signal had actually tried to run the ads, a couple of them would have been declined because our advertising policies prohibit advertisements that assert that you have a particular medical condition or sexual preference, as Signal needs to know. Of course, running the ads was never their objective– it was about getting promotion.”

    No matter what the outcome, Signal would have gotten that promotion. Either method, Signal wins here, no matter how you attempt to turn it. It was all a great Signal promotion stunt.
    Signal ad examples that Facebook prohibited from Instagram. Image source: Signal
    Facebooks response also highlights another problem with user tracking. The company says that its policies restrict advertisements that “assert that you have a specific medical condition or sexual preference.” However Facebook does not dispute that marketers like Signal may have used that sort of individual user information for individualized advertisements targeting groups with a specific medical condition or sexual orientation.
    Signal responded to Facebooks reaction, stating that the screenshots it used in its post show that Facebook did disable the Signal advertisement account and that it attempted to run the advertisements.

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    Facebooks response: pic.twitter.com/xhPTVfmLBQ
    — Alex Kantrowitz (@Kantrowitz) May 5, 2021

    Signal just scored an enormous win against Facebook by using Facebooks terrifying user tracking practices versus the social network in the best possible method. Signal wanted to run advertisements on Instagram that would have exposed the real reasons why users would see the Signal advertisements in their feeds.
    Unsurprisingly, Facebook has tried to safeguard itself, declaring that Signal never ever attempted to run those advertisements which it didnt shut down their represent trying to do so. Facebook claims that Signals objective wasnt to run the advertisements in the very first location, “it had to do with getting promotion.”

    2/2: The advertisements themselves were never ever declined as they were never ever set by Signal to run. The advertisement account has been offered since early March, and the ads that do not violate our policies might have run given that then.
    — joe osborne (@joeosborne) May 5, 2021

    Facebooks Osborne responded the screenshots that show Signals banned marketing account are from early March when the account was disabled “for a few days due to an unrelated payments issue.”

    you are permitted to do weird targeting of $FB ads, you just cant reveal to the users that youre doing it pic.twitter.com/r16IwrOGT6
    — Don Marti (@dmarti) May 5, 2021

    ” The advertisements themselves were never ever declined as they were never ever set by Signal to run. The ad account has been available since early March, and the advertisements that dont violate our policies could have run ever since,” the representative stated.
    Facebook makes it seem like Signal has crafted this scenario as a stunt to get more exposure. Even if Facebook is correct, it does not alter Signals win, although Signal might even more clarify the circumstance. Or simply run the advertisements as planned, if Facebook states it can.
    Facebook remark that the advertisements were not turned down and Signal could have run them isnt helpful. Facebook almost verifies that Signal might have targeted Instagram users in the scary ways Signal recommended it could. To put it simply, Facebook does not reject that it collects the data Signal highlighted in its ads.
    Further intensifying the dispute will just harm Facebook, specifically at a time when people can in fact obstruct Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp from tracking them throughout iPhone and iPad apps.
    Reactions on Twitter to the Signal vs. Facebook advertisement saga are more most likely to favor Signal than Facebook.

    Chris Smith started discussing gizmos as a hobby, and prior to he understood it he was sharing his views on tech things with readers around the globe. Whenever hes not blogging about devices he badly fails to keep away from them, although he desperately tries. However thats not always a bad thing.

    Signals attack on Facebook isnt unexpected either. Signal is among the chat apps that WhatsApp users have actually gathered to after Facebook announced that WhatsApp would share more user data with Facebook. Signal simply benefits from the increased discuss user tracking and privacy to take more WhatsApp users.
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    Signal desired to run advertisements on Instagram that would have exposed the real reasons why users would see the Signal advertisements in their feeds. “If Signal had tried to run the ads, a couple of them would have been declined due to the fact that our marketing policies forbid ads that assert that you have a particular medical condition or sexual orientation, as Signal ought to know. Even if Facebook is proper, it doesnt alter Signals win, although Signal might further clarify the situation. Facebook almost validates that Signal might have targeted Instagram users in the scary ways Signal suggested it could. Signal is one of the chat apps that WhatsApp users have actually gathered to after Facebook announced that WhatsApp would share more user information with Facebook.

  • Apple’s Find My has a hidden AirTag debug mode

    Apple’s Find My has a hidden AirTag debug mode

    When searching for an AirTag, users can call surprise developer information listing technical details about how tracking is working.Its a curiosity instead of anything instantly beneficial to most users, but its possible to get the Find My app to display a lot more info as it tracks an AirTag. Tapping on the products name 5 or so times, at any point during tracking, or perhaps after its been found, will turn on a type of designer mode.First spotted by Reddit user “cyem,” the surprise mode consists of readily reasonable information about bearing and pitch. Theres also a lot of information thats less obvious, plus the capability to alter 7 settings.
    Left: 2 shots showing the regular method to discover an AirTag. : the exact same way however with the concealed mode on
    This surprise mode persists, it remains on whenever you utilize Find My to track an AirTag, up until you switch it off. Its most likely that changed settings will stay changed.To change off this concealed mode, tap on the product name another 5 or so times and it disappears.Note that while this is a feature of the Find My app, it is specific to AirTags. Theres seemingly no equivalent for any other devices being tracked by the app.

  • AirTag Anti-Stalking Measures ‘Just Aren’t Sufficient’ Says Washington Post Report

    AirTag Anti-Stalking Measures ‘Just Aren’t Sufficient’ Says Washington Post Report

    Fowler stated that over a week of tracking, he got alerts both from the concealed AirTag and from his iPhone. After three days, the AirTag being utilized to stalk Fowler played a noise, however it was “just 15 seconds of light chirping” that measured in at about 60 decibels. I got numerous alerts: from the covert AirTag and on my iPhone. And another: While an iPhone informed me that an unidentified AirTag was moving with me, comparable cautions arent readily available for the approximately half of Americans who utilize Android phones.

    The safeguards that Apple developed into AirTags to prevent them from being used to track somebody “just arent enough,” The Washington Posts Geoffrey Fowler stated today in a report investigating how AirTags can be used for covert stalking.
    Fowler planted an AirTag on himself and coordinated with an associate to be pretend stalked, and he concerned the conclusion that the AirTags are a “new means of inexpensive, efficient stalking.”
    Apples safeguards include personal privacy informs to let iPhone users understand that an unidentified AirTag is traveling with them and might remain in their possessions, along with regular sound notifies when an AirTag has been separated from its owner for 3 days.
    Fowler stated that over a week of tracking, he got informs both from the hidden AirTag and from his iPhone. After three days, the AirTag being utilized to stalk Fowler played a noise, however it was “just 15 seconds of light chirping” that measured in at about 60 decibels. It played for 15 seconds at a time, went quiet for several hours, then chirped for another 15 seconds, and it was simple to muffle by applying pressure to the top of the AirTag.
    The three-day countdown timer resets after it comes in contact with the owners iPhone, so if the individual being stalked lives with their stalker, the sound might not ever trigger.
    Fowler also received regular informs about an unidentified AirTag moving with him from his iPhone, however pointed out those signals arent offered to Android users. He likewise said that Apple does not supply enough help locating a neighboring AirTag because it can just be tracked by noise, a function that didnt typically work.
    I got numerous signals: from the covert AirTag and on my iPhone. But it wasnt hard to find ways a violent partner could prevent Apples systems. To call one: The audible alarm just rang after 3 days– and then it turned out to be simply 15 seconds of light chirping. And another: While an iPhone notified me that an unknown AirTag was moving with me, comparable warnings arent available for the approximately half of Americans who utilize Android phones.
    The planted AirTag on Fowler kept his associate well-updated with his area info, upgrading as soon as every few minutes with a variety of around half a block. While Fowler was at house, the AirTag reported his exact area, all using his own devices thanks to Apples Find My network.
    The Find My network is designed to make it easier to find a lost Apple gadget or product connected to an AirTag by utilizing numerous millions of active Apple products all over the world. If you lose an AirTag and someone elses gadget chooses it up, the lost AirTags place is communicated back to you, and this likewise applies to AirTags tracking people.
    Apples vice president of iPhone marketing Kaiann Drance informed The Washington Post that the safeguards developed into the AirTags are an “industry-first, strong set of proactive deterrents.” She went on to describe that AirTags anti-tracking steps can be strengthened in time. “Its a tunable and clever system, and we can continue improving the logic and timing so that we can improve the set of deterrents.”
    She also commented on some of the safeguards. Apple picked a three day timeline prior to an AirTag begins playing a noise due to the fact that the business “wished to balance how these alerts are going off in the environment along with the unwanted tracking.” Drance declined to say whether Apple had spoken with domestic abuse professionals when developing the AirTags, but she stated that Apple is “open up to hearing anything from those companies.”
    Fowler confesses that Apple has done more to avoid AirTags from being utilized for stalking than other Bluetooth tracking gadget rivals like Tile, however there are still issues that require to be addressed. Fowlers complete report that goes into more information on how he mimicked being stalked and the drawbacks that he found in the AirTags can be found over at The Washington Post.

  • AirTag Precision Finding Interface Includes Hidden ‘Developer Mode’

    AirTag Precision Finding Interface Includes Hidden ‘Developer Mode’

    A frustrated AirTag owner has unintentionally discovered the presence of a hidden “developer mode” in the on-screen user interface that Find My screens when the Precision Finding feature is activated to assist locate among Apples item trackers.
    Accuracy Finding is a function that supplies users with particular on-screen directions for finding a neighboring AirTag. iPhones with a U1 chip, that includes the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 12 designs, can take benefit of the feature, which integrates electronic camera input, AR, sound, Ultra Wideband radio innovation, and haptic feedback to help locate the product tracker.
    The concealed modes overlay, which appears after tapping the items name four times in the Precision Finding user interface, displays real-time diagnostic and technical info about the features operation, consisting of accelerometer and gyroscope coordinates, haptic feedback, screen resolution, tracking animations, and more.
    Reddit user “cyem” came across the concealed mode after becoming disappointed with the efficiency of their AirTag, especially when Precision Finding is triggered:

    My experience of AirTags hence far has been underwhelming – the first one out of the box failed to pair four times in a row when it was sitting on top of the phone. Now that it is lastly connected, anything outside of 0.8 m/2.6 ft away reveals as a weak signal and when I can get a signal, there is never ever an arrow. Surprisingly enough, I tapped on my name about 5 times in disappointment, and found what seems a covert designer mode. Much more interesting, the arrow appears to actually be working below – just not in the typical mode.
    The covert mode in iOS 14.5 is unlikely to be particularly useful to the typical user, and the sliders and buttons that it tosses up most likely should not be manipulated unless you understand what youre doing. Still, the discovery provides an appealing peek under the hood at the hardware and calibration included whenever an AirTags Precision Finding is enabled.
    Apple sells specific AirTags for $29, while a pack of four AirTags can be purchased for $99. Single AirTags ordered directly from Apple currently ship in five to 7 days, while engraved AirTags and multipacks are presently on a 5- to six-week lead time.