Category Archives: Smartphones

News, Smartphones

5 Expectations for Apple’s iPhone 15 Event: Watch Series 9, New AirPods, and More

For several years now, Apple has released four different versions of the iPhone to cater to different audiences. In 2022, they offered the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. According to recent reports, the upcoming iPhones are likely to be named the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. There were rumors of the “Pro Max” variant being renamed as the iPhone 15 Ultra, but those reports have been dismissed.

Apple appears to be sticking with the familiar design language for the iPhone 15 lineup, making them look similar to previous generations. However, there will be some minor changes, such as thinner bezels across all models and slightly larger displays on the Pro and Pro Max models. There is also speculation about Apple using a more durable Titanium body for these devices, which could potentially reduce fingerprint smudges that have been an issue since the iPhone X launch in 2017.

In terms of camera improvements, the 2023 update might bring good news for photography enthusiasts disappointed with the lower-end iPhone models. It is likely that Apple will upgrade the 12MP primary sensor on these phones to a larger 48MP sensor.

News, Smartphones

Your iPhone Is Vulnerable to a New iMessage Hack – Steps to Protect Your Device

A new exploit, known as BLASTPASS, has been discovered by Citizen Lab, involving the use of iMessage accounts to send malicious image files. In response, Apple has released an iPhone update, iOS 16.6.1, to address this vulnerability. To safeguard your device, follow these steps: Go to Settings → General → Software Update and run the software update as soon as possible.

For added protection, Apple has also released updates for iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. It is recommended to install these updates urgently.

Apple has acknowledged the severity of the exploit, stating that the processing of a manipulated image could result in arbitrary code execution. They are aware of reports of active exploitation. In response, Apple has addressed the buffer overflow issue in ImageIO with improved memory handling. Additionally, a similar issue in Wallet has been resolved with enhanced logic.

While the majority of users are unlikely to be targeted by NSO Group clients, it is advisable to take precautions. Citizen Lab suggests activating the iPhone’s “Lockdown Mode,” which offers resistance against Pegasus-style mercenary malware attacks. To enable this feature, follow these steps: Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Security → Lockdown Mode → Turn On Lockdown Mode → Turn On Lockdown Mode (again) → Turn On & Restart. After entering your device passcode, the mode will be activated.

Smartphones

How to Download Offline Maps for Android Auto

Offline maps are convenient and worth downloading, but they come with limitations compared to online maps. With offline maps, you can view the map, zoom in and out, set routes, receive navigation instructions, and see your position on the map using GPS. This covers the essentials of getting from point A to point B.

In addition, you can access limited location information from Google Business profiles, such as regular opening times, addresses, and telephone numbers. However, you won’t have access to updated information like how busy a place is, special opening times, reviews, and photos. When viewing a profile, a message stating “Offline – Limited info” will remind you of this.

There are several things you won’t be able to do with offline maps. These include receiving real-time traffic updates, road accident information, alternate routes, and lane guidance. When you set up a route, you will see the message “Offline – No traffic data” to remind you of this limitation. Additionally, offline maps only provide car routes; other options like public transport, walking, cycling, and flying require an internet connection. Lastly, in offline mode, you can only control the map through the touch screen as voice commands are not available.

Smartphones

Did You Know Your iPhone Calculator Has A Hidden Backspace?

It’s quite common to make mistakes while entering numbers into the iPhone calculator app. Unfortunately, the app lacks a dedicated backspace button, so many people end up deleting everything and starting over. However, there is a hidden feature that allows you to delete individual digits instead of the entire number. Here’s how you can use it:

  1. Open the calculator app on your iPhone.
  2. Enter a number.
  3. Swipe left or right over the number you just entered.
  4. With each swipe, one digit will be deleted.

If this feature doesn’t seem to work for you, make sure you’re swiping on the numbers displayed at the top of the screen, not on the numbers in the calculator itself. If you’re in the middle of a multi-step calculation and make a mistake with one number, you can tap the C (Clear) key to delete only your current entry. The AC (All Clear) button will delete all the previous steps in the calculation, so only tap that if you want to start from scratch.

It’s worth noting that Apple’s calculator app is somewhat inconsistent across its devices. For instance, the Apple Watch calculator has a built-in delete button in the number display and even includes a tip calculator. On the other hand, the iPad still lacks a calculator app, and there are no signs of Apple introducing one anytime soon.

Smartphones

How To Use Your iPhone To Sign Important Documents

Finger drawing a signature on smartphone screen RecCameraStock/Shutterstock

Chances are you’ve had to use your computer to digitally sign a document at some point in your life, whether through a service like DocuSign or a brief back-and-forth with a PDF document. However, you don’t have to use your computer for this if you don’t want to — or don’t have access to it — At least, not if you have an iPhone.

Apple’s Markup toolbar has been a part of iOS for some time now, and one of its many features is an option to create, manage, and place hand-written (or finger-scribbled) signatures for use in PDFs and other documents that may call for one. This way you can add or draw out your own signature directly from your iPhone, without the need to use another device as an intermediary.

The process of actually attaching a signature, as in a written signature and not an email sign-off message, with your iPhone is very simple. The catch is that the app you’re using has to support the iOS Markup toolbar for it to work — though at the very least the default Mail app can utilize it, so you have a built-in option.

How to add a signature with your iPhone

Hands drawing out a digital signature on a smartphone RecCameraStock/Shutterstock

The simplest process to add a signature to a document via your iPhone, if you don’t want to deal with installing any additional apps, is to do the following:

  1. Draft an email to yourself on another platform (such as a home or work computer) and attach the document you want to sign to the message.
  2. Send the email (with attached document) to yourself, then open the Mail app (or other email app that supports the iOS Markup toolbar) on your iPhone.
  3. Open the email on your iPhone, then download and open the attached document.
  4. Scroll through the open document to locate the lines you need to sign. If the Markup toolbar isn’t already visible, tap the Markup icon (it looks like the tip of a pen) to open it.
  5. Tap the Plus (+) symbol in the Markup toolbar, then select Add Signature.
  6. If you’ve previously created a signature you can tap its preview in the pop-up menu to add it to the document. Otherwise tap Add or Remove Signature to create a new one.
  7. If you’re creating a new signature, drag a finger across the screen along the horizontal line next to the X at the bottom of the window. Tap Done to save and use the new signature.
  8. Use your finger to drag the signature into place, and drag one of the corners in the signature selection box to resize it.

Your document is now signed, ready to be saved or shared as needed.

Smartphones

How To Use Any App On The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Cover Screen

Samsung has made it easy for you to open five apps on the cover screen of your Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 with minimal effort. These apps include YouTube, Netflix, Google Messages, Samsung Messages, and Google Maps. These apps have been optimized by Samsung specifically for the 3.4-inch cover screen. To enable these apps on your cover screen, you will need to make some changes in your phone’s settings.

  1. First, open the Settings app on your Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.
  2. Next, select the Advanced features option.
  3. Then, choose the Labs option.
  4. Toggle on the Apps allowed on cover screen setting.

Once you have enabled this setting, you can select which of the five curated apps you want to enable on your cover screen. Simply tap the toggles next to each app that you want to include. And that’s it! Now, when you navigate your phone using the cover screen, you will see a new panel called the Cover Screen Launcher, which will contain the apps you have enabled. However, if you want to add even more apps to your cover screen and are willing to go through a few more steps, here’s what you need to do.

Smartphones

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Vs. Honor Magic V2: Thinness Comparison

When it comes to thinness, the Honor Magic V2 truly lives up to its reputation. It feels incredibly thin when held, measuring only 9.9 mm when closed, resembling a regular slab smartphone. Once opened, it maintains a thickness of around 4.5 mm. The camera bump on the back adds another 4 mm to the overall thickness. Despite these dimensions, the Honor Magic V2 manages to incorporate a powerful 5,000 mAh battery that boasts an impressive battery life.

The cover screen of the Honor Magic V2 has a 20:9 aspect ratio. This, combined with its significantly slimmer profile compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, makes it a highly user-friendly phone even when closed. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 features a cover screen with a 23.1:9 aspect ratio and a thickness of 13.4mm when closed, making it less impressive in comparison.

Simply put, the Honor Magic V2 is superior to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 when it comes to the cover screen. It offers better usability as a closed phone, although Samsung does have an advantage in terms of one-handed use — a win for Samsung if that is your preferred usage scenario. However, for everyone else, the Honor Magic V2 is the clear favorite when closed, with Samsung coming in a distant second.

Smartphones

Fairphone 5: A Phone Built to Last for Years

The Fairphone 5 is not your average smartphone. It is designed with repairability and long lifespan in mind. What sets it apart is the company’s commitment to using fair and recycled materials. According to Fairphone, the phone is made up of “70% fair focus or recycled materials.”

Let’s take a closer look at some of the sustainable features of the Fairphone 5. The battery, for instance, is made with “fair lithium and fairtrade gold in the supply chain and impact cobalt credits.” The company also ensures a living wage bonus and a commitment to high standards of CO2 reduction and social auditing from their battery supplier. In addition, the battery frame is made from 75% post-consumer recycled plastics. Even the solder paste is 100% recycled tin. Furthermore, 80% of the steel and nickel alloy in the battery is recycled.

Worker treatment is another important aspect for Fairphone. The company emphasizes that their main supplier meets the strictest standards for safe and decent working conditions (SA8000& ISO45001). One of their key focuses is providing living wages to increase income for workers. They also aim to strengthen worker voice and representation, along with ensuring health and safety measures.

If you’re interested in purchasing the Fairphone 5, it is currently available for pre-order from the manufacturer’s website for €699.00.

Smartphones

8 Ways To Improve the Security of Your Android Phone

In the year 2023, encryption has become a necessary tool, and many Android apps have integrated it. When people think of encryption, messaging apps like WhatsApp often come to mind. These apps use end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to ensure that only the intended recipients can read the messages on their devices. Even Google’s stock SMS app with RCS support includes this feature, keeping your messages secure. However, encryption goes beyond messaging apps. There are various other aspects of your phone that you can encrypt.

Thankfully, Google has taken care of many encryption requirements by default. All the data backed up from your phone to your Google account is encrypted, giving you a safe option for storing information. Additionally, most email clients use Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption, providing secure email communication. Google Drive and 2FAS also use encryption to enhance security. For those who want to take extra measures, options like Proton Mail offer stronger encryption than most email clients, while Resilio Sync allows you to host your own cloud backup.

Encrypting everything on your phone is not currently possible without significant effort. Fortunately, most of your sensitive information is already encrypted by default, leaving only a few areas that require attention. It is still worth the time to review your phone and identify anything that can be backed up or encrypted to enhance privacy.