Projects like DuoWOA already let us taste Windows 11 on smartphone-sized devices. Nonetheless, it is still a desktop OS on a small display. The concept by AR 4789 (via Windows Central) envisions user interfaces optimized for smartphones, dynamic widgets, a pocket-sized File Explorer, and more. It does a great job maintaining a familiar Windows 11 look and making it look more natural on small devices.

We have already reported several concepts trying to predict what the next Windows version might look like (check out this, this, and this). Although they all look great, it is safe to say that the chances of those fancy UIs getting implemented by Microsoft are incredibly slim. So much more, you should not expect the software giant to announce a dedicated mobile version of its desktop OS.

The times of Microsoft trying to disrupt the market with an alternative to iOS and Android are long gone. Even Microsoft's attempts to play around with dual-screen Android smartphones no longer look promising. Lackluster software support, scrapped plans to release a Surface Duo with a foldable display, changes in the development teams, and rumors about not releasing Android 13 for the Surface Duo lineup do not ignite hope for a bright future for smartphones produced by Microsoft. All that is left for the former Windows Phone/Mobile enthusiasts are these great concepts published on YouTube.

This Windows 11 Mobile concept imagines a modern mobile OS by Microsoft

Google announces the Pixel Fold

9to5Google reports that it has examined code from an unnamed app from Google that shows the company is working on an Android-based homescreen widget for Bard. There's no word on what kind of form this widget could take, although the article speculates it could be a stand-alone app, or one that's incorporated into the Google Search app. The article adds that the new Bard widget would be an exclusive feature for its own Pixel smartphones and the upcoming Pixel Tablet.

Of course, Microsoft has already added Bing Chat to its mobile Bing app, along with Bing Chat functionality in Skype and Edge. Google's efforts would simply bring Bard close to what Microsoft has in place for Bing Chat.

Keep in mind that this information has not yet been confirmed by Google so take it with some grains of salt. We will almost certainly learn more about Google's plans for Bard, and a ton of other stuff, next week at the Google I/O dev conference on May 10.

Google is reportedly working to add Bard to its Pixel phones via a widget

Google Pixel 7a leaked colour | Source: OnLeaks & MySmartPrice

Smartphone leaks have become pretty standard these days, but Google is one company that really struggles to keep devices under wraps. As a result, the giant often impassively reveals products — like the Pixel Tablet — several months before they hit the shelves. Some others which do not get officially revealed are spoiled by leaks, and the Google Pixel 7a is no different.

The Pixel 7a's design and specifications have long been uncovered. But now, we have the first official confirmation from Google, and it reveals the launch date. The confirmation comes from Google India in the form of a teaser on its official Twitter handle, which reveals the launch date of May 11.

This doesn't exactly come as a surprise because rumors in the past have pointed to the Pixel 7a's launch aligning with the Google I/O 2023 conference, scheduled for May 10. Even without these rumors, the launch timing would have been easy to guess, given that past Pixel a-series devices have all been revealed at the annual developers' conference.

It is highly probable Google will officially reveal the device at Google I/O on May 10, while the Indian launch will happen the next day owing to the time difference between India and Mountain View, California, which is the venue for the in-public event.

Google Pixel 7a leaked specifications

As for the specifications of the Pixel 7a, there is not much for Google to reveal that we don't already know. The Pixel 7a is said to be powered by a Google Tensor G2 chip which also drives the last year's Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro smartphones.

In terms of design, it will resemble the Pixel 7 (as well as the Pixel 6a) and bear two rear-facing cameras placed on a horizontal island raised above the body. Despite the older design, we may see new colours, including sky blue and salmon or coral pink, draping the Pixel 7a.

Pixel 7a leaked coral pink/red colour | Source: EvLeaks

Pixel 7a leaked coral blue colour colour | Source: OnLeaks

Besides minimal changes in design over the predecessor, the Pixel 7a will receive a 64MP primary sensor, which is a destined upgrade over the dated 12MP sensor seen on five generations of the Pixel series besides the Pixel 6a. It will be complemented by a 12MP ultrawide-angle sensor on the back.

As per tipster Yogesh Brar on Twitter, the Pixel 7a will also be upgraded in other areas, including 8GB RAM and a 6.1-inch OLED display, now with a 90Hz refresh rate compared to the Pixel 6a's 60Hz panel. Meanwhile, battery and charging speeds stay the same at 4,400mAh and 20W charging.

All the upgrades will lead to a higher-than-usual price for the a-series device. The Pixel 7a is rumored to be priced at $450, higher than the Pixel 6a's $399 price tag. Another leak also hints the Pixel 7a will be the last affordable Pixel, as Google now appears to realign its energy towards the more premium Pixel foldable, which is expected to be unveiled alongside the 7a.

Google Pixel 7a now has an official launch date, and it's sooner than you think

Official Pixel Fold images show off big bezels, inner display

Support for astrophotography mode has arrived as part of the updated Expert RAW app for Galaxy S21 series devices. However, these devices must be running the April 2023 update in order to support the feature. Expert RAW also offers detailed photography controls to adjust various attributes such as ISO, shutter speed, aperture, white balance, etc. It allows users to save images in JPEG and RAW format simultaneously.

The astrophoto mode relies on long exposure shots to capture high-quality images of stars, planets, and constellations visible in the night sky. It also has a built-in tool that helps users point toward various constellations in the sky. The app allows users to set a timer of up to 10 minutes and it's recommended that the device be mounted on a tripod stand to capture stable images.

The company also relaunched its AI-powered image editing app Galaxy Enhance-X for the S23 series earlier this month. Additionally, it has partnered with Xbox to launch free-to-play dedicated gaming zones in London and New York City. Moreover, Samsung News also started rolling out in the U.S. this month, featuring coverage from a number of leading publications.

Source: SamMobile

Melissa Huey, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology at New York Institute of Technology, studied the impact of smartphones in the college classroom and discovered that the devices were damaging students' mental health.

Huey and a colleague conducted a six-week study to see how college students' mindfulness, anxiety, and course comprehension were affected when smartphones were removed from the classroom vs. when they were physically present.

In two classes, students handed in their smartphones at the beginning of the lecture. In two other classes, which served as a control group, students kept their phones and used them with no limitations. At the end of the six-week study, students self-reported scores on course comprehension, mindfulness, and anxiety levels.

"Students who handed in their smartphones reported much higher comprehension and mindfulness scores. In addition, they reported lower levels of anxiety," Huey notes. "However, the opposite was true for those who kept their phones. These students reported lower comprehension and mindfulness scores and higher anxiety levels."

Huey's findings, which were published in the journal Innovative Higher Education, make a strong case for taking smartphone breaks.

This is not the first time that she has explored how technology affects mental health in younger individuals. In 2021, Huey authored an International Business Times op-ed contending that smartphones and social media were eroding Gen Z's critical thinking abilities. The following year, she commented on a study that found TikTok's algorithm offered teens psychologically damaging content that promoted self-harm and eating disorders.

Source

While the figure is bad news for phone manufacturers, IDC does report that inventory is in much better shape than six months ago due to reduced shipments and heavy promotional activities to help shift stocks. Memory is also another item that’s stuck in inventory and this too is expected to start clearing by 2024, according to Gartner.

"The industry is going through a period of inventory clearing and adjustment. Market players remain cautious deploying a conservative approach rather than dumping more stock into channel to chase temporary gains in share. I think is the smart thing to do if we want to avoid an unhealthy situation like 2022," said Nabila Popal, research director with IDC's Worldwide Tracker team. "While we are optimistic about recovery by the end of the year, we still have a tough 3-6 months ahead."

Apparently, most regions around the world saw a double-digit decline in smartphone shipments. IDC said that consumers were putting things like travel and entertainment at the top of their priority list, ahead of phone purchases. Interestingly, developed markets saw smaller declines of around 10% while emerging markets saw declines of up to 20%.

Out of all the smartphone makers, Xiaomi saw the largest decline (-23.5%) in shipments, largely due to its popularity in developing countries. The most resilient brand was Apple (-2.3%), probably due to its more affluent customer base which can continue to upgrade their iPhones despite a cost of living crisis.

Apple holds strong in a rotten market: smartphone shipments sink globally

It goes without saying that Apple's own accessories, including the AirPods charging case, MagSafe battery pack, EarPods, and charging cables also need to switch to the universal connector. To that end, leaker ShrimpApplePro tweeted that MFi-enabled USB-C EarPods and USB-C charging cables are already in mass production for a while, strengthening the speculation that Apple will expand MFi to USB-C.

Apple pulled the plug on the 3.5mm audio jack with the release of the iPhone 7 back in 2016. It offered Lightning-based EarPods (now separately available for $19) inside the retail box till the release of iPhone 8 and iPhone X. The Lightning EarPods are pretty much of no use on other devices, including Apple's own MacBook unless the user spends extra dollars on a third-party adapter.

Over the years, Apple has made attempts to incorporate USB-C in its ecosystem. For instance, by bringing USB-C to its iPad lineup and shipping a USB-C puck charger with the Apple Watch. Still, one of its flagship products is yet to join the party. The iPhone 15 series, with the rumored Action button, is expected to launch sometime in the second half of 2023.

USB-C EarPods for Apple iPhone reportedly in mass production

As smartphone upgrades plummeted, used iPhones sold like hotcakes

The latest claim was in response to a Twitter user complaining about the empty space on the iPad lock screen. The leaker added that iPadOS 17 will also make it possible to move the clock around on the lock screen.

Apple added a number of lock screen customization options as part of the iOS 16 updatereleased in 2022. The list includes lock screen widgets, live activities, stylized date and time, new notification animations, gradient colours, etc. iPhone users can decorate their lock screens by choosing the desired fonts and colours, and deciding where to place elements on the screen.

Apple also offers multiple wallpaper themes, including astronomy, weather, photo shuffle, and different colours. Users can switch between multiple lock screens by tapping and holding a lock screen, then swiping on either side. Speaking of lock screen widgets, Spotify has recently rolled out a new widget for iOS 16 devices.

The leaker added that iPadOS 17 will also get various lock screen features that will form a part of the iOS 17 update. To that end, a Weibo rumor suggests that iOS 17 will even allow users to share their lock screens with others. The lock screen would be able to display Apple Music lyrics as well.

iPadOS 17 to bring all of iPhone lock screen features to the iPad, leaker claims

WhatsApp Web is a web-based extension of the WhatsApp mobile application that allows users to access their WhatsApp accounts on their desktop or laptop computers. It mirrors the conversations and messages from the mobile app onto the computer screen, making it easy for users to communicate with their contacts while working on their computers. Luckily, there is also a way to use it on your iPad!

How to use WhatsApp Web on your iPad: Explained

If you know how to use the feature on your PC or Mac, then you are pretty much familiar with the process. WhatsApp creates QR codes for people who want to mirror their conversations on other devices, and it is the same for iPads too. Here is how to see WhatsApp Web on your iPad:

1. Open Safari on your iPad.
2. Type web.whatsapp.com in the URL bar and go to the website. Leave the page open.
3. If you see the older home page, refresh until you see the "Load desktop site" option.
4. On your smartphone, open WhatsApp.
5. Go to Settings at the bottom right of your screen.
6. Tap Linked Devices.
7. Tap Link a Device.
8. Scan the QR code that is on your iPad's screen.
9. You will see all your conversations on your iPad screen.

Now, let's create a shortcut so that you can access it easily in the future. Remember that sometimes your devices might lose connection, so you might have to scan the QR code again. To create a WhatsApp shortcut on your iPad, please follow the steps below:

1. Go to WhatsApp Web on your iPad.
2. Near the URL bar, tap the Share icon, which looks like a square with an arrow showing upward.
3. Tap Add to Home Screen.
4. Tap Add.

These steps will help you create a WhatsApp icon on your iPad's home screen. When you tap on it, it will take you to the WhatsApp Web page.

How do I know if I am using the built-in QR scanner in WhatsApp?

WhatsApp has its own security measures, and the QR code is only one of them. On your smartphone, go to WhatsApp and tap Settings. Select "Linked Devices," and then you must use the "Link a Device" option on the list. That way, you will know that you are using the built-in QR scanner in WhatsApp.

Scanning the right QR code might also be important in terms of security. If you are using the official website, then there is nothing to worry about. Make sure that the website you see the QR code is web.whatsapp.com. As long as you use the official website, you will be using the built-in QR code.

Can I access my WhatsApp Web chats without scanning the QR code?

You technically can by using a third-party application, but it might not be the safest. This process needs to have some security measures, and a QR code is one of them. If you want to mirror your conversations to your iPad, we recommend you use a QR code to complete the process safely.

How to use WhatsApp Web on your iPad?

According to The Elec, Samsung is working with two Chinese companies to develop its battery technologies to offer better features in its upcoming devices. The companies are working to develop a piece of new stacking equipment used in battery production.

Two other South Korean companies were also in the race to work on the project, but the Chinese had the better offers.

Samsung SDI is already using step stacking technology in Gen 5 batteries used in electric cars. However, the company wants to bring it to smartphones and other devices to improve their charging and battery options.

Samsung

Current batteries are "jelly rolls"

The engineers will stack battery materials on top of each other. This method helps the battery to be more compact and have a better energy density. Currently, Samsung rolls up battery materials in "jelly rolls" and puts them into cans, says The Elec. It is mentioned that this method could increase energy density by over 10% compared to the current "jelly roll" way.

The two Chinese companies that won the bidding are opening offices in South Korea to work closely with Samsung SDI engineers. Samsung will use the developed technology at its plant in Cheonan, South Korea.

As mentioned, Samsung is already using the technology for electric cars and wants to bring it to smartphones, tablets, notebooks, and other related products, with the help of Chinese companies.

There are two paths that Samsung could follow in the future. The company could either use the technology to increase the battery sizes of the existing products. For example, Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 5,000mAh battery, and it could go up to 5,500mAh.

Secondly, the company could also maintain the same battery capacities while decreasing its size, which will eventually make the smartphones a little smaller. It is not clear which way the South Korean giant will follow. We probably have more time before it hits the shelves. 

Source

The evaluation conducted by the NCSC relied heavily on the experiences of the European Commission, the European Union, the UK, and other organizations, and was in line with procedures in other countries.

The NCSC's decision was based on data protection and privacy concerns related to TikTok's relationship with the Chinese government. Several countries, notably the UK and the Netherlands, have already banned the use of the social networking app on government computers due to these concerns.

The Irish Times has reported that the use of TikTok is no longer permitted under the Acceptable Usage Policy for Irish State employees. On Friday, parent departments and staff members were notified of the instructions, which The Irish Times obtained. They were directed to remove the Chinese-owned social media app from any devices where it was already installed, and to refrain from installing it altogether.

A spokesperson for the Department of Communications, which oversees the NCSC, stated that the ban applies to all departments, agencies, and government entities falling under their jurisdiction, except in "exceptional cases where there is a business need," as reported by The Irish Times.

"This recommendation was informed by a detailed risk assessment carried out by the NCSC, and extensive engagement with relevant stakeholders, including the Data Protection Commission (DPC), the European Commission and other Member States,” the spokesperson added.

 Image source: Unsplash

The Department of Communications views the ban on TikTok as a complementary measure to the 2021 Cyber Security Baseline Standards Framework. The framework is designed to enhance the security and resilience of public sector ICT systems, The Irish Times reported.

Industry analysts were not entirely surprised by the decision, given that the European Commission and the United States have implemented similar bans due to privacy concerns. These two countries have expressed reservations about the app's relationship with the Chinese government, which has led to questions about data protection and privacy.

"The primary concern they have is that TikTok may be forced by the Chinese Government to hand over data from their user base and if some of them are Government employees that may enable the Chinese Government to do espionage or surveillance on those people,” stated Chief Executive of BH Consulting, which specialises in cybersecurity and data protection, Brian Honan said.

Are Western countries facing threats from China?

Friday's ban on TikTok is indicative of the increasing unease regarding China and related security concerns. In February 2017, the European Commission directed its workforce to immediately uninstall any commission-related apps from all personal and work-related devices. Apps such as Skype for Business and the commission's internal email were also set to be removed from devices that continue to use TikTok, which is owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, starting in mid-March.

TikTok responded to the commission's ruling by expressing disappointment, stating that it believes the decision is misguided and based on misconceptions, as reported by The Irish Times. Despite the company's assurances that it will not grant the Chinese government access to user data, there remain widespread concerns amid rising geopolitical tensions.

As a result, countries such as the UK and the Netherlands have already banned the use of TikTok on government computers due to data protection and privacy concerns related to the company's ties to the Chinese government.

Source

As Apple continues to enhance the integration between its Mac and iPad devices with each new generation, the need for greater power and capabilities in its tablets has become increasingly apparent. With the introduction of new features like Stage Manager and Universal Control, the demand for high-performance hardware has only grown stronger. As a result, it is possible that Apple may be considering phasing out certain older iPad models that may no longer meet these requirements.

According to iPhoneSoft, a reliable source that has accurately predicted which iPhone models would be compatible with iOS 16, iOS 14, and iOS 13 in the past, there are rumors circulating that three specific iPad models may not be supported by iPadOS 17.

• iPad 5
• 9.7-inch iPad Pro 1st gen
• 12.9-inch iPad Pro 1st gen

If the rumors are true, it would mark the first time that Apple has phased out its first-generation iPad Pro, which was introduced eight years ago. As for other iPad models, iPhoneSoft's predictions align with an earlier leak that suggested that most devices running on the A11 Bionic chip or older would not be compatible with iPadOS 17.

However, the leak did specify that the sixth-generation iPad, seventh-generation iPad, and second-generation iPad Pro, which utilize the A10 and A10X Fusion processors, would still be able to support the new operating system.

Here is the list of iPad models that are expected to be compatible with iPadOS 17:

• iPad 6 and later
• iPad Air 3 and later
• iPad mini 5 and later
• iPad Pro 2 and later

Which iPhones will support iOS 17?

The available information regarding which iPhone models will be compatible with iOS 17 suggests some uncertainty. While it is possible that iPhone 8 and iPhone X might not be able to support the new operating system due to a bootrom security vulnerability, it has also been suggested that all iPhone models currently running iOS 16 could potentially handle iOS 17 without any issues.

However, it remains to be seen how significant the changes in iOS 17 will be, which could impact the devices that are ultimately supported. As we await further information, we will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

Is your iPad compatible with iPadOS 17?

Google’s Pixel Fold is real! First-ever live footage surfaces

We all love downloading apps from iTunes and App Store, but sometimes things don't go as planned. Maybe the app doesn't work as advertised or crashes all the time. Apple won't let its customers go through an unwanted experience if only they have a valid reason.

Apple refund request: How to do it?

Apple has a similar refund policy for iTunes and App Store products. The device or app doesn't matter as long as you follow the steps that are provided in this guide. You can either create a refund request on your iPhone or iPad or use Apple's official website. If your refund request has an underlying valid reason, then Apple will most likely approve it. If you are doing it to benefit from a free trial, etc., your request might be declined upon decision.

Your last option could be reaching the official Apple Support. If you don't get your money back after following the steps below, you might have to talk to support to explain more about your Apple refund request.

iPhone or iPad

iPhones and iPads are two of the devices that users actively buy digital goods like movies, apps, etc., and if you have a valid reason to return them, you can do it from the App Store. Here is how to do it:

1. Go to App Store.
2. Tap on your profile picture at the top right of your screen.
3. Tap "Purchased."
4. Find the app you want to submit an Apple refund request and tap on it.
5. Scroll down and tap "Report a Problem."
6. Put in your Apple ID credentials and log into your account.
7. Tap "Request a Refund" from the drop-down menu.
8. Select the reason why you want to refund the app.
9. Tap Next.
10. Tap Submit to end the process.

Apple will get back to you in a couple of days about your refund. If the company approves your request, your money will be transferred to your account in a few days.

Web

The second way is to request a refund online using the official Apple website. Unfortunately, Apple doesn't have a built-in refund page, and even if you do it on App Store, it will redirect you to the official webpage anyways. This way, you will directly go to the page and submit your Apple refund request there. You can use any browser, including Safari and Google Chrome. People mostly use this step if they are on a Mac, and here are the steps:

1. Go to the official Report a Problem page of Apple.
2. Log in using your Apple ID.
3. Click the drop-down menu and select "Request a refund."
4. Select the reason behind your refund and click Next.
5. Select the app you want to refund.
6. Click Submit to complete the process.

As mentioned, please wait a few days for Apple to get back to your refund request. It will be evaluated, and the company will respond as soon as possible, telling you if your request was approved or denied. If you think Apple denied your request wrongly, then we suggest you reach out to the official Apple Support.

Apple refund request guide for iTunes and App Store

This bit of info was revealed by Bloomberg reporter and noted Apple leaker Mark Gurman during the latest MacRumors podcast. Apple will be required to support sideloading for iOS devices in Europe due to the passage of the EU's Digital Markets Act in 2022. However, Gurman stated this feature may not be made available in other parts of the world. He added that he believes Apple won't even mention the iOS 17 sideloading feature as part of the company's keynote address during its WWDC 2023 event on June 5.

Even if Apple does add sideloading to iOS 17 in Europe, Gurman stated during the podcast that the company may make app developers pay an extra fee if they launch their apps on a third-party store.

Gurman also repeated his earlier report that WatchOS 10 will be a major update for the Apple Watch OS, with some new ways to interact with the smartwatch.

New report says Apple's iOS 17 sideloading app feature may only be available in Europe

This groundbreaking app, designed for iOS, ingeniously taps into Apple's HealthKit framework to process and analyze glucose monitoring data. With its sleek and polished presentation, Glucomate enables users to easily decipher their health data and make informed decisions.

Glucomate allows users to revisit specific dates and examine the data captured on those days, uncovering trends that can assist in better glucose management. Moreover, the app helps to identify glucose levels during certain activities, such as workouts or sleep, by syncing with an Apple Watch and a continuous glucose monitor.

This versatile app offers various ways to display historical data, including averages, high/low information, and time in range. It also provides charts based on 7, 14, 30, or 90 days of readings. For users who prefer manual recording, Glucomate supports quick data entry from both the iPhone and Apple Watch.

Customization and accessibility for all

Glucomate ensures that users can prioritize the data they find most relevant while hiding less useful information. Even those without a history of glucose readings can test the app, as Glucomate features a demonstration mode that uses sample data for users to explore its capabilities before committing to its use.

For those who find Glucomate to be a valuable tool in their glucose monitoring, the app offers monthly and annual subscription pricing as well as a one-time purchase option without a subscription. Get Glucomate via the link here.

Glucomate's pricing is as follows:

• Premium Monthly: $1.99
• Premium Yearly: $14.99
• Lifetime unlock: $59.99

Take control of your Diabetes with the Glucomate app

The Galaxy Watch5 and Watch5 Pro were released back in August 2022 and feature an infrared-based temperature sensor onboard that hasn't been put to use until now. According to Samsung, tracking skin temperature changes will provide a good estimate of basal body temperature at different times during the day. This would allow the smartwatch to track ovulation and better predict when the next period will begin.

For that purpose, Samsung is using an algorithm developed by Natural Cycles as part of their partnership announced earlier this year. Samsung says that all the temperature data collected by the smartwatch is stored locally and kept encrypted for extra piece of mind. However, it adds in the fine print that the feature is meant for users who are 18 years old and above. Cycle Tracking can also evaluate symptoms entered into the daily log and suggest helpful tips like scheduling a relaxing day to address fatigue.

The feature is currently being rolled out via Samsung Health app in 32 markets, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the U.K.

Samsung enables skin temperature measurement on Galaxy Watch5 & Watch5 Pro

< Watch the video at the source page. >

Greg Frasca has been locked out of his Apple AAPL 0.81%increase; green up pointing triangle account since October, and he’ll do just about anything to get back in.

He has offered to fly from Florida to Apple’s California headquarters to prove his identity in person, or write a check for $10,000 to reclaim the account. It holds the only copies of eight years of photos of his young daughters.

This is all because the thieves who stole Mr. Frasca’s iPhone 14 Pro at a bar in Chicago wanted to drain cash from his bank account and prevent him from remotely tracking down the stolen phone. They used his passcode to change the 46-year-old’s Apple ID password. They also enabled a hard-to-find Apple security setting known as the “recovery key.” In doing so, they placed an impenetrable lock on his account.

In February, we reported that thieves, often in and around bars at night, watch iPhone owners tap in their passcodes, then steal the targets’ phones. With this short four- or six-digit string, criminals can change the Apple account password and rack up thousands of dollars in charges using Apple Pay and financial apps.

Dozens of victims contacted The Wall Street Journal after the report was published, confirming similar crimes in at least nine U.S. cities, including New York, New Orleans, Chicago and Boston. Many are able to get their money back, but those locked out of their Apple accounts by thieves using the recovery key face a bigger challenge: finding a way through Apple’s complex policies and bureaucracy to retrieve their lost photos, contacts, notes, messages and other files.

Apple introduced the optional recovery key in 2020 to protect users from online hackers. Users who turn on the recovery key, a unique 28-digit code, must provide it when they want to reset their Apple ID password.

iPhone thieves with your passcode can flip on the recovery key and lock you out. And if you already have the recovery key enabled, they can easily generate a new one, which also locks you out.

Apple’s policy gives users virtually no way back into their accounts without that recovery key. For now, a stolen iPhone could mean devastating personal losses.

“We sympathize with people who have had this experience and we take all attacks on our users very seriously, no matter how rare,” an Apple spokesman said. “We work tirelessly every day to protect our users’ accounts and data, and are always investigating additional protections against emerging threats like this one.”

The Switch That Locks You Out

Users activate the recovery key in security settings and store it in a secure place. If you ever lose or forget your Apple ID password, you contact Apple, which sends a verification code to your account’s trusted phone number and then asks for that recovery-key code.

If hackers get control of your phone number through a practice known as SIM swapping, the recovery key will protect you, because the hackers wouldn’t be able to produce it. Losing the key, as Apple warns on its website, means “you could be locked out of your account permanently.”

So long as you can access your iPhone, you can add or reset a recovery key without any extra credentials. Apple says this is a convenience measure. However, it also gives thieves easier access.

After Cameron Devine’s iPhone 13 Pro was stolen from a Boston bar in August, the 24-year-old said he spent hours on the phone with Apple customer support trying to regain access to over a decade of data. Each representative told him the same thing: No recovery key, no access. Mr. Devine said he had never heard of the key, let alone set one up.

The People vs. Account Recovery

“Account recovery is a huge challenge for the industry,” said Andrew Shikiar, executive director of the FIDO Alliance, a nonprofit that governs security standards implemented by Apple and others. The main issue for tech companies is being able to validate users’ identities when they forget a password, can’t access their two-factor authentication methods, or lose their devices, he said.

Companies such as Uber are using facial recognition to match selfies to government IDs for verification. “Not everyone is going to be OK with doing a face scan,” Mr. Shikiar said.

LinkedIn recently announced workplace and ID verification through a partnership with Clear, the company known for expedited biometrics-based screening for air travelers. Instagram asks some users to upload video selfies to confirm their identity. On Tinder, users upload a driver’s license or passport to verify their age. Banks use many signals to protect app logins and transactions.

Many victims have offered Apple their passports, driver’s licenses and other forms of identification to prove ownership of their accounts. In a letter to Apple, Mr. Frasca offered to undergo a DNA test or retina scan. Apple says it doesn’t have any such records on file, because of privacy concerns. He and many others are baffled that there isn’t another way to prove their account ownership.

There are other, less privacy-compromising methods Apple could still rely on in lieu of a recovery key.

If someone takes over your Google account, Google’s password-reset process lets you provide a recovery email, phone number or account password, and you can use them to regain access later, even if a hijacker changes them.

Going through the process on a familiar Wi-Fi network or location can also help demonstrate you’re who you say you are. A Google spokesman recommended setting up a recovery phone number and email address in account settings before disaster strikes.

Terry Allen’s iPhone 13 Pro was stolen in New York in August. His account contained precious photos, including some of his young nephew.

Terry Allen, whose iPhone was stolen in New York in August, reached someone in Apple customer support who gave him back access to his account and data.
Photo: Michael Bucher/The Wall Street Journal

After months of calls to Apple customer support and letters to the company about how the thieves had his 28-digit recovery key, he said he finally reached a representative who was willing to do more. Once Mr. Allen answered additional verification questions, Apple disabled the recovery key, he said. He then reset his password, regaining access to the account.

Mr. Allen said he uses some Apple business services, which might explain why he was able to recover his account. Apple declined to comment on Mr. Allen’s situation and why others haven’t been able to get into their accounts.

“I just got lucky,” said the 35-year-old Mr. Allen, who now backs up his photos to an additional service.

What You Can Do

There are ways to prevent thieves with your passcode from turning on a recovery key. Read our complete guide to protecting your data in case of theft. Here are two moves in particular to try:

Set a complicated passcode. You should always try to use Face ID when in public, but when you can’t, rely on an alphanumeric passcode, which includes letters and numbers. To set it up, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Change Passcode. When selecting a new passcode, tap Passcode Options.

Use parental controls on yourself. Apple’s Screen Time—which lets parents place limits on their children’s accounts—can also help you protect your Apple account. But you have to enable a Screen Time passcode. (Remember to make that passcode different from your iPhone’s.)

In Settings, go to Screen Time and scroll down to set a passcode, if you haven’t already. Then go to Content & Privacy Restrictions, and toggle on Content & Privacy Restrictions. Scroll down to Allow Changes, then tap on Account Changes and select Don’t Allow.

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However, Andreas Proschofsky, a reporter for Austria's derStandard website and newspaper, posted on Twitter Monday to say it might not be possible for Samsung to ditch Google Search for Microsoft Bing, at least in some markets like the US.

He points out that any company that wants to make an Android-based phone with Google's services must comply with its Mobile Application Distribution Agreement (MADA). It states that phone companies that want the Google Play Store installed on their devices must also set up Google Search as the default search engine.

Some markets like Europe and India are a bit different. Proschofsky says those Android phones have a search engine choice screen that's required by some regulatory bodies. However, it still means that companies can't really get rid of Google Search entirely.

So, either Samsung is going to completely ditch Google's services on its future Android phones to get Bing as the search default, which seems extremely unlikely, or the New York Times story was in error. Proschofsky says there are other avenues where "Samsung could put pressure on Google", but it seems the threat of switching search engines is not one of them.

Samsung can't ditch Google in favor of Bing search on its smartphones after all

The previous "Samsung Free" app, which offered access to news articles, live TV, podcasts, and games, will be rebranded as "Samsung News". In contrast to "Samsung Free", the updated app will be solely dedicated to news and podcasts, similar to Apple News.

Samsung News provides access to news content from a broad range of news outlets, such as Axios, CNN, Fortune, Huffington Post, Newsweek, Reuters, Sports Illustrated, USA Today, and others. Samsung has stated that they will continue to add more news outlets to the app over time.

The "Samsung News" app grants access to its news content through categorized feeds or a "Following" tab that users can customize based on their preferred news topics. Besides, the application also provides daily briefings that are delivered twice a day - in the morning and evening. These briefings are put together by a team of news editors who ensure that they only include the most important headlines of the day. Moreover, the app has a feature that allows users to listen to podcasts.

Image courtesy of Samsung

Upon opening the app, users will notice that the interface of Samsung News resembles that of Apple News. The homepage of the app showcases the most important news stories, while the bottom of the page allows users to navigate between "News," "Podcasts," and "Following."

How to get Samsung News?

Samsung News is currently being introduced to Samsung Galaxy users in the United States as an update to the Samsung Free application. The rollout of this update has already started. For existing users of the Samsung Free app, the app icon will automatically switch to Samsung News following the update. However, if you don't already have the Free app, you can easily download the new News app directly from the Samsung Galaxy Store.

“Samsung News was designed to deliver breaking and premium news to the fingertips of Galaxy users in an easy to access format. Our goal is to empower consumers by letting them curate their ideal news consumption experience with a single swipe,” stated Avner Ronen, the VP of Product Development at Samsung Electronics, in a press release.

Despite Samsung Galaxy users having had access to news through the Free app in the past, it was not particularly well-known as it was not prominently featured. Additionally, users of Samsung Galaxy devices have also been able to access news through Google News. However, today's launch brings Samsung more in line with what Apple provides its users via Apple News.

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Google announced the Pixel Tablet almost a year ago at Google I/O 2022. Today, as we quickly approach Google I/O 2023 on May 10, we have some more info on this long-awaited tablet, including some more hardware specs.

9to5Google reports, via unnamed sources, that the Pixel Tablet will have 8GB of RAM inside, running Android 13 out of the box. The report also claims the tablet will be sold with two storage options, although details on the storage amounts were not mentioned.

The article also claims that the tablet will have four colour choices, of which two (Green and White) have been revealed by Google. The Pixel Tablet will be sold with its previously revealed Charging Speaker Dock, but the report says that also means the tablet won't have the traditional charging power brick bundle with it. Google will reportedly sell a case for the tablet but details were not revealed.

The Pixel Tablet is expected to be revealed at Google I/O alongside the Pixel 7a smartphone and the Pixel Fold foldable phone. However, the tablet is not expected to be available in retail stores until sometime in June.

The Google Pixel Tablet will reportedly launch in June with 8GB of RAM and four colours

Jon Prosser of FrontPageTech used his Twitter account to reveal what he says are the plans to launch the Pixel Fold. He states that the smartphone will be revealed as part of the Google I/O 2023 developers conference on May 10. That's also when he says pre-orders for the phone are supposed to go live on the Google Store site.

While those dates were expected, Prosser adds that preorders for the phone will also go live on May 30 for partners and wireless carriers. He does not state what those partners and carriers could do. Finally, he says the Pixel Fold will actually be available in stores on June 27. That's in alignment with previous rumors that the phone will be available sometime in June.

In a follow up Twitter post, Prosser claims the price of the Pixel Fold will be a whopping $1,700. Obviously, that will be the highest price ever for a Pixel smartphone, from a brand that in the past has prided itself on making flagship devices for lower prices. We will have to see what the reception will be for the Pixel Fold when it gets officially revealed in just a few weeks.

We may have a better idea on when we can buy the Google Pixel Fold and for how much