Apple announces ‘NameDrop’ feature for contact information sharing

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Apple had plenty to say during WWDC 2023. During the conference, it announced its much-rumored headset, the Apple Vision Pro, along with a new version of its smartwatch OS, while it also talked about iOS 17. Apple actually announced some new features for iOS 17 and its apps, and one such feature is ‘NameDrop’, a feature for contact information sharing.

‘NameDrop’ is a feature Apple announced during WWDC, and it’s here for contact information sharing

Do note that this feature will also work on the Apple watch, though, so it’s not exclusive to iOS. This feature will become available this fall, along with a new iOS version, iOS 17.

NameDrop is basically an extension of AirDrop, in a way. AirDrop allows you to share files with other Apple devices, while NameDrop will do the same things, but with contact information.

So, how does this work exactly? Well, all you have to do is bring two iPhones close together, and voila. Your personalized ‘Contact Posters’ and phone numbers will be transferred in a two-way transfer.

It is also worth noting that iOS 17 will allow you to share files by just putting two iPhones together. Moreover, the transfer won’t stop when you leave the AirDrop range. It will continue over the Internet, so you won’t have to worry about it.

You’ll also be able to bring two iPhones together to listen to music, watch a movie & play a game

Apple also said that you’ll be able to bring two iPhones together to listen to music, watch a movie, or even play a game using SharePlay. The company obviously wanted to make things as simple as possible.

This software update will be coming in the Fall, as a software update for a bunch of iPhones. All iPhones from iPhone Xs and later will get the update. The upcoming iPhone 15 series devices will ship with iOS 17 out of the box, of course. We still don’t know the exact launch date, though.


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Android 13 is now installed on 14.7% of active devices

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The latest Android distribution numbers are in. Google stopped sharing such numbers as it did before, but we can still check them out thanks to the Android Studio. Android 13 is now installed on 14.7% of active devices.

Android 13 is now installed on 14.7% of active devices

That number rose since the last time we talked about Android OS distribution numbers, but Android 11 is still leading the pack. Now, do note that these numbers are based on devices connected to the Play Store during a given seven-day period, hence the reference to ‘active devices’.

Android 13 was installed on 12.1% of active devices in April, while that number jumped to 14.7% in June. Android 12, 11, and 10 have all seen slight declines, but Android 11 is still leading the pack.

Android 11 is currently installed on 23.1% of active devices worldwide. What is interesting from these numbers, is that Android 8.0 Oreo is the only other version of Android (other than Android 13) that grew from April to June. It grew from 6.7% to 8.3%, for whatever reason. Compared to January, however, this is also a decline, as it held 9.5% of the market in January.

June 2023 Android distribution numbers

Apple also shared its iOS distribution numbers recently

Apple did share its iOS distribution numbers recently, in case you’d like to check those out. There’s really no point in comparing the two, as Apple releases updates for its devices only. Google releases Android for tons of devices worldwide, and it’s up to OEMs to adapt and upgrade their offerings.

Having said that, the Android 14 launch is not that far away at this point. The Pixel 8 series will ship with Android 14 out of the box later this year. Those devices are expected to launch in October.

Android 13 will certainly see further growth before Android 14 lands, though we’re not expecting huge changes in the coming months.


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Apple announces some neat additions with iPadOS 17

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Apple just held its WWDC event, and it announced some new and exciting stuff for Apple users. Among the announcements, Apple announced some new features that are coming to iPadOS 17. This wasn’t the biggest update to the operating system, but there are some neat additions.

At Android Headlines, we have other coverage of what was announced during WWDC. If you are curious about what was announced, you can check it out on AndroidHeadlines.com. There was a lot of neat stuff announced, so you might want to check it out.

Apple announces new the new features coming with iPadOS 17

Widgets have been around for a while, but they are still relatively new for Apple products. The company introduced them a while back for iPads, but they were mostly only for showing you information. With iPadOS 17, you will be able to actually interact with your widgets. You will be able to set tasks as complete on to-do list widgets, set timers using timer widgets, Etc.

Another neat addition is the implementation of the lock screen customizations on iOS. With them, you can adjust the overall aesthetic of your iPad’s lock screen. Also, you can even add widgets onto your iPad’s lock screen.

If you’re looking for insight into your health, Apple is introducing a health app for iPadOS. You’ll be able to view your health across the iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch. All the information is synced up, so you’ll be able to view your health in real-time.

If you’re looking for productivity features, then these will appeal to you. First off, the iPad will use AI technology to detect text fields inside of PDFs. You will be able to use autofill to fill out PDFs if you need to.

Speaking of PDF files, there’s a new addition coming to the Notes app. You will be able to view PDF files inside the Notes app. They will sit in their own little section in the app. Users are able to annotate and mark up PDF files right in the Notes app.

Also, users are able to collaborate in real-time using the notes app. Two people can edit the same note at the same time using two different iPads. The changes will show up simultaneously on both iPads as they work.

These are some great additions to the software, and they will definitely boost your iPadOS experience. If you want to read the full list of new features, you can check out the full press release here.


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5 unusual cybersecurity tips that actually work

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It’s time to shake off that special feeling, start lying, forget everything you’ve been told about passwords, spin up a million email addresses, and start throwing away computers for fun.

So, you’re on top of your software updates, you use a password manager, you’ve enabled two-factor authentication wherever you can, you’ve got BrowserGuard installed, and you’re running Malwarebytes Premium.

If you’re doing all of that you’re already winning at security. But you want more, because you know that security is a journey and not a destination, and, let’s face it, you’re reading an article about five unusual cybersecurity tips: You’re hooked.

It’s time to innovate and get weird. It’s time to shake off that special feeling, start lying, forget everything you’ve been told about passwords, spin up a million email addresses, and start throwing away computers for fun.

It’s time for five unusual cybersecurity tips that actually work:

1. Lie

Generally speaking, the fewer pieces of data you hand out, the safer you are. If a site is asking for data you don’t want to share, remember: Sometimes it’s OK to lie.

If a site wants a phone number and you don’t want them to call you, fake it. (00000000000 is surprisingly effective.) If the site won’t accept your made up number, don’t worry. Lists of fake numbers that look right for your country but don’t work are a short Google search away. It works for other data too, even fake credit card numbers—you won’t be able to buy anything with one, but neither will anyone who steals it.

2. Stop thinking you’re special

Everyone is a star in their own story, so when we unexpectedly get a message from a lonely young Russian lady who’s recently moved to our town, a Nigerian Prince promises us riches, “Keanu Reeves” follows us on Instagram, or we stumble upon the crypto-opportunity of a lifetime, our exceptionalism can kick in.

If it happened to somebody else, we’d be sceptical, but when it happens to us…well, we had a feeling our luck was about to turn! Burst that bubble. If something looks too good to be true, it isn’t because you’re special, it’s because it IS too good to be true. Sorry.

3. Forget strong passwords

For years you’ve been told to make unreadable passwords with a of mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and wacky characters. That is still important, but reusing passwords over and over again is actually much worse than having lots of different, weaker, passwords.

If a thief can steal your password from anywhere, they will try to use it everywhere, and if the same password works everywhere, you’ve lost everything. Your goal should be to create a new password for each service you use. Focus on simply avoiding really awful passwords, like “password” or “12345”, and save the unreadable passwords for things that really matter, like your bank.

4. Use endless email addresses

Look at your inbox for a few minutes and you’ll probably start to wonder “how did they get my email address?” In between the messages from friends and colleagues, and the newsletters you signed up for but never read, there is always a smattering of speculative nonsense from people who have no business using your email address.

One way of getting on top of that problem is to use different email address for each account you sign up for. Apple will do this for you with its Hide My Email feature, and if you use Gmail you can just add a “+” to the name part of your address followed by anything you like, e.g. john.doe+malwarebytes@gmail.com.

Each unique address should only get messages from the site where you used it. If any other sites use it, you know that your data has been leaked, stolen or sold. If that happens, block the email address and consider closing your account on that site.

5. Throw your computer away

If you want to say super-safe, just browse the internet using a computer with no sensitive data on it, and throw it away when you’ve finished, simple!

OK, it sounds expensive, but you can do it for free with tools like Oracle’s VirtualBox. Virtual Machines (VMs) are computers made of software instead of plastic, metal, and silicon, that run on your computer just like any other program. You can run Windows, your web browser of choice, and all your other favourite apps inside a VM, where they are totally isolated from your real computer.

Like trips to Vegas, whatever happens on a VM stays on a VM. And because VMs can be cloned, rolled back, or destroyed with a mouse click, if anything bad happens on yours you can simply trash it and start a new one.

If you’ve got an unusual cybersecurity tip, we’d love to hear it. Leave it in the comments below.


We don’t just report on threats—we remove them

Cybersecurity risks should never spread beyond a headline. Keep threats off your devices by downloading Malwarebytes today.


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‘Panels’ is a deeply customizable sidebar app

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I’ve been using sidebar apps for years, from time to time. Recently, I stumbled upon an app called ‘Panels’, and decided to give it a go. Fast forward a couple of weeks, and the app basically managed to surprise me… in a good way.

‘Panels’ is a deeply customizable sidebar app for Android

Think of ‘Panels’ as a clear canvas sidebar app that you can call upon in a way you want, on any screen. For example, my trigger is located in the bottom right portion of the display, but on the right side, not the bottom, due to navigation gestures.

I set up a number of app shortcuts on my main ‘Panels’ screen, so that I can launch my favorite apps no matter what I’m doing. The second screen is my widget for financial expenses, for example, but you can set up anything you want.

Do note that the app is free, but you’re limited in terms of the number of pages you can use. If you pay up, however, you’ll be able to use over two pages or panels, once you call upon this sidebar app.

There are a number of options included here, you can be very specific with your settings

You can set it to pop up from the bottom, from the side. You can even edit how many rows and columns will it have. You’re not limited to app shortcuts, of course, you can use your favorite widgets, and more. You can even resize them to a desired size.

The developer even went as far as allowing you to change the backgrounds of your panels, mess with the font, use notification badges, and so much more. It’s really difficult to list all the options here

It’ll likely take you some time to set up this app properly for your usage, but once you do, it’s all worth it. It did improve my productivity, that’s for sure.

As the app is free, it doesn’t really cost you anything to try it out. If you’re interested, we’ve included a download link below: it’ll take you directly to the Google Play Store. You’ll also find some official screenshots in the gallery, as well as an official promo video.

Panels (Google Play Store)


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How to make the most of your Android phone?

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In the age of smartphones, Android devices have become an essential part of our daily lives. From communication and productivity to entertainment and shopping, our Android phones offer a vast array of features. However, are you truly harnessing the full potential of your device? In this article, we will explore some innovative and counter-intuitive tips to help you make the most of your Android phone while saving money along the way. Prepare to unlock a world of possibilities!

Embrace the Power of Automation (£100 savings per year)

One often overlooked aspect of Android phones is their automation capabilities. By utilizing apps like Tasker, IFTTT, and Automate, you can automate routine tasks and optimize your phone’s performance. Tom Church, Co-Founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, shares his thoughts on this: “Automation not only saves you time but can also save you money. By setting up automated actions, you can ensure your phone is always in power-saving mode when the battery is low, thus reducing the risk of costly battery replacements.”

Optimize Your Data Usage (£200 savings per year)

Mobile data plans can be expensive, but with a few adjustments, you can make the most out of your Android phone without breaking the bank. Disabling background data usage for non-essential apps and compressing images and videos before sharing them can significantly reduce data consumption. According to Tom Church, “Optimizing data usage is a smart move to cut down on your monthly expenses. By being conscious of your data consumption and making small changes, such as enabling data-saving modes, you can save a significant amount of money on excessive data charges.”

 Turn Your Phone into a Personal Budgeting Tool (£500 savings per year)

Your Android phone can become a valuable tool in managing your finances. Take advantage of personal finance apps available on the Play Store to track expenses, create budgets, and analyze spending habits. Tom Church suggests, “Harnessing the power of personal finance apps is a game-changer. By being aware of your spending patterns and using apps that provide discounts and coupons, you can make smarter purchasing decisions and maximize your savings potential.”

Extend Battery Life with Dark Mode (£50 savings per year)

Dark Mode is a simple yet effective feature available on most Android phones. By enabling Dark Mode, you can reduce battery consumption, ultimately saving money on repairs or replacements. Tom Church explains, “Dark Mode not only prolongs your battery life but also reduces eye strain. It’s a win-win situation. Plus, you don’t have to worry about spending extra money on battery replacements as frequently.”

Utilize Android’s Built-in Accessibility Features (£150 savings per year)

Android phones come with a range of accessibility features designed to assist users, but they can also benefit the average user in unexpected ways. Features like “TalkBack” and “Live Caption” can enhance your experience without relying on third-party apps, saving both money and storage space. Tom Church emphasizes, “Built-in accessibility features are often underrated. They provide convenience and accessibility to everyone, without the need for additional paid apps. It’s a cost-effective way to make the most of your Android phone.”

So, what are you waiting for? Take out your Android phone, start exploring these tips, and unlock a world of possibilities while saving money along the way. Embrace the power of automation, optimize your data usage, turn your phone into a personal budgeting tool, extend battery life with Dark Mode, and make the most of Android’s built-in accessibility features. Your Android phone is not just a device; it’s a gateway to a smarter, more cost-effective way of life. In the wise words of Tom Church, “Your Android phone is a powerful tool that can help you save money in ways you might not have imagined. By utilizing these innovative tips, you’ll be amazed at how much you can optimize your phone’s performance and your overall financial well-being.” Happy exploring and saving!


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ChatGPT Cybersecurity Grant Program – $1M

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OpenAI, supported by Microsoft, recently unveiled an innovative cybersecurity grant initiative to enhance AI-driven cybersecurity measures.

The creators of ChatGPT are actively engaged in enhancing cybersecurity evaluations for AI models, aiming to measure and enhance their efficacy. 

They are dedicated to developing innovative techniques to assess and optimize the cybersecurity capabilities of AI models, promoting a deeper understanding of their significance.

OpenAI actively encourages submissions for its funding program and employs a continuous assessment system.

The $1 million grant will be distributed in various formats, including API credits and direct funds, with each increment amounting to $10,000.

Cybersecurity Grant Program Program Features

Here below, we have mentioned the key features of the program or initiative:-

  • Empower defenders
  • Measure capabilities
  • Elevate discourse

In cybersecurity, a conventional perspective suggests that attackers hold a natural advantage over defenders within the landscape. 

This viewpoint acknowledges the inherent challenges defenders face in safeguarding against cyber threats.

Defenders must be consistently accurate 100% of the time, while attackers need only succeed once.

While attackers may have some advantages, defenders understand the significance of working together towards a common goal, ultimately prioritizing individuals’ protection.

General Project Ideas

Here below, we have mentioned all the general project ideas:-

  • Collect and label data from cyber defenders to train defensive cybersecurity agents
  • Detect and mitigate social engineering tactics
  • Automate incident triage 
  • Identify security issues in source code
  • Assist network or device forensics
  • Automatically patch vulnerabilities
  • Optimize patch management processes to improve prioritization, scheduling, and deployment of security updates
  • Develop or improve confidential compute on GPUs
  • Create honeypots and deception technology to misdirect or trap attackers
  • Assist reverse engineers in creating signatures and behavior based detections of malware
  • Analyze an organization’s security controls and compare to compliance regimes
  • Assist developers to create secure by design and secure by default software
  • Assist end users to adopt security best practices
  • Aid security engineers and developers to create robust threat models
  • Produce threat intelligence with salient and relevant information for defenders tailored to their organization
  • Help developers port code to memory safe languages

Shortly after unveiling its ten $100,000 grants to explore democratic decision-making processes for AI system regulations within legal boundaries, OpenAI has now introduced a cybersecurity grant.

This grant demonstrates OpenAI’s commitment to enhancing security measures in AI, highlighting its dedication to safeguarding technological advancements while ensuring compliance with established laws.

This bold step presents a significant departure from conventional perspectives in the realm of cybersecurity. 

Challenging traditional concepts introduces a fresh and innovative approach to addressing security concerns.

Struggling to Apply The Security Patch in Your System? – 
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Trusting AI not to lie Lock and Code S04E12

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This week on Lock and Code, we ask whether AI can “lie” and whether companies and individuals are placing too much trust into tools like ChatGPT.

In May, a lawyer who was defending their client in a lawsuit against Columbia’s biggest airline, Avianca, submitted a legal filing before a court in Manhattan, New York, that listed several previous cases as support for their main argument to continue the lawsuit.

But when the court reviewed the lawyer’s citations, it found something curious: Several were entirely fabricated. 

The lawyer in question had gotten the help of another attorney who, in scrounging around for legal precedent to cite, utilized the “services” of ChatGPT. 

ChatGPT was wrong. So why do so many people believe it’s always right? 

Today, on the Lock and Code podcast with host David Ruiz, we speak with Malwarebytes security evangelist Mark Stockley and Malwarebytes Labs editor-in-chief Anna Brading to discuss the potential consequences of companies and individuals embracing natural language processing tools—like ChatGPT and Google’s Bard—as arbiters of truth. Far from being understood simply as chatbots that can produce remarkable mimicries of human speech and dialogue, these tools are becoming sources of truth for countless individuals, while also gaining attraction amongst companies that see artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLM) as the future, no matter what industry they operate in. 

The future could look eerily similar to an earlier change in translation services, said Stockley, who witnessed the rapid displacement of human workers in favor of basic AI tools. The tools were far, far cheaper, but the quality of the translations—of the truth, Stockley said—was worse. 

“That is an example of exactly this technology coming in and being treated as the arbiter of truth in the sense that there is a cost to how much truth we want.”

Tune in today. 

You can also find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, plus whatever preferred podcast platform you use. 

Show notes and credits:

Intro Music: “Spellbound” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Outro Music: “Good God” by Wowa (unminus.com)


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Here’s a first look at the Nothing Phone (2)

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The Nothing Phone (1) was pretty popular amongst tech fans, and the next generation is going to be one of the most anticipated devices of the Year. While we’re still wondering how this phone is going to look, we might have a quick sneak peek. Thanks to SmartPix, we have a first look at the Nothing Phone (2).

While the Nothing Phone (1) wasn’t spectacular in terms of its specs and software, it still managed to stand out amongst the sea of phones with its unique design and overall fresh mentality. OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei is the owner of the company Nothing, and he’s been doing a lot to bring publicity to this device.

Here’s a first look at the Nothing Phone (2)

Now, it seems that early summer is the expected window for Nothing’s phones to launch. The company launched the Nothing Phone (1) on July 12th 20th 22, and we’re also expecting a July release this year. At this point, we don’t know the exact date. Also, we haven’t gotten any official renders from the company, so you’ll want to take this first look with a grain of salt.

Unfortunately, people expecting a major design overhaul will be disappointed. The differences in design aren’t quite notable. According to the leak, it appears that the Nothing Phone (2) will also sport the transparent backing with many of its components in the same spot as last year.

As for differences, there are some slight differences and how the components are arranged under the back glass. Some of them are shaped slightly differently.

Some of the more noticeable differences are the LED flash in the recording LED. The LED flash is now a bit bigger, and it’s an oval. The recording LED is no longer a small dot, it’s a line

The most notable difference has to do with the glyph interface. The overall shape hasn’t changed all that much, but we see that it’s sectioned off. The section around the camera package is split into two parts, and the large section around the wireless charging coil is split into five sections.

Overall, based on this first look, the Nothing Phone (2) retains the overall design aesthetic of the Nothing Phone (1). It might follow the aesthetic a bit too closely for some people’s taste.

Nothing phone (2) comparision


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