Android 13 QPR3 Beta 2.1 program brings modem updates to Pixels

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Android 13 QPR3 Beta 2.1 program brings modem updates to Pixels
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What’s new with the latest Android 13 QPR3 Beta 2.1 update? This program brings modem updates to certain Google Pixel devices that got the update. These devices include the Google Pixel 4a, 4a (5G), 5, 5a, 6 series and Pixel 7 series.

Not all Pixel users will get this feature, including those that might be using any of the devices mentioned above. The update in focus on this article is only available to those that installed the Beta testing update. So if you aren’t a Beta tester, you will not get this update until it is ready for a stable release.

There are a few things to be mindful of before installing this update or joining the Beta program. Before installing this new Android 13 Beta version, it is important to know the improvements it brings.

Here is everything new with the Android 13 QPR3 Beta 2.1 update

This new Beta update brings improvements to certain Google Pixel devices. If you are a Beta tester using any device from the Pixel 4a to the 7 Pro, you can benefit from this update. Older Pixel devices won’t get this update, since Google has stopped offering updates to those devices.

By improving the modem on these devices, Google is stepping up their internet connection speed. Beta testers with these devices will be able to enjoy faster internet connectivity. They might enjoy this alone for a while until Google rolls out this update to Pixel users that aren’t on the beta program.

If you want to get this improvement before the stable release, you will need to join the beta program. To do that, simply click on this link and follow the guidelines to join the program. After that, head over to your device settings and then to ‘System’ to install the beta system update.

It is important to note that beta testing updates aren’t always stable, as there might be a few issues. Once you have installed the beta update, there is no going back. Any attempt to uninstall the beta update will completely wipe out your device’s memory.

So before you rush to install the Android 13 QPR3 Beta 2.1 update, weigh your options. You can always wait for the features packed in the update to roll out globally before you access them. The date for the stable release of this beta update isn’t available, but it might come with future security updates.


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Chinese-owned Temu app offers low-priced items with free shipping

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Chinese-owned Temu app offers low-priced items with free shipping
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Chinese shopping app Temu first caught my eye when I kept seeing ads for a pair of Lenovo true wireless earbuds they were selling for some ridiculously cheap price lower than $3. According to AFP News, Temu has been the most downloaded app in the U.S. since the beginning of the year. There is no denying that the Temu app is full of low-priced items. It reminds this writer of the Spencer Gift catalogs that are full of cheap and often useful items.
The Temu app includes electronics (like cheap charging cables and adapters), products for the kitchen and the home, and make-up. First-time users get to spin a virtual wheel that could result in the shopper getting as many as two free items with the purchase of one item. Shipping is always free.

And it seems that American consumers can’t get enough of the stuff that Temu is selling. A 65-year-old Californian named Silva told AFP, “I’ve seen so many things in their catalog… offered on Amazon and other online retailers for much more.” She has gone on to place 20 orders through the app buying jewelry, craft supplies, and gifts.

Delivery of the items ordered from Temu is pretty fast according to another customer, 38-year-old Stephanie Wolfe, who says, “It got here so quick, I couldn’t believe it. Once I realized it was legit, I just started ordering more.”

Helping to promote the app, Temu ran expensive ads during this year’s Super Bowl game. The commercials, viewed by 100 million people, told Americans that through the Temu app they can “shop like a billionaire.” The ads helped as the app has been installed over 33 million times in the U.S. since its launch. The company has a U.S. office located near Boston although most of its products are sourced and shipped from China.

One concern is that the app is collecting huge amounts of personal data from U.S. consumers. However, a research paper written by Georgia Institute of Technology professor Milton Mueller, using Chinese short-form video app TikTok as an example, stated that “data collected by TikTok can only be of espionage value if it comes from users who are intimately connected to national security functions and use the app in ways that expose sensitive information.”

Wolfe, one of the Temu shoppers we mentioned earlier in this article, said that she is not concerned although she uses a VPN (virtual private network) and pays for her purchases with PayPal. “Because I’m taking precautions, I’m not worried,” she said. 
If you’d like to install Temu on your Android phone, click on this link which will take you to the Google Play Store. If you use an iPhone, tap on this link to be taken to the App Store so you can install the app on your iPhone.

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How the cops buy a "God view" of your location data, with Bennett Cyphers: Lock and Code S04E09

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How the cops buy a "God view" of your location data, with Bennett Cyphers: Lock and Code S04E09
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The list of people and organizations that are hungry for your location data—collected so routinely and packaged so conveniently that it can easily reveal where you live, where you work, where you shop, pray, eat, and relax—includes many of the usual suspects.

Advertisers, obviously, want to send targeted ads to you and they believe those ads have a better success rate if they’re sent to, say, someone who spends their time at a fast-food drive-through on the way home from the office, as opposed to someone who doesn’t, or someone whose visited a high-end department store, or someone who, say, vacations regularly at expensive resorts. Hedge funds, interestingly, are also big buyers of location data, constantly seeking a competitive edge in their investments, which might mean understanding whether a fast food chain’s newest locations are getting more foot traffic, or whether a new commercial real estate development is walkable from nearby homes. 

But perhaps unexpected on this list is police.

According to a recent investigation from Electronic Frontier Foundation and The Associated Press, a company called Fog Data Science has been gathering Americans’ location data and selling it exclusively to local law enforcement agencies in the United States. Fog Data Science’s tool—a subscription-based platform that charges clients for queries of the company’s database—is called Fog Reveal. And according to Bennett Cyphers, one of the investigators who uncovered Fog Reveal through a series of public record requests, it’s rather powerful. 

“What [Fog Data Science] sells is, I would say, like a God view mode for the world… It’s a map and you draw a shape on the map and it will show you every device that was in that area during a specified timeframe.”

Today, on the Lock and Code podcast with host David Ruiz, we speak to Cyphers about how he and his organization uncovered a massive data location broker that seemingly works only with local law enforcement, how that data broker collected Americans’ data in the first place, where this data comes from, and why it is so easy to sell. 

Tune in now. 

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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Google’s new data deletion policy brings user data transparency

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Google’s new data deletion policy brings user data transparency
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In a bid to improve consumer trust and transparency, Google has launched a new data deletion policy. This aims at giving users more control over the data present on apps and services. Through this means, users will be able to delete their accounts with apps and web platforms without fear that it is still accessible.

The announcement of this launch came via the Google Android Developer blog a few days ago. Since its announcement, this has become a sensation across the internet. This goes to prove that the new data deletion policy has been something users have looked forward to.

Well, this new feature is not only useful to netizens but also for developers. For users, they get to ensure their data is protected and for developers, they get to gain user trust. So how will this new policy be implemented, and how can users access it?

Control your online data with the new data deletion policy coming to the Google Play Store

Everyone signs up for apps and services they won’t use in the long term now and then. Once done with these apps and services, deleting your account and the data linked to your account becomes an issue. Certain developers hold onto the data of users after they delete their accounts with them for certain reasons.

Sometimes these are not genuine, and Google is out to curb such uncalled-for holding back of user data. With the new data deletion policy, developers will “need to provide an option to initiate account and data deletion” from within their apps and web platforms. This will give users more control over their data, assuring them that their data is deleted along with their accounts.

Also, users will be able to confirm which apps have provision for this option before downloading it from the Play Store. Google now requires that developers link their account deletion options under the Data safety form. This form is a recent addition to the app instalment page on the Play Store.

Users will be able to get all the data deletion information they need regarding any app they wish to download. Developers will also be transparent on how they handle user data after account deletion. By providing information on account deletion, developers will be able to gain user trust.

Thanks to the new Google data deletion policy, users can rest assured that their data is deleted along with their accounts. They will also be able to tell why certain data is not deleted, with the assurance that it will not be misused or sold to bad actors. This change will become available on the Google Play Store early next year after developers submit their app’s Data Safety on December 7.


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Google expands ARCore support to 14 new devices

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Google expands ARCore support to 14 new devices
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It’s no secret that over the past few years, tech giants like Google have been at the forefront of developing and refining augmented reality (AR) to make it accessible to every smartphone user. One of the key tools driving this effort is ARCore, a software development platform created by Google that enables Android smartphone users to unlock the full potential of AR capabilities built into their devices.

Now, Google is looking to further expand the ARCore capability to 14 new phones, including the Honor 70, Infinix MobileZero 5G 2023, Moto G72, Oppo A96 5G, Oppo Reno7 Z 5G, Realme GT 2 Pro, Realme GT Neo 3, Realme GT Neo 3 150W, Sharp AQUOS Sense7, Sharp AQUOS Sense7 Plus, Vivo I2017, Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro, Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S, and ZTE Nubia RedMagic 7 Pro. Thus bringing the total number of Android phones with ARCore support to over 250. That’s still a far cry from the number of different Android phones available of course. But it’s still progress.

Why is ARCore important?

Augmented Reality simulation is not a simple task if carried out from scratch. As a result, Google created a suite of development tools called ARCore, allowing phones to detect their environment, comprehend their surroundings, and interact with data through motion tracking, environment comprehension, and light measurement. These features enable virtual objects to be placed in the real environment as seen through the phone’s camera.

This functionality has already found its way into many Google services, such as Google Lens and the new Google Maps’ Live View, which helps pedestrians navigate their surroundings by showing CGI-created arrows on top of a live feed from their rear camera.

However, it is also worth noting that Google takes considerable time to validate devices for inclusion on the ARCore compatibility list. This ensures that devices meet Google’s standards. Therefore, to check if your device is compatible with ARCore, visit the supported devices page for more information.


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Apple piggybacks on Ted Lasso’s success with new Fitness+ workouts for subscribers

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Apple piggybacks on Ted Lasso’s success with new Fitness+ workouts for subscribers
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Apple Fitness+ users are getting a pretty sweet flavor of Ted Lasso this week. The Apple TV+ Original is getting its own workouts in Apple Fitness+, the Cupertino-based company announced earlier today. HIIT workouts that feel like soccer matches in disguise are guided by Coach Kyle and Coach Bakari, but if you don’t like this particular sport, feel free to check out two other exercises that have been added in the latest update.The two new exercises will have Apple Fitness+ users guided on a cycling and treadmill workout by Coach Sherica and Emily. Expect to see some AFC Richmond merch to appear in these workouts too, as all coaches are wearing personalized jerseys.

If you’re already an Apple Fitness+ subscriber, here is what to expect from this update:

  • Cycling with Sherica – 30 min: Ride through 14 all-out intervals that range from 25 seconds to just over a minute.
  • Strength with Kyle – 20 min: This total-body workout has five moves with a soccer theme done three times through.
  • HIIT with Bakari – 20 min: Power through exercises that include squats, striders, and soccer-inspired moves.
  • Treadmill with Emily – 10 min: This run has three progressive builds that work up to an all-out intensity.

But wait, there’s more! Apple announced that Ted Lasso is coming to Time to Walk too, the audio walking experience that Fitness+ offers to its users. Two new personalities are joining Time to Walk in two separate episodes:
  • Time to Walk with Hannah Waddingham: Emmy award–winner talks about how a crucial moment in her career renewed her faith in her own abilities.
  • Time to Walk with Brendan Hunt: Actor, comedian, writer, and Ted Lasso cocreator shares how he learned to use his creativity to process tough emotions as a child.

All the new workouts are now available for access via the Fitness+ tab within the app. If you don’t have an Apple Fitness+ subscription yet, you can get one for $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year.

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The April 2023 security patch is rolling out to Pixel devices

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The April 2023 security patch is rolling out to Pixel devices
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Google is now rolling out the April 2023 Android Security Patch to all Pixel devices. This one does not come with a feature drop, but it does have a number of other bug fixes for Pixel.

This is the monthly security update that Google sends out to its devices and it shares with its partners. It does include a number of new features that are available only on the Pixel.

We have actually already seen this patch roll out to some other smartphones from Samsung, ahead of Google actually announcing the patch. Which is something we’ve seen a lot of lately.

What’s been fixed in this patch?

Google fixed a ton of vulnerabilities in the April 2023 security patch for Pixel and other Android devices.

As per usual, Google has not detailed each vulnerability. This is done on purpose so that those that have not received the update (which right now, is everyone) is not the victim of an attack. Detailing the vulnerabilities is like giving the keys to hackers, to your device. So this is done to protect everyone. But there are a ton of changes made to Qualcomm and MediaTek devices, as well as vulnerabilities in the Android Runtime and more.

You can check out the security bulletin here, to see exactly what Google has fixed with this update to Pixels and Android in general.

What devices are supported in the April 2023 security patch?

The December 2022 security patch is rolling out to Pixel devices now. And it supports the Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Pro.

The Verizon versions will be rolling out later this week.

Most smartphones released in the last two to three years will also be supported. You’ll need to wait for your smartphone manufacturer to roll out the update though.

Make sure to update your Pixel device as soon as you get this update, and don’t put it off. Security updates are not great for putting off til later on.


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Android 14 could let you adjust the system theme’s contrast

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Android 14 could let you adjust the system theme’s contrast
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The Android 14 “Upsidedown Cake” developer preview is out now, and people have been cracking into it to see what’s in store. Thanks to a new leak from 9To5Google, it seems that Android 14 will let you adjust the contrast on the theme you applied.

If you want to check out this developer preview, you can download the image file now. Just know that you will need some technical know-how if you want to try it out. You will need to manually flash the image file onto your system. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you run the risk of bricking your device.

If you aren’t all that tech-savvy, then you will want to just wait for the beta version to drop. It’s a lot safer, and it’s not that much longer of a wait.

Android 14 could let you adjust the contrast on your system theme

Since this was discovered in the developer preview, there’s a chance that it won’t make it to the final build of the software. So, you’ll want to take this with a grain of salt.

As you know, Android 12 brought the Dynamic Color feature. This feature takes the colors prominent in your wallpaper and crafts a custom theme based on them. Android 12 introduced this feature and Android 13 refined it. Now, it seems that Android 14 will take this even further.

The team at 9To5Google found a slider in the software that will adjust the contrast of the colors in the theme. It was found under the Color and Motion section in the settings. On the bottom of the screen, you’ll be able to change the overall contrast in the software.

There are only three different contrast settings that you can use. The lowest is called Standard, the highest is called High, and the middle setting is unnamed. While adding contrast to your theme will make for a different aesthetic, this seems to be an accessibility feature. Higher contrast in the software makes it easier to see if your eyesight isn’t the best.

This only makes us wonder what other customizations Google will give us for Material You. It’d be neat to have more options like a saturation slider or a brightness slider. Only time will tell what Google is planning.


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iPhone 15 Pro design leak shows new buttons, colors & more

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iPhone 15 Pro design leak shows new buttons, colors & more
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The iPhone 15 Pro design gets shown once again, but with more details this time around. 9to5Mac shared images of the phone, in which it shows its new buttons, camera bump, and more. Even the phone’s color options are detailed here

The iPhone 15 Pro design popped up again, showing us new buttons, colors & more

The same source shared the iPhone 15 Pro design for the first time last month. Now they deliver more details. You can check out all the images 9to5Mac shared in the gallery below the article.

Do note that the phone will be made out of titanium, actually. It will become the first iPhone to utilize titanium, alongside its ‘Pro Max’ sibling. Do note that there’s still a chance the ‘Pro Max’ will be called ‘Ultra’ once it launches.

The device will have a thicker camera bump than its predecessor, unlike the ‘Pro Max’. The iPhone 15 Pro Max will seemingly have a thinner camera bump than its predecessor.

You can clearly see the Type-C port in the provided images, and also how thin the iPhone 15 Pro bezels are. Its bezels will measure only 1.55mm all around, they will be uniform.

You can clearly see the phone’s haptic volume and mute buttons here. Apple will utilize solid-state haptic and mute buttons on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. The same goes for the power/lock button, actually. The mute button will replace the mute switch, which will be a considerable change for users.

The device will be available in four color options, it seems

The phone will arrive in standard Gold, Space Black, and White colors. In addition to those three color options, we’ll also get a deep red color, which was mentioned a while back.

Ice Universe also shared an image of the device, as he decided to show us how thin the bezels are. If you check out the image above the article, you’ll get to see what the tipster shared.

The iPhone 15 Pro will arrive in September, alongside the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. All of those iPhones will include a Type-C port at the bottom, and a Dynamic Island on the display.


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Best Buy knocks $600 off Sony’s best 4K OLED TV

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Best Buy knocks $600 off Sony’s best 4K OLED TV
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Did you know Sony makes OLED TVs? Well they do, and today their best 4K OLED TV is $600 off. This bring the price down to just $1,399 which is also an all-time low for the Sony A90J. This is for the 55-inch model. It’s a great time to pick up this TV.

Sony A90J OLED TV – Best Buy

Why you should buy the Sony BRAVIA XR A90J OLED TV

The Sony A90J OLED TV is a fantastic TV, coming with a 55-inch 4K OLED display that looks amazing. It uses Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR that is able to deliver intense contrast and vivid colors. It also uses XR 4K Upscaling, this is going to allow you to enjoy lower-resolution content at a full 4K resolution. So if you’re watching movies that are quite old and likely shot in 720p or even 1080p, this TV will make them a lot more crisp.

It does also have some pretty good sound quality inside this TV. Though you will likely want a sound bar if you are any sort of audiophile. Additionally, Sony has included some exclusive features for the PlayStation 5 with this TV. That includes HDMI 2.1 which will give you [email protected] As well as variable refresh rate for gaming.

When it comes to the software, Sony has gone all-in with Google TV. So on this TV, you’re getting Google TV built-in. That’s giving you access to a ton of great apps. Like YouTube, Netflix, HBO MAX, Disney+, Hulu and so much more. There is also the Google Assistant here, and Sony has added Amazon Alexa as well. With both of those, you’ll be able to control your smart home using your voice and the remote, by sitting on your couch. If you’re using iOS, it also works with Apple’s HomeKit, but not Siri.

You can pick up the Sony BRAVIA XR A90J OLED TV from Best Buy clicking the link below.

Sony A90J OLED TV – Best Buy


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