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Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 6 Pro

Android

andreasc

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November 21, 2023

Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 6 Pro

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The Google Pixel 8 Pro is the latest and greatest smartphone Google has to offer. There are quite a few of you who are probably trying to decide whether to upgrade to it or not. Well, if you own the Pixel 6 Pro, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll compare the Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 6 Pro, in order to try and help you. We’ll try to highlight the differences between the two phones.

The Google Pixel 8 Pro is an improvement in a number of ways, but the Pixel 6 Pro is only two years old at this point, and it’s still a good smartphone. That being said, we’ll first list their specifications, as per usual, and will then move to compare the two phones across a number of categories. We’ll compare their designs, displays, performance, battery life, cameras, and audio performance.

Specs

Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 6 Pro, respectively

– Screen size:
6.7-inch Super Actua AMOLED display (flat, 120Hz LTPO, HDR10+, 2,400 nits)
6.7-inch Super LTPO AMOLED display (curved, 120Hz LTPO, HDR10+, 1,000 nits)
– Display resolution:
2992 x 1344
3120 x 1440
– SoC:
Google Tensor G3
Google Tensor
– RAM:
12GB (LPDDR5X)
12GB (LPDDR5)
– Storage:
128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB (UFS 3.1)
128GB/256GB/512GB (UFS 3.1)
– Rear cameras:
50MP (f/1.68 aperture, 82-degree FoV, 1.2um pixel size, OIS), 48MP (ultrawide, f/1.95 aperture, 125.5-degree FoV, 0.8um pixel size), 48MP (telephoto, f/2.8 aperture, 0.7um pixel size, 5x optical zoom)
50MP (f/1.9 aperture, 1.2um pixel size, OIS,), 12MP (ultrawide, f/2.2 aperture, 114-degree FoV, 1.25um pixel size), 48MP (telephoto, f/3.5 aperture, OIS, PDAF, 4x optical zoom)
– Front cameras:
10.5MP (f/2.2 aperture, 1.22um pixel size)
11.1MP (f/2.2 aperture, 1.22um pixel size)
– Battery:
5,050mAh
5,003mAh
– Charging:
30W wired, 23W wireless, reverse wireless (charger not included)
23W wired, 23W wireless, reverse wireless (charger not included)
– Dimensions (unfolded):
162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8mm
163.9 x 75.9 x 8.9mm
– Weight:
213 grams
210 grams
– Connectivity:
5G, LTE, NFC, Wi-Fi, USB Type-C, Bluetooth 5.3/5.2
– Security:
In-display fingerprint scanner (optical) & Face Unlock
– OS:
Android 14
Android 12 (upgradable to Android 14)
– Price:
$999+
$580
– Buy:
Best Buy
Amazon

Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 6 Pro: Design

The Google Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 6 Pro are not that different design-wise. The Pixel 6 Pro ushered in a new design language that Google is using to this day. You will find a camera visor on the back of both phones, but the one on the Pixel 8 Pro is covered by aluminum, not (just) glass. Both of those camera visors do protrude on the back quite a bit, and are a good anchor for your index finger.

If you prefer flat displays, you’ll like the Pixel 8 Pro more, while that phone also has uniform bezels, unlike the Pixel 6 Pro. Both smartphones do utilize a display camera hole, which is centered, while their physical buttons are also in the same spot. If you prefer flat displays, you’ll like the Pixel 8 Pro more, as the Pixel 6 Pro is properly curved. Both smartphones do offer an IP68 certification for water and dust resistance, in case you were wondering.

Now, both phones are quite large. The Pixel 8 Pro is slightly shorter, and slightly wider, while they’re about the same thickness. The Pixel 8 Pro does have a taller display aspect ratio, though. Google’s new flagship weighs 213 grams, while the Pixel 6 Pro weighs 210. So, the Pixel 8 Pro is slightly heavier, but that’s not something you’ll feel in the hand, the difference is barely there.

Both devices do feel good in the hand, and they feel like premium products. We did prefer the feel of the Pixel 8 Pro, though, mainly due to its slightly rounded corners. Also, matte black models (Obsidian and Bay Blue) look much better, and have a nicer feel to them. On top of that, they’re not magnets for fingerprints like the Pixel 6 Pro (all variants).

Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 6 Pro: Display

The Google Pixel 8 Pro has a 6.7-inch 2992 x 1344 LTPO OLED panel. That display is flat, and it has a 120Hz refresh rate (adaptive 1-120Hz). It supports HDR10+ content, and the brightness goes up to 2,400 nits. This panel has a 20:9 aspect ratio, and it’s protected by the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 from Corning.

Google Pixel 6 Pro AM AH 05 — Google Pixel 6 Pro

The Pixel 6 Pro, on the other hand, includes a 6.7-inch QHD+ (3120 x 1440) panel as well. It’s a bit different, though. This is also an LTPO AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, and it also supports HDR10+ content. This display is curved, however, and it has a 19.5:9 aspect ratio. We’re looking at a resolution of 3120 x 1440 here, this display is protected by the Gorilla Glass Victus, and its max brightness is at around 1,000 nits.

Both of these displays are really good, but the Pixel 8 Pro has the upper hand. The colors do look better on it, and it’s also more color-accurate than the Pixel 6 Pro’s panel. On top of that, the Pixel 8 Pro’s panel does get a lot brighter in comparison. You will notice that when using the phone outdoors, especially if you’re doing so in direct sunlight. On top of that, the Pixel 8 Pro’s panel also comes with better display protection.

Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 6 Pro: Performance

Google’s Tensor G3 processor fuels the Pixel 8 Pro. That is the company’s 4nm processor. The Pixel 6 Pro, on the other hand, is fueled by the original Google Tensor, a 5nm processor. The difference between them is considerable, even though the Tensor G3 is not exactly the most modern processor. Also, if you’re one of the people who had issues with signal reception on the Pixel 6 Pro, that should not be the case with the Pixel 8 Pro.

Now, during regular, everyday performance, both phones do a good job. Both of them feel quite smooth during browsing, multitasking, multimedia consumption, messaging, and anything else you can think of, basically. The Pixel 8 Pro will be more future-proof thanks to its components, however. It has a more powerful CPU, and faster RAM (LPDDR5X vs LPDDR5). It’s 12GB RAM in both cases. Both smartphones utilize UFS 3.1 flash storage, however.

When it comes to gaming, the Pixel 8 Pro does offer better performance, but it’s not a huge difference, in all honesty. If you’re playing the most demanding games the Pixel 8 Pro will be the better choice, but not the best choice on the market, not even close.

Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 6 Pro: Battery

A 5,050mAh battery sits inside the Pixel 8 Pro, while the Pixel 6 Pro includes a 5,003mAh battery pack. The difference in sheer battery size is not that big, but will you feel the difference in usage? Well, yes, at least we did. The Pixel 6 Pro had good battery at first for us, but with time, it got worse, way worse. To be quite honest, a few months ago, we had problems getting to 5 hours of screen-on-time with the device, especially on mobile data.

What about the Pixel 8 Pro? Well, the battery life on that device wasn’t the most consistent either, but it was consistently better than what we were getting on the Pixel 6 Pro. The battery life jumped between 6 and 7.5 hours of screen-on-time for us, though it was mostly around 7-7.5 hours. On one or two occasions we were able to pull out over 8 hours of screen-on-time from the device. Do note that gaming is not included in this, however, although pretty much everything else is.

When it comes to charging, the Pixel 8 Pro does have a slight advantage. It supports 30W wired, 23W wireless, and reverse wireless charging too. The Pixel 6 Pro supports 23W wired, 23W wireless, and reverse wireless charging. Now, technically, the Pixel 8 Pro has slightly faster charging, but both smartphones will take a similar time to charge, so… they’re on the same level. A charger is not included with either phone, by the way. You’ll have to get it yourself, if you don’t have one already.

Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Google Pixel 6 Pro: Cameras

The Pixel 8 Pro features a 50-megapixel main camera, a 48-megapixel ultrawide unit (126-degree FoV), and a 48-megapixel telephoto camera (5x optical zoom). The Pixel 6 Pro, on the other hand, has a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide unit (114-degree FoV), and a 48-megapixel telephoto camera (4x optical zoom). The Pixel 8 Pro does have the advantage of course, but how do they perform?

Google Pixel 8 Pro Review AM AH 30 — Google Pixel 8 Pro

First and foremost, the performance from the main camera is still excellent on the Pixel 6 Pro. The Pixel 8 Pro does provide better results in comparison, sure, but the Pixel 6 Pro is not far behind. Both smartphones handle HDR conditions like champs, and provide plenty of details in images. That goes for both day and night photos. The Pixel 8 Pro’s advantage is more noticeable in nighttime shots, though.

Now, you’ll notice more of a difference when you use the ultrawide camera. The Pixel 8 Pro’s shooter not only offers a noticeably wider field-of-view, but it also provides more detailed pictures. The phone’s telephoto camera is also more useful as it can keep great details at longer zoom ranges. It’s superior to what the Pixel 6 Pro has to offer. The video recording has also been noticeably improved. The Pixel 8 Pro is the better camera smartphone through and through.

Audio

Both devices do have stereo speakers. The loudness is very good at both, and the sound coming out of them too. The Pixel 8 Pro does have slightly better sound output, as the mids on the Pixel 6 Pro can sound a bit tinny.

There is no audio jack on either phone, but you can always utilize their Type-C ports for wired audio. If you prefer to go wireless, the Pixel 8 Pro supports Bluetooth 5.3, while the Pixel 6 Pro comes with Bluetooth 5.2.

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OnePlus Buds 3 details leak ahead of its official launch

Tech

andreasc

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November 21, 2023

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OnePlus Buds 3 details leak ahead of its official launch

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OnePlus is preparing to launch its new Buds 3 product as it has passed FCC certification. This certification gives off the earbud’s design along with that of its charging case. From the FCC certification, it becomes clear that the design of this coming pair of earbuds is quite similar to that of its predecessors.

The Buds 3 will succeed the already existing Buds 2 Pro that are available for purchase across all OnePlus official retail stores. Aside from the design of this coming product, the FCC certification also gives details on the charging case. Part of these details include the battery capacity that the charging case will pack, as well as the battery capacity of each earbud.

Also, some charging information on this product is available on the FCC certifications. These details along with the available specifications of this coming product prove that it’ll bring some upgrades in comparison with its predecessor. Here are the available specifications for this coming pair of wireless earbuds from OnePlus.

Specifications of the coming OnePlus Buds 3 wireless earbuds

While this coming pair of wireless earbuds will bring some upgrades in comparison with its predecessor, it also has some similarities. For example, both the Buds 3 and the Buds Pro 2 will launch with 48dB Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The coming Buds 3 will also feature a 10.4mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter for improvement to sound quality and delivery.

For protection, the coming earbuds will perform similarly to their predecessor. OnePlus will fortify the coming buds with IPX4 and IP55 ratings for the charging case and the earbuds respectively. This will make the Buds 3 suitable for usage in the gym or while commuting in the rain.

When it comes to connectivity, the Buds 3 will feature Bluetooth v5.3 technology. Joining this will be Google Fast Pair and dual connections, letting users connect to their smartphone and laptop at the same time. At this point, it might seem like there are no upgrades from the already existing Buds Pro 2.

Well, the upgrade is in the battery capacity of the Buds 3, which is a 525mAh cell. Each earbud will feature a 58mAh battery capacity which can last for 9 hours without ANC. The total capacity of the charging case is a slight upgrade from the Buds Pro 2’s charging case.

Netizens might expect the coming Buds 3 to launch alongside the OnePlus 12 flagship device. This might be possible, but there is no official statement pointing to that. But if this is the case, then netizens can expect to see this new pair of earbuds hit the launch stage in a few weeks.

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AI-generated FAQs might come to the Google Play Store

Android

andreasc

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November 21, 2023

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AI-generated FAQs might come to the Google Play Store

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The Play Store is the most trusted venue for Android users to get their apps and games. While Google has added a taste of AI to almost every service and app it has, the Play Store is at the back of a long queue to get more AI-driven features. At the previous Google I/O event, the tech firm announced some generative AI tools that help developers craft new Play Store listings through Google’s PaLM 2 model.

The feature helps developers write more compelling descriptions for their apps to entice more users to download them. But Google’s upcoming AI additions to the Play Store will be focused on frequently asked questions, according to AndroidPolice (via SpAndroid).

AI-generated FAQs will soon come to the Google Play Store

The teardown of Google Play Store v38.4.12 reveals that Google is working on a new feature that brings AI-generated FAQs to its app store, letting developers craft the frequently asked questions in the listings by generative AI. Yet, there’s no screenshot of how the feature works, but the strings on the Play Store code confirm it’s in the works.

The AI-generated FAQs will supposedly appear below each app and game listing. As the name implies, they answer users’ most important questions about an app or game. We might hear more about the feature in the Play Store’s upcoming updates.

The app researcher who found the feature claims AI-generated FAQs will “eventually make its way to the Play Store,” and it’s not an experimental feature. The Play Store Download Buddy underwent the same procedure, and after a year of testing, it made its first debut in September. In case you didn’t know, Download Buddy displays an app installation progress on the screen through a movable floating arrow.

Given that AI is expanding its role in Google apps and services, the Play Store could get more AI-driven features in future updates. As the platform evolves, Google also wants to ensure more quality apps are available to users. The firm has recently obligated app developers to test their apps with a group of at least 20 people for a minimum of two weeks before releasing them to the Play Store.

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The 2027 MacBook OLED models will have touchscreen displays

Tech

andreasc

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November 21, 2023

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The 2027 MacBook OLED models will have touchscreen displays

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Recent reports now claim that the 2027 MacBook OLED models will launch with touchscreen displays. A few days ago, netizens learnt that Apple is preparing to launch OLED iPad models next year. A few years after these hit the market, the tech giant will follow up with the addition of touchscreen OLED displays to all the MacBook models they offer.

By 2027 all MacBook models will start using impressive OLED display technology. This means that both the Pro and Air models will join the OLED party, but the Pros might step up the quality of their OLED screens. If all reports on this matter are accurate, then netizens should expect all MacBook models to feature OLED display panels by the year 2027.

New reports also claim that at this time Apple will be bringing touchscreen displays to their OLED MacBook models. This is a welcomed improvement as the company will be dropping the Liquid Retina XDR display. Information on the touchscreen display that might arrive on these MacBooks has already hit the internet.

Details on the touchscreen display that’ll be available on 2027 MacBook OLED models

The news that Apple is preparing to launch the OLED iPads is a bit older than that of the coming touchscreen MacBook displays. However, both work hand in hand and will hit the launch stage around the same time on all iPad and MacBook models. Already the details on the screen and the models they’ll come on are available on the Internet.

According to the reports from Tech Reve the MacBook Pro and Air models will all get touchscreen displays by 2027. There will be two major suppliers for this touchscreen display that will be in use on Apple 2027 MacBook models. One supplier will be Samsung and the other supplier will be LG, these two are constant display suppliers from Apple devices.

The display-integrated touch technology that’ll come from Samsung is the “Y-OCTA.” That to come from LG is the “Touch On Encapsulation (TOE).” There is a chance that the display from Samsung will be in use on the MacBook Air models and that from LG will be on the Pro models.

The reason behind this is that Samsung might not supply the OLED panel for use on the iPad Pro models by 2027. This might also carry along to the MacBook Pro models as well. LG Display might be tasked with the responsibility of supplying the OLED touchscreen panels for the 2027 MacBook Pro models.

Both panels from Samsung and LG will feature new technology that’ll help to keep costs down. In a few years, netizens will see the first MacBooks to launch using OLED touchscreen technology. However, the introduction of OLED screens on Apple larger screen products will start next year with the iPad Pro models.

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You will soon get an easy-to-access “unsubscribe” button in Gmail for Android

Apps

andreasc

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November 20, 2023

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You will soon get an easy-to-access “unsubscribe” button in Gmail for Android

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Google is testing a feature on the latest version of the Android Gmail app which has been available via the web for some time now: the ability to easily unsubscribe from promotional bulk email senders via a quick button. Once live, this will allow you to easily remove yourself from these lists without having to hunt for the “unsubscribe” link that is usually placed at the bottom of such emails.

The unsubscribe button has been part of the Gmail web experience for a while, appearing on top of emails and making it easier for users to find and unsubscribe from unwanted emails. There are times when this button will take you straight to the sender’s website where you can then unsubscribe, but oftentimes, it works automatically and provides a confirmation.

However, this had not been the case on the Gmail mobile app, where options for blocking and reporting spam are currently available but hidden inside the 3-dot menu. The lack of this easy-to-access button forces users of the Android mobile app to scroll down through the email itself to find the unsubscribe link to click on. This, of course, requires a little more time and effort from the user, as these links are usually inconveniently placed in a very small font.

Unsubscribe button in the newest Gmail for Android app | Source – TheSpAndroid

The new button was spotted by AssembleDebug from TheSpAndroid in version 2023.11.12 of the Gmail app, which is currently not live for all users. Furthermore, even on this newer version of Gmail, a hidden flag had to be enabled in order to make the feature work. This usually means that the feature is not yet ready for prime time.

The introduction of this feature on the Gmail Android app — whenever it does get widely rolled out — is likely the product of the work Google has been doing to force bulk email senders to give you an easy way out. According to new guidelines that Google set earlier this year, commercial emails will have to have a one-click unsubscribe button that’s clearly visible in the message, and the process to unsubscribe will have to be completed within two days.

Based on this, it appears that Google is taking this one step further by implementing its own solution to making the unsub option a bit clearer for users. I can see this being a huge time-saver for those that like to triage their email feed before starting their workday and would appreciate having a fast and easy way to unsubscribe to those pesky email lists.

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Scattered Spider ransomware gang falls under government agency scrutiny

Malware

andreasc

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November 20, 2023

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Scattered Spider ransomware gang falls under government agency scrutiny

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As you may have read in our November Ransomware Review, Scattered Spider is a relatively new, albeit dangerous, ransomware gang who made headlines in September for attacking MGM Resorts and Caesar Entertainment. For small security teams, one of the most important findings about the group is their use of Living Of The Land (LOTL) techniques to avoid detection: Scattered Spider aka Octo Tempest employs everyday tools like PowerShell for reconnaissance and stealthily alters network settings to bypass security measures. They also exploit identity providers and modify security systems, blending their malicious activities with normal network operations.

In a joint cybersecurity advisory (CSA) on Tuesday, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provided detailed information about the techniques leveraged by Scattered Spider. The advisory was issued in response to the recent activity by Scattered Spider against the commercial facilities sector and subsectors.

CISA and the FBI consider Scattered Spider to be experts that use multiple social engineering techniques, especially phishing, push bombing, and SIM swap attacks, to obtain credentials, install remote access tools, and bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Push bombing is a targeted MFA attack in which an attacker triggers multiple login attempts against the target’s single-sign-on (SSO) portal or publicly exposed corporate apps and services. The objective is that the target will grow tired of the notifications or make a mistake and allow the access.

SIM swapping, also known as SIM jacking, is the act of illegally taking over a target’s cell phone number. This can be done in a number of ways, but one of the most common methods involves tricking the target’s phone carrier into porting the phone number to a new SIM under the control of the attacker.

Scattered Spider is a group that typically targets large companies and their contracted information technology (IT) help desks. To lend credibility to their phishing mails they often register domains like victimname-sso[.]com, victimname-servicedesk[.]com or victimname-okta[.]com.

Once the groups establish access, Scattered Spider often searches the victim’s Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft Exchange online for emails or conversations regarding the intrusion, along with any security response to see if their attack has been discovered.

The advisory describes how elaborate these efforts can be:

“The threat actors frequently join incident remediation and response calls and teleconferences, likely to identify how security teams are hunting them and proactively develop new avenues of intrusion in response to victim defenses.”

According to several sources, Scattered Spider has a relationship to ALPHV/BlackCat and has recently started using their ransomware for data exfiltration and file encryption.

The FBI seemingly struggles to arrest group members, even though they’re believed to be based in the US and other Western countries, because victims don’t come forward and share details about their incidents. For that reason, the FBI and CISA have urged victim organizations to share information about attacks with the agencies.

Another initiative that may hinder Scattered Spider’s tactics is the fact that the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted new rules to protect US consumers from SIM-swapping attacks and port-out scams. These new rules require US wireless providers to use secure methods of authenticating a customer when they request porting a SIM card to a new device or their phone number to a new carrier.

How to avoid ransomware

Block common forms of entry. Create a plan for patching vulnerabilities in internet-facing systems quickly; and disable or harden remote access like RDP and VPNs.
Prevent intrusions. Stop threats early before they can even infiltrate or infect your endpoints. Use endpoint security software that can prevent exploits and malware used to deliver ransomware.
Detect intrusions. Make it harder for intruders to operate inside your organization by segmenting networks and assigning access rights prudently. Use EDR or MDR to detect unusual activity before an attack occurs.
Stop malicious encryption. Deploy Endpoint Detection and Response software like Malwarebytes EDR that uses multiple different detection techniques to identify ransomware, and ransomware rollback to restore damaged system files.
Create offsite, offline backups. Keep backups offsite and offline, beyond the reach of attackers. Test them regularly to make sure you can restore essential business functions swiftly.
Don’t get attacked twice. Once you’ve isolated the outbreak and stopped the first attack, you must remove every trace of the attackers, their malware, their tools, and their methods of entry, to avoid being attacked again.

Our business solutions remove all remnants of ransomware and prevent you from getting reinfected. Want to learn more about how we can help protect your business? Get a free trial below.

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Octo is a banking trojan terrorizing Australian Android users

Android

andreasc

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November 20, 2023

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Octo is a banking trojan terrorizing Australian Android users

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In Australia, a sophisticated Android banking trojan called Octo poses a severe cyber threat. Using various distribution methods, Octo has successfully targeted hundreds of Australians across more than 15 major banks. This trojan mimics legitimate bank login fields, luring users into entering their credentials on fake pages. By submitting their information, users are inadvertently granting access to their sensitive banking information to the threat actor.

Octo made its debut in January 2022, with its origins attributed to a threat actor known as “Architect,” presumed to be of Russian descent. The trojan shares striking similarities with another malware, ExobotCompact, raising suspicions that Architect either rebranded or is the mastermind behind both.

The trojan has historically gained initial access through the Google Play Store or via smishing campaigns. Smishing refers to the practice of sending SMS phishing messages that impersonate legitimate entities. Moreover, it is a cyber-attack that aims to steal sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details. Octo’s primary targets are Android phones, including popular brands like Samsung and Google. Threat Fabric’s senior analyst, Dario Durando, uncovered a malicious campaign of Octo posing as a Google Chrome mobile browser update. This specific campaign resulted in at least 900 individuals downloading Octo. He claims that Octo is being rented out as malware-as-a-service, with individual threat actors using it to distribute malware.

Octo, a stealthy Android trojan, threatens users with sophisticated banking attacks

Octo proves to be a highly complex and dangerous malware strain, using various attack methods such as intercepting text messages, harvesting contacts, and even recording calls. The trojan’s capabilities extend to keylogging, overlay attacks, and resilience against uninstallation attempts. The threat actor behind Octo’s distribution in Australia operates a sophisticated overlay attack.

Dario Durando’s findings revealed the alarming ease with which users unknowingly downloaded Octo through a fake Google Chrome mobile browser update. After gaining access to the victim’s device, the Trojan executed a banking login overlay attack, a form of phishing. Once submitted, this attack successfully stole the user’s login credentials. Operating discreetly in the background, Octo proceeded to steal cookies, log keystrokes, uninstall apps, and intercept notifications, underscoring Octo’s comprehensive and intrusive capabilities.

Australia’s vulnerability to such cyber threats is exacerbated by a significant surge in scams. Reports show an 80% increase in 2022 compared to the previous year. Phishing alone accounted for approximately 25 million incidents. Stephanie Tonkin from the Consumer Action Law Centre highlighted the nation’s susceptibility to cyber threats, citing a lack of robust laws and systems to counteract scams.

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Apple’s Head of Security Engineering opposes sideloaded apps

Tech

andreasc

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November 20, 2023

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In the ongoing debate over sideloading apps, Apple’s Head of Security Engineering and Architecture, Ivan Krstic, has shared his perspective. The European Union has taken a significant step by signing the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a move that, if approved, would force Apple to allow sideloaded apps. While some argue that sideloading apps could break Apple’s monopoly, providing users with more freedom and promoting a diverse app ecosystem, Krstic presents a contrary viewpoint.

The Digital Markets Act, introduced in the European Union, identifies major online “gatekeepers.” Gatekeepers meeting specific criteria must comply with rules that promote a fair business environment, encourage innovation, and benefit consumers. Compliance involves allowing third-party access and avoiding unfair practices, with penalties for non-compliance. In this context, Apple needs to adjust its app store practices to align with these rules, should the DMA be approved.

If Apple allowed sideloading, users could download third-party apps directly to their iPhones from any website. The European Commission argues that this step is necessary for fair competition, providing users with greater options in choosing and obtaining their preferred apps.

Apple faces debate over sideloaded apps, impacting user choice and security

However, Krstic challenges this notion by saying:

“That’s a great misunderstanding – and one we have tried to explain over and over. The reality of what the alternative distribution requirements enable is that software that users in Europe need to use – sometimes business software, other times personal software, social software, things that they want to use – may only be available outside of the store, alternatively distributed.”

“In that case, those users don’t have a choice to get that software from a distribution mechanism that they trust. And so, in fact, it is simply not the case that users will retain the choice they have today to get all of their software from the App Store.”

Krstić argues that Apple allowing sideloaded apps would compel European users to seek essential software from sources other than the App Store for business, personal, or social use. This would deprive users of the convenience of accessing trusted distribution channels and could potentially damage their confidence in the safety of the apps they download.

The controversy surrounding sideloading apps revolves around a dual concern. On one side, there are privacy issues, as users could face potential security risks when downloading third-party apps. Conversely, there are worries about monopolistic practices and the decline of user freedom.

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A Gmail Unsubscribe button is coming for Android users soon

Android

andreasc

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November 20, 2023

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Android users are now noticing a Gmail Unsubscribe button that might be arriving for their usage. This new button will help users to unsubscribe from emails or newsletters that they have no business with. Currently, if Gmail users want to unsubscribe from an email channel, they need to scroll to the bottom of the interface and find the unsubscribe button.

By making the button more obvious and in reach, Google is helping users unclutter their space faster than ever before. Previously, Google brought this unsubscribe option to users who weren’t opening emails for specific senders. Now the tech giant seems to be working on this tool to make it always available for users to access and get rid of bugging emails.

This button is already undergoing development and has been spotted by some who are familiar with this matter. From the available details, it is clear the position where this button will sit and how it’ll function. If you’re tired of getting emails from various businesses because you unknowingly signed up for their newsletter or emails, this feature will be handy for you.

You’ll soon be able to unsubscribe from annoying emails with the coming Gmail Unsubscribe button

You will probably agree that you have a ton of emails in your Gmail inbox that you have no business with. These emails come as a result of signing up to websites in a bid to access the services they offer. After making use of these services, you are often stuck with the annoying emails that they send out to their subscribers.

This is very annoying and most people resort to unsubscribing from these emails when they’ve had enough. However, to unsubscribe from these services one needs to scroll to the bottom of the email page. Here the tiny unsubscribe button sits, and most users might have a hard time locating it.

All of this is coming to an end as Google is now working on a large unsubscribe button. This new button will sit on the top right-hand side of the email interface, just next to the sender’s name. By tapping on this button, users will be able to head over to the sender’s website and unsubscribe from their emails.

At the moment, this feature is in development, with just a few Gmail users having access to it. However, Google is working to make it readily available to more users in the coming weeks. Users will be able to get access to this coming feature via an update to the Gmail app that’ll soon roll out globally.

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Sundar Pichai advises not to sideload apps, stick to Play Store

Android

andreasc

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November 20, 2023

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Sundar Pichai advises not to sideload apps, stick to Play Store

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Sideloading has been a trending topic lately. While Android had it since its inception, Apple is being forced to allow third-party apps and app stores. However, Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s remark hints that he doesn’t like sideloading apps from third-party stores either.

Sundar Pichai advises against sideloading apps

Google is currently embroiled in a legal battle with Epic Games over its app store practices. During a recent court hearing, Google boss Sundar Pichai expressed his concerns about sideloading apps.

Sundar Pichai has warned against sideloading, citing the potential security risks involved. He stated that sideloading could expose users to malware. “We don’t want to allow you to completely compromise your phone. It can install malware on your phone. It can compromise your safety, very significantly.” These comments appear to clash with Android’s open-source philosophy.

Google’s recent move to scan sideloaded apps for malware raises concerns. The Play Store’s new update scans third-party apps installed on your devices. It increases the company’s control over app distribution on Android.

While Google claims its Play Store offers the best security for users, a recent Kaspersky report found that over 600 million malicious apps were downloaded from the Play Store in 2023 alone. It is worth mentioning that Play Store has quite a history of delisting apps several times every once in a span.

All of this suggests that Google is tightening its grip on the Android app ecosystem. The ongoing legal battle with Epic Games is likely to further shape the future of app distribution on Android.

Google rival Apple to allow sideloading apps on iPhone

The EU’s Digital Markets Act will likely force Apple to allow sideloading apps into the iPhone. Folks at Phone Arena have drawn a parallel between sideloading and the introduction of RCS in iPhone. Apple may allow sideloading apps on iPhone, maybe by 2024. However, it will be limited to EU users.

Apple has never allowed sideloading because it poses a risk to users and the data on their devices. This was also the late Steve Jobs’ vision to keep users safe. However, how Apple or its users will address this issue will likely become clear in the coming days.

Android users, on the other hand, have always had the flexibility to install apps from either the Play Store or third-party sources. Pichai’s statements will likely draw attention and elicit mixed reactions from users and developers.

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