facial recognition Archives

Tech Optimizer

December 26, 2025

How to Protect Your Phone From Malware Without Antivirus Apps – Innovation Village | Technology, Product Reviews, Business

Smartphones store sensitive information and users often hesitate to use antivirus software due to performance, storage, or subscription concerns. Effective strategies to protect devices from malware without third-party antivirus include: 1. Keep your phone updated with the latest operating system and app updates. 2. Download apps only from trusted sources like official app stores. 3. Manage app permissions by reviewing and denying unnecessary access. 4. Avoid clicking suspicious links in emails, messages, or social media. 5. Use strong passwords and biometric authentication. 6. Enable built-in security features like Google Play Protect for Android and sandboxing for iOS. 7. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities; consider using a VPN if necessary. 8. Regularly back up your data to prevent loss from malware infections.

AppWizard

December 11, 2025

Android 17 will boost Xiaomi’s app lock security to a new level

Android 17 introduces a system app locking feature, enhancing mobile security with a new permission structure called LOCK_APPS, allowing only system apps and designated launchers to execute this functionality. This feature utilizes the Biometric Prompt API for user authentication via fingerprint, facial recognition, or PIN. Users can lock or unlock apps by long-pressing the app icon on the launcher, which sends a SETAPPLOCK request to Android's core security service. The app lock will only be available on handheld devices, excluding Android Automotive, Wear OS, and Android TV. The feature is expected to debut later in the rollout of Android 17, benefiting Xiaomi devices and HyperOS.

AppWizard

December 11, 2025

Samsung Might Finally Bring App Lock in One UI 9 (Android 17)

Samsung is developing a native App Lock feature for its upcoming One UI 9, based on Android 17, as indicated by the Android Canary 2512 build. This feature aims to allow users to lock individual applications directly, eliminating the need for the Secure Folder. An App Lock API and a new permission labeled LOCK_APPS have been identified in the Canary build, although the feature is currently disabled and in early development. Samsung has previously experimented with a similar solution in One UI 8.5, which allowed individual app locks using various security methods.

AppWizard

December 10, 2025

Pixel Users Will Get Native App Lock With Android 17

Google is developing a system-level App Lock feature for Android 17, allowing Pixel users to secure individual applications with biometrics or a PIN. Recent Android Canary builds reveal a new API for integrating this feature into the default home screen launcher. This built-in App Lock aims to enhance user privacy by providing a straightforward way to protect sensitive apps without relying on third-party solutions. The implementation will allow users to long-press an app icon to lock it, with authentication options through Android’s BiometricPrompt. The feature is currently in early stages, with flags governing it still disabled. Android 17 is expected to be the earliest release for this feature. Unlike Android's Private Space, which isolates apps in a separate profile, the App Lock will allow easier access to frequently used applications. A system-level App Lock would offer stronger protection than third-party app lockers and align Pixel devices with OEM skins that already provide similar functionalities. Key questions remain regarding notification management and enterprise scenarios as the feature approaches release.

AppWizard

November 20, 2025

Celebs – Celebrity Look Alike For Android

The Celebs – Celebrity Look Alike app, developed by Sociaaal LLC, allows users to find their celebrity doppelgängers by taking a photo and receiving instant comparisons to thousands of celebrities. The app features a user-friendly interface, enhanced accuracy and speed, and is accessible for all ages. Key features include a celebrity match generator, social media integration for sharing results on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, and unlimited comparisons with different photos. The app operates securely on users' devices without using AI facial recognition technology, ensuring privacy. It is available for free, has over a million downloads, and holds a rating of 4.1 stars.

Winsage

October 14, 2025

Microsoft previews People grouping in OneDrive photos

Microsoft is introducing an AI-driven feature in OneDrive that allows users to group photos based on recognized faces. Currently in a mobile preview for select users, the feature requires manual identification of faces and has limitations on user control, allowing toggling of the People section only three times a year. Microsoft has not clarified the reasoning behind this limitation. The company acknowledges that certain regions require user consent for photo processing, which may lead to regulatory scrutiny. If users disable the facial grouping feature, associated data will be erased within 30 days. Microsoft claims it does not use facial scans or biometric data for AI training, but concerns about privacy remain.

Tech Optimizer

October 9, 2025

Business security worries during the move to Windows 11?

Windows 11 will replace Windows 10 on October 14th and is designed with enhanced security features, making it the most secure operating system to date. It requires a motherboard and CPU that support Secure Boot to protect against malicious code during startup. The operating system integrates artificial intelligence within its Windows Security suite for improved threat detection and data protection. Key components include Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which offers real-time alerts and a centralized command center, and Windows Defender SmartScreen, which analyzes potential threats from websites and downloads. Additional security features include Windows Firewall, Bluetooth Protection, Secure Wi-Fi, and enhanced VPN functionality. Windows 11 also focuses on identity security with biometric access through Windows Hello and multifactor authentication via Microsoft Authenticator. The operating system is linked to Microsoft Accounts for centralized data management and includes a Find My Device feature for locating or locking stolen PCs. RCT Cloud is a recommended vendor for assistance with the Windows 11 upgrade, providing Microsoft licenses and support.

Winsage

October 2, 2025

Why I don’t use Windows Hello, even though it’s more secure

Windows Hello is a biometric authentication feature in Windows 10 and 11 that uses facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. The author prefers using a PIN for several reasons: 1. Windows Hello is perceived as slower than entering a PIN, with frequent delays in recognition. 2. The facial recognition feature is not reliable, struggling under certain lighting conditions or when the user wears a hat. 3. User experience varies significantly across different hardware, with older devices performing poorly compared to newer ones. 4. The author feels more comfortable with the familiar method of using a PIN, having used traditional passwords for years. Despite these concerns, the author is optimistic about future improvements to Windows Hello, anticipating advancements in technology and AI that could enhance its performance and reliability.

Winsage

September 24, 2025

It took a year, but Microsoft finally squashed this major Windows 11 24H2 bug

Microsoft released a patch on September 18, 2025, for Windows 11 24H2 that resolves a significant glitch preventing users from utilizing facial recognition through the integrated camera. This issue had been reported nearly a year prior and had blocked affected devices from receiving the Windows 11 24H2 update. With the fix, eligible devices can now install the update via the Windows Update channel, although it may take up to 48 hours for the update to become available. Microsoft is also addressing three remaining issues in Windows 11 24H2: problems with certain Digital TV and Blu-Ray/DVD applications, a blue or black screen error linked to the sprotect.sys driver, and incompatibility with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers. Meanwhile, Windows 11 25H2 is set to launch in October 2025, with a smaller installation package and a similar update process to previous versions.

Winsage

September 23, 2025

Microsoft lifts Windows 11 update block after face detection fix

Microsoft has lifted a compatibility hold that previously prevented devices with integrated cameras from upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 due to a face detection bug causing app freezes. The hold, identified by safeguard ID: 53340062, was implemented to protect users from these issues. With the bug resolved, eligible devices can now upgrade through the Windows Update release channel, although it may take up to 48 hours for the update to be available. Microsoft also removed another safeguard hold affecting Bluetooth devices. Some compatibility blocks remain for devices using specific software and drivers. Windows 11 24H2 was officially launched in October 2024 for devices running Windows 11 22H2/23H2.