location tracking Archives

Winsage

February 21, 2025

Microsoft trims File Explorer’s Recent, Favorites, and Recommended content in Europe

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 24H2 Preview Build 26120.3281 in the Dev and Beta channels. This update removes several features from File Explorer, including the Recent, Favorites, and Recommended content sections, as well as the Details Pane, to comply with the EU's GDPR. The change primarily affects Entra ID users in the European Economic Area. The update also addresses the Location API, previously used by Cortana, which is now deemed unnecessary following Cortana's discontinuation. Microsoft has not clarified whether location data will still be stored online. These updates are currently in Preview and may not be included in the final version. Past updates have caused issues, such as disrupting sound output and making File Explorer unusable.

AppWizard

February 11, 2025

This app lets you use Samsung’s tracker tags with any Android phone

A new application named uTag allows the integration of Samsung SmartTags with any Android device. The app is free but requires a modified version of Samsung’s SmartThings app to function. uTag enables users to set up a new Galaxy SmartTag2, view its location in real-time, ring the tag, customize its ringtone, and alter button behavior. It provides notifications for unknown SmartTags, alerts when a tag is found or left behind, and allows sharing tags with family members. The app supports precision finding on devices with ultra-wideband (UWB) technology and includes features like widgets for tag locations, offline location viewing, biometric security options, and location history exporting. Users can contribute to the location data of nearby SmartTags. To use uTag, users must install a patched version of the SmartThings app, which the uTag app facilitates during setup. Users need to log into their Samsung account twice. The developer has made uTag open source for verification of its legitimacy. Initial user experiences have been positive, and the app is available for download on GitHub, compatible with Android devices running version 11 or later. Root access is not required, but rooted devices can use an Xposed module for live-patching the SmartThings app.

Winsage

December 14, 2024

6 ways Windows 11 tracks your personal data and how to opt out

Windows 11 collects a significant amount of data, raising privacy concerns for some users. Essential data collection includes device models and diagnostic information, while a considerable portion is optional, allowing users to opt out. Windows 11 tracks browsing history only when using Microsoft Edge and logged into a Microsoft account, but does not track history on third-party browsers. Users can prevent this tracking by adjusting settings in Privacy & security. The operating system monitors connected devices, collecting information such as device names and network details. This tracking can also be disabled through the same settings. Location tracking is utilized by various apps and services, with users able to revoke permissions in Privacy & security settings. Windows 11 gathers data on app usage, including frequency and duration, which can be disabled through optional diagnostic data settings. The OS collects information about installed software to enhance diagnostics and performance, with users able to limit this collection in settings. Voice data is collected for voice recognition features, but this can be turned off in Privacy & Security settings, although it may limit access to certain apps.

AppWizard

September 18, 2024

Popular Android apps ask for too many dangerous permissions

A recent investigation by Cybernews analyzed 50 widely-used Android applications, revealing that the MyJio app requests the most permissions at 29, followed by WhatsApp with 26, Google Messages and WhatsApp Business with 23 each, and Facebook and Instagram with 22 and 19 permissions, respectively. In contrast, gaming apps like Among Us require no permissions, while Candy Crush Saga and 8 Ball Pool ask for only 1 or 2. Communication apps average nearly 19 permissions, social apps 17.2, and shopping apps like AliExpress average 13.4. A total of 40 apps request permission to write files, and 34 seek to read from external storage. Camera and audio recording permissions are requested by 33 apps, while 27 apps seek the "Get accounts" permission. Additionally, 26 apps track users' precise locations, and the same number request access to read contacts. Lastly, 22 apps request permission to read the phone state.

AppWizard

August 8, 2024

Moto Tag is the first Find My Device Android tracker that asks for its own app

Google's Find My Device network is evolving with the introduction of the Moto Tag, the first Ultra-Wideband (UWB) tracker for this network. The Moto Tag requires users to download a dedicated app, unlike other Find My Device trackers such as Chipolo and Pebblebee, which work directly through the existing Find My Device app. The Moto Tag app allows users to pair the tracker, play sounds, and access location tracking features. A notable feature is the ability to find a misplaced phone by double-tapping the tracker’s button, which triggers a sound on the phone if it is within Bluetooth range. While the Moto Tag app enhances user experience with firmware updates and phone-locating capabilities, it introduces a complication by requiring an additional app, which may frustrate users who prefer a streamlined solution.

Winsage

July 12, 2024

How to Opt out of Windows 11 to Stop It From Collecting Your Data

- Microsoft categorizes some data as "required" for essential functions like system updates, security, and basic functionality, and there is no way to opt-out of this specific data collection. - A significant portion of Windows 11 data collection falls under the "optional" category, and features that require specific data to function can be disabled. - Different types of optional data include browsing history and search terms, connected devices and usage tracking, inking, typing, and voice input, product and service performance & usage, software setup and inventory, and location tracking. - Users can access a detailed report of the data collected by Windows 11 and manage their data settings to reclaim privacy and control over their Windows 11 experience.

Winsage

July 11, 2024

7 ways Windows 11 collects your data — and how to opt out

Microsoft collects required data for Windows operation, including basic details of the device and diagnostic data for system failures. Optional data collected includes browsing history, connected devices, inking and typing, product and service performance, product and service usage, software setup and inventory, and location. Users can opt out of optional data collection by navigating to Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback and toggling the relevant options to Off. To view the data collected by Windows 11, users can install the Diagnostic Data Viewer app from the Microsoft Store.

BetaBeacon

June 26, 2024

How to Avoid Nudity in Google Play Games on Android | Cellular Insider

Google Play uses content ratings to help users understand the suitability of apps for different age groups. The ratings include ALL, 12+, 15+, and 18+. Apps rated 18+ are meant for adults due to mature themes such as graphic violence, explicit sexual content, or strong language. Parents and guardians need to be aware of these ratings to ensure kids don’t stumble upon inappropriate content.

Tech Optimizer

June 13, 2024

Infostealers spread via fraudulent antivirus sites

Fake websites posing as legitimate antivirus software providers are distributing information-stealing malware, including SpyNote, StealC, Lumma, and AMCoreDat.exe. Kaspersky notes the growing prevalence of information-stealing malware, indicating a criminal market demand for such tools.

AppWizard

June 9, 2024

Find My Android: Track Your Lost Phone

"Find My Android" is a feature designed to help locate lost or stolen Android devices. It has evolved to include advanced functionalities like remote locking and data erasure. The feature accurately identifies a device's location using GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks. It also integrates with other Google services to improve device security and tracking capabilities.