lock screen Archives

AppWizard

October 31, 2024

How to Supercharge Gemini App Usage on Foldables and Tablets

The Gemini app has been enhanced since its launch on Android, with updates improving its functionality for foldable phones and tablets. The app supports both cover and main screens, allowing users to switch view modes and minimize it. On the main screen, users can initiate Gemini with voice commands or gestures, reposition it, and use split-screen mode. The cover screen offers similar functionality, though split-screen support is limited. Gemini is compatible with various Android foldable devices, and there is potential for future support on standard smartphones.

Winsage

October 30, 2024

5 reasons I’m never upgrading to Windows 11

Over seven years have passed since the installation of Windows 10, which began with a gaming PC using AMD's Ryzen CPUs and a GTX 1050 Ti. Many users feel upgrading to Windows 11 is unnecessary due to a strong attachment to Windows 10. Windows 11 has been criticized for its pervasive ads, privacy issues, and the integration of Copilot+ features that have not significantly improved the user experience. Current Windows 11 users report dissatisfaction with unexpected functionality, compatibility issues, and frequent updates introducing new bugs. Complaints about driver compatibility and blue screens of death (BSOD) are common. The latest 24H2 update has also caused problems, prompting user frustrations. A brief experience with Windows 11 revealed issues like changes in the Start menu, missing context menu options, and the presence of bloatware. Concerns about future bugs, particularly related to specific WD SSDs, contribute to reluctance in upgrading. Users appreciate the familiarity and efficiency of Windows 10, with its intuitive Start menu, accessible settings, and absence of forced Microsoft account usage. As Windows 10's lifespan decreases, many users are cautious about navigating Windows 11, weighing risks against potential rewards.

AppWizard

October 27, 2024

How to use the new Private Space feature in Android 15

Android 15 introduces a feature called Private Space, which enhances user privacy by creating a secure environment for selected applications. It acts as a vault to protect sensitive apps from unauthorized access, adding an extra layer of security beyond the primary lock screen. To set up Private Space, users navigate to Settings > Security and privacy > Private space, review the feature overview, and tap Set up. They can choose to use a different Google account or create a new one, set a new lock method, and finalize the setup. Google apps like Chrome and Photos are pre-installed in the private space. Accessing Private Space involves scrolling to the bottom of the app drawer, tapping the padlock icon, and authenticating via biometric or PIN. Users can add or uninstall apps easily, and notifications from apps in Private Space only appear when it is unlocked. The space remains accessible until locked again, and users can configure it to lock automatically under certain conditions. Additional configuration options include changing the lock method, setting automatic lock conditions, hiding the private space from the app drawer, and deleting the private space while keeping cloud-synced data intact. Transferring Private Space to a new device is not supported, requiring users to start anew, although they can sign in with the same Google account to restore data from certain apps.

AppWizard

October 22, 2024

Here’s how Android 15 protects your two-factor authentication codes from malicious apps

Android 15 introduces enhanced security for notifications containing two-factor authentication codes by classifying them as "sensitive." Only trusted applications, which must have the RECEIVESENSITIVENOTIFICATIONS permission, can access these notifications, preventing untrusted apps from reading them. The Android System Intelligence (ASI) processes notifications and marks those with sensitive content, ensuring untrusted apps receive a notification stating, “sensitive notification content hidden.” This change aims to improve security against hacking attempts but may disrupt automation tools that read notifications. Workarounds exist to restore previous functionality, but they pose potential security risks.

AppWizard

October 19, 2024

I just updated to Android 15: Here are 9 features you should check out

Android 15 was launched alongside Google's latest flagship smartphones, introducing several new features. Key enhancements include: - One-tap Passkey: Simplifies login to Passkey-enabled accounts with a single tap. - Manually Enable Astrophotography: Users can now manually activate Astrophotography mode for better night sky photography. - Home Controls on the Lock Screen: Provides easy access to Google Home toggles and customizable smart home management. - Pin the Taskbar: Allows users of tablets and foldable phones to pin the Taskbar for improved multitasking. - Go from the Big Screen to the Small Screen: Enables seamless transitions between the inner and cover screens of foldable devices. - Keeping Apps Together: Introduces App Pairs for running two apps side-by-side and saving app combinations. - More Gemini Improvements: Enhances integration between apps, allowing questions about items in the Pixel Screenshots app. - Quickly Switch Between Bluetooth Devices: Updates Quick Settings for easier selection of Bluetooth devices.

Tech Optimizer

October 18, 2024

How to secure your devices: Updates, antivirus and mobile protection

Safeguarding devices against cyber threats is essential due to the sensitive personal and financial information they contain. Key security measures include regular software updates, robust antivirus solutions, and protective strategies for mobile devices. To update software and operating systems, users can enable automatic updates in Windows by navigating to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and turning on “Automatic Updates.” For macOS, users can go to System Preferences > Software Update and check the box for “Automatically keep my Mac up to date.” Manual checks for updates can be done in both systems through their respective update settings. Antivirus software targets traditional viruses, while anti-malware addresses a wider range of threats. When choosing security software, consider detection rates, system impact, and user interface. Regular scans can be scheduled through the antivirus software's dashboard, and both automatic updates and manual checks should be performed to ensure the latest virus definitions are used. For mobile device security, setting up screen locks is crucial. Android users can set this up in Settings > Security, while iOS users can do so in Settings > Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode. Managing app permissions and keeping apps updated are also important for privacy and security. Users should regularly review app permissions and enable automatic updates in their app store settings. To protect against lost or stolen devices, users should activate the “Find My Device/App” feature available on both Android and iOS platforms, allowing them to track, lock, or erase their device remotely.

Winsage

October 9, 2024

This month’s Patch Tuesday finally adds a reverse mouse scrolling option

On the second Tuesday of October, Patch Tuesday updates are released for all supported versions of Windows, including significant updates for Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 24H2. The update (KB5044284) for Windows 11 version 24H2 introduces the ability to change the scrolling direction for mice, a feature previously available only for laptop touchpads. Other enhancements include a revamped user interface for media controls on the lock screen, a more accessible Sign out button in the Start menu, and the capability to share local files directly from Windows Search results. New features in the updates include an energy recommendation feature for HDR devices, a notification prompting users to plug in devices at 20% battery, a redesigned Start menu for easier account switching, and improved media controls on the lock screen. Windows 11 version 23H2 also receives similar updates, including the ability to adjust mouse scrolling direction and enhancements to media controls and file-sharing capabilities. Older versions of Windows, such as Windows 10 version 22H2 and 21H2, receive updates focusing on fixes and improvements, including changes to the Start menu and potential issues with media playback in Microsoft Edge's IE mode. All updates are mandatory for supported devices.

AppWizard

October 9, 2024

Android 16 could let you put ANY app in a floating bubble — here’s a first look

Google is developing a new feature for Android that allows users to place any app in a floating bubble, enhancing multitasking capabilities. This feature, referred to as "bubble anything," was discovered in the Android 15 QPR1 beta and can be activated through a new “bubble” button in the app's context menu. It aims to improve multitasking, especially on Android tablets, and may be included in the upcoming Android 16 release. The existing bubbles API, introduced in Android 11, has seen limited adoption primarily for messaging apps, but the new feature could expand its use across various applications.

AppWizard

October 9, 2024

Google testing recent apps on the taskbar for Android tablets and foldables

In 2022, Google introduced a taskbar in Android 12L for tablets and larger screens, allowing access to six pinned apps and two suggested ones. Investigations suggest that upcoming updates in Android QPR Beta 2 may redesign the taskbar to replace suggested apps with recently used apps, similar to features in devices from Samsung and OnePlus. The timeline for this update is uncertain, and it is unclear if it will be included in Android 15. Currently, the feature is not activated, and there is no official announcement regarding its public availability. Additionally, Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 is rumored to introduce features like quick keyword switching and lock screen widgets, which are still in testing.

AppWizard

October 8, 2024

Google’s theft protection features for Android spotted in global rollout

Google is rolling out new security features for Android devices under the brand "Theft Detection" to enhance user data protection against device theft. Key features include: 1. Theft Detection Lock: An AI-powered lock screen that detects suspicious motion resembling theft and automatically locks the phone. 2. Remote Lock: Allows users to lock their devices remotely by providing their phone number and completing a security challenge; compatible with Android 10 and newer. 3. Offline Lock: Secures the device against unauthorized access if taken offline for an extended period, locking out thieves who attempt to disable connectivity. These features were first mentioned at Google’s I/O 2024 event and are being rolled out globally, with reports from users in various countries. Additionally, Google is developing "Private Spaces" for Android 15, allowing users to create secure areas for sensitive apps, and exploring enhancements for one-time password protection and Restricted Settings.