safety features Archives

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

Meta adds new age-based restrictions to Facebook, Messenger to curb…

Meta has introduced "Teen Accounts" on Facebook and Messenger, automatically enrolling users under 18 to enhance their safety. Key restrictions include limiting messages to individuals teens follow or have interacted with, ensuring only friends can view and respond to their stories. Additionally, teens will receive notifications to log off after one hour of screen time, and apps will switch to "quiet mode" at night. This initiative follows increased calls for safety measures amid concerns about social media's impact on mental health. Critics express skepticism about the effectiveness of these features, noting previous claims by Meta about implementing similar safety measures.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

Teen Accounts Are Coming to Facebook—Parents May Actually Approve

Teens Accounts are being introduced on Facebook and Messenger, allowing users aged 13 to 15 to reconnect with safety features similar to those launched on Instagram. These accounts include parental controls, restrictions on interactions, and content access. Young users can only communicate with contacts they have already engaged with, and parents can monitor usage and settings. Features like reminders for breaks and Quiet Mode are included to promote healthy habits. Restrictions on Instagram Live for users under 16 will also require parental permission. The rollout will begin in select regions, including the USA and Canada, with plans for a broader global expansion.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

Meta deploys teen safety features to Facebook, Messenger

Meta is expanding its Teen Accounts initiative to include Facebook and Messenger, enhancing safety measures for young users in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, with plans to reach more regions soon. The Teen Accounts feature, launched on Instagram, provides a secure environment for adolescents, limiting their exposure to inappropriate content and interactions. Users under 16 will be restricted from messages from unknown individuals, and only friends can view and respond to their stories. Teens will receive reminders to take breaks after one hour of use and will enter "Quiet mode" at night. Parental consent is required for users under 16 to modify safety settings, go live on Instagram, or disable nudity blurring in direct messages. Since its launch, over 54 million teens have used Teen Accounts, with 97% of users aged 13 to 15 keeping these protections active. Research shows 94% of parents find the initiative helpful, and 85% believe it creates positive experiences for their teens. The expansion reflects Meta's response to regulatory scrutiny and its commitment to providing safer experiences for younger users.

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

Beware new Google ‘yellow warning’ that saves you from costly nightmare

Google has introduced a yellow warning banner in the Google Play Store to alert Android users about apps that are frequently uninstalled. This banner indicates that an app may not be meeting user expectations and could be due to poor functionality, excessive advertisements, or inflated costs. Additionally, Google has implemented two other notifications: one indicating lower user engagement with an app and another showing fewer users compared to other apps. These features aim to help users make more informed app choices and avoid potentially harmful applications. Google Play Protect is also available to scan downloaded apps for security, including those from outside the Play Store. Users can enable settings to improve harmful app detection, enhancing overall safety in the app ecosystem.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

March 2025 Feature Drop: Connected Pixel 9 Camera, Satellite SOS expands, app updates

Google has announced the March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop alongside Android 15 QPR2, which includes various enhancements for first-party applications, camera functionalities, and connectivity options. The update features Gemini Live powered by Gemini 2.0 Flash, enabling multilingual conversations in over 45 languages. The Pixel 6+ introduces Talk Live for discussions about images and videos, while the Pixel 9 series gains a "Connected Camera" feature for livestreaming with GoPro HERO10 Black or newer devices. The Pixel Fold series adds Dual Screen mode for video recording. The Satellite SOS service is now available in Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, the UK, and Europe for Pixel 9 users, allowing emergency contact without cellular coverage. T-Mobile and Verizon users can utilize carrier satellite messaging for emergency calls and texts. The Pixel Studio app on the Pixel 9 series can now generate images of people, and Pixel Screenshots will suggest items for Collections. Japanese users gain access to Pixel Screenshots, Studio, AI summaries, and weather reports, while German users receive similar enhancements. The Phone by Google app introduces real-time Scam Detection, and Google Messages will show scam alerts in conversations. The Gboard Voice Toolbar is now available on phones.

AppWizard

February 25, 2025

What is the ‘SafetyCore’ app on my Android phone?

A new application named "SafetyCore" has been rolled out on Android devices as part of the November 2024 Google System Updates. It is designed to support safety features for Google Messages, including detecting scam messages and blurring images that may contain nudity. This app processes messages on the device while maintaining end-to-end encryption. Additionally, it is linked to the "Sensitive Content Warnings" feature, which blurs potentially sensitive images and provides resources for users. Alongside "SafetyCore," the "Android System Key Verifier" app introduces a contact verifying feature to prevent scams by allowing users to verify their contacts' public keys using QR codes, though this feature will launch in 2025. Both apps are intended to enhance user safety and security.

AppWizard

February 21, 2025

Messenger rolls out new safety, useful, and fun features

Meta has updated Messenger with new features focusing on privacy, usability, and enjoyment. Privacy and safety updates include the View Once Media option for single-view media messages, screenshot and screen recording blocks, in-app scam alerts via Spam Protection, and streamlined reporting and blocking of suspicious contacts. Usability improvements consist of HD photo sharing, enhanced HD video calls, noise-suppressed audio for clearer calls, and Siri integration for easier navigation. Expressive features allow users to personalize chats with themes, add music to notes, and use new sticker packs, including the Butterbear stickers. Social features encourage community building through Messenger Communities, enabling topic-based chats via QR codes, and engaging with public figures through Broadcast Channels.

Tech Optimizer

February 18, 2025

Microsoft Defender vs. McAfee: Features, Pricing, Pros & Cons

eSecurity Planet maintains editorial independence and may earn revenue from partner links. Microsoft Defender, a free built-in antivirus for Windows, offers minimal configuration and supports Windows 10 and 11, while McAfee, which holds a 12.47% share of the global antivirus market, provides extensive privacy monitoring and data protection across multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS) with various pricing plans ranging from .99 to 9.99. Microsoft Defender supports a single device and includes features like real-time threat protection, parental controls, and a firewall, but lacks advanced features like VPN and identity theft monitoring. McAfee offers a wider range of features, including a VPN, identity theft monitoring, and data cleanup, making it a more comprehensive solution despite its higher cost. Microsoft Defender has an overall rating of 3.8/5, while McAfee rates 4.4/5, excelling in customer support with multiple channels, including live chat and phone support. Microsoft Defender is suitable for users on a budget, while McAfee is better for those needing robust privacy and identity protection. Alternatives to consider include Norton, Bitdefender, and Malwarebytes.

AppWizard

February 11, 2025

Minecraft’s Top 5 Tips for Safer Gaming

Minecraft is promoting "Top 5 Tips for Safe Gaming" in recognition of Safer Internet Day on February 11, aimed at supporting families in Australia and New Zealand. Recent statistics show that 89% of individuals aged 8-17 in Australia engage in online gaming, with 40% having interacted with strangers and over half of teen gamers encountering harmful content. In New Zealand, 80% of children aged 8-17 are involved in online gaming, with half of teenagers reporting conflicts with friends due to gaming. The tips include: 1. Understand Online Interactions: Teach children not to share personal information, use reporting tools, and maintain open dialogue about interactions. 2. Set Up A Child Account: Use the Xbox Family Settings App for age-appropriate accounts and content settings. 3. Recognise In-Game Purchases: Differentiate between virtual currency and real money, set spending limits, and review purchase requests. 4. Balance Screen Time: Create a balanced schedule for gaming and other activities, set playtime limits, and encourage breaks. 5. Build a Safe Online World: Help set up private servers, use moderation tools, and organize supervised activities within the game.

Winsage

December 4, 2024

Microsoft Announces Security Update with Windows Resiliency Initiative

Microsoft has launched the Windows Resiliency Initiative to enhance the security and reliability of its operating system in response to a significant CrowdStrike outage that affected over 8 million Windows PCs and servers, resulting in losses estimated at .4 billion. The initiative focuses on four key areas: learning from past incidents, reducing administrative privileges, implementing stronger controls for apps and drivers, and improving identity protection. Key components include: 1. Quick Machine Recovery: Allows IT administrators to remotely diagnose and repair devices, reducing downtime. 2. Administrative Protection: Users will operate under standard accounts by default to limit unauthorized access. 3. Smart App Control: Ensures only verified applications can run on Windows PCs. 4. Advanced Identity Protection: Enhancements include stronger password policies and multi-factor authentication. Additional improvements involve collaboration with security vendors, new encryption features, and transitioning components from C++ to Rust for better code security. The initiative aims to restore user confidence and prevent future cyber threats.