supervision Archives

AppWizard

July 14, 2025

Pixel phones are getting even better parental controls

A new "Parental controls" feature has been identified in the Android Canary build for Pixel devices, aimed at establishing digital ground rules, setting screen time limits, and filtering content for child safety. This feature was discovered on a Pixel 8 Pro and is currently non-functional. It is expected to align with the "Supervision" tools from Android 16 Beta 4. The upcoming Pixel 10 series, launching on August 20, will include the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, all equipped with stable Android 16.

AppWizard

July 3, 2025

Russian Authorities Trial Restrictions on Telegram and WhatsApp Ahead of Proposed Messenger Ban

On July 1, Russian authorities began a nationwide trial to restrict access to messaging platforms Telegram and WhatsApp, following President Putin's signing of legislation for a state-controlled "sovereign messenger." Users across Russia reported outages of these services around 11 PM on June 30, with nearly 12,000 outage reports for Telegram and 1,500 for WhatsApp recorded within 24 hours, primarily from the Nizhny Novgorod region and the Republic of Tatarstan. Analysts view this as a "targeted shutdown" in preparation for a potential complete ban, noting that competing platforms did not face similar issues and that access was quickly restored via VPN. This trial follows a law enacted on June 24 for the development of a state-controlled messaging platform under FSB supervision, with plans for features like encrypted chats and digital ID. Additionally, legislation approved earlier in June requires the establishment of a national messaging platform by 2026 to replace foreign applications for official and public use.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

AI Mode levels up with new AI features, stealing Google Search’s spotlight

Google's advancements in AI Mode and Search include the rollout of a custom version of the Gemini 2.5 model, enabling users to pose complex queries. Project Astra introduces multimodal capabilities, allowing real-time conversations with Gemini using device cameras. The AI can process website elements and perform tasks like adding items to shopping carts or creating travel itineraries. Users can ask AI Mode to find specific tickets or activities tailored to their interests, with curated suggestions provided. AI Mode will enhance online shopping by integrating with the Shopping Graph, offering visually engaging product listings and a virtual "try-on" feature. Users can upload photos to experiment with outfits and track prices for products. The virtual try-on experience is being rolled out in Search Labs for U.S. users, with full availability of AI Mode in the U.S. starting today.

Tech Optimizer

May 16, 2025

WebDevPro #90: GSAP Goes Free, PostgreSQL 18 Beta Launches, Node 24 Overhauls Windows Support

The integration of system design principles in software development is increasingly critical, influenced by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in development workflows. The demand for programmers who can quickly write code is diminishing, with organizations seeking individuals who possess a strong understanding of programming fundamentals and can oversee AI-generated outputs. Developers are now expected to leverage AI to enhance their work and maintain quality by recognizing when AI is not performing optimally. A holistic view of software architecture is encouraged, emphasizing collaboration and the importance of each code contribution to the overall project. The industry is shifting away from evaluating candidates based solely on syntax proficiency and coding speed, recognizing the value of strategic thinking and architectural awareness in developers.

AppWizard

April 25, 2025

A Strangely Gorgeous Puzzle Game Is Free On PC For A Limited Time

The Epic Games Store is offering the game Chuchel for free until May 1. Developed by Amanita Games, Chuchel is an absurd puzzle game featuring a fluffy orange ball named Chuchel on a quest to obtain a cherry, facing challenges from a mischievous pink bug and a large hand. Players solve one-screen puzzles by interacting with various objects in a whimsical manner, prioritizing exploration and experimentation. The game features psychedelic visuals and playful animations, appealing particularly to younger audiences, though its sensory overload may not suit everyone. Chuchel offers a gameplay experience lasting approximately two hours.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

Movie madness: Teens trash theatre during new Minecraft Movie

The character known as the "chicken jockey" in 'A Minecraft Movie' has caused chaotic scenes in theaters, particularly among teenage audiences, prompting staff to monitor screenings closely during that scene. Theater employees have reported spending up to four hours cleaning up after disruptions, which included thrown soda. In response, theaters have implemented measures such as mandatory parental supervision for younger viewers and bans on certain age groups during screenings to maintain a respectful atmosphere for all attendees. B&B Theatres is actively working to ensure a disruption-free experience for patrons.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

Meta Is Expanding Teen Accounts to Facebook and Messenger

Meta has expanded its Teen Accounts, initially launched on Instagram, to Facebook and Messenger in the United States, the UK, Australia, and Canada. Users under 18 will automatically transition to these accounts, receiving notifications about the changes. Teen Accounts will include protective features similar to those on Instagram, with new restrictions for users under 16, such as needing parental consent to live broadcast and to disable nudity image blurring in direct messages. A significant 97% of users aged 13-15 maintain default protections on their accounts. For teens under 16, parental permission is required for account changes, and parents can establish supervision through the Family Center feature, allowing them to manage permissions while respecting the teen's privacy.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

NJ movie theater bans unaccompanied minors from ‘A Minecraft Movie’ showings

A movie theater in Washington Township, New Jersey, has implemented a policy requiring minors to be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult during screenings of "A Minecraft Movie" due to disruptive behavior from unsupervised minors. The management reported incidents of vandalism and complaints from patrons, prompting the change to ensure a more pleasant atmosphere for families. Local residents and parents generally support this decision as a necessary measure to enhance the movie-going experience.