Enhancing iPhone Security and Privacy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Locking and Hiding Apps in iOS 18

With the release of iOS 18, Apple has introduced significant improvements in security and privacy features for iPhone users. One of the notable enhancements is the ability to lock and hide individual apps using Face ID or Touch ID. This feature ensures that sensitive information remains secure and inaccessible to unauthorized users.

Steps to Lock and Hide Apps:

1. Ensure iOS 18 is Installed: Verify that your iPhone is running iOS 18.
2. Long-Press on the Desired App: Press and hold the app you wish to secure.
3. Activate Face ID or Touch ID: Select the option to require Face ID or Touch ID for the app.
4. Hide the App: For additional privacy, choose the option to hide the app, which will move it to a hidden folder.

Viewing Hidden Apps:

To access hidden apps, swipe from right to left to open the App Library, then scroll to the bottom and select the hidden folder. Use Face ID or Touch ID to unlock and view the apps.

Additional Information:

• Native vs. Third-Party Apps: While native iOS apps can be locked, only third-party apps can be both locked and hidden.
• Data Privacy: Locked and hidden apps will not appear in search results, notifications, or suggestions from Siri and Spotlight.

This feature is part of Apple’s ongoing commitment to enhancing user privacy and security, providing users with greater control over their personal data.

One UI 6.1.1 Update Brings Enhanced Audio Equalizer User Interface

Samsung has begun rolling out the One UI 6.1.1 update to older Galaxy devices, introducing a revamped audio equalizer user interface. The new design makes it easier to use and features a more elegant appearance.

The updated audio equalizer UI replaces the previous list format with preset chips below the equalizer adjustment bars. This change provides more room for the sliders and includes a brief description of the selected preset at the bottom of the UI.

The audio equalizer is a useful feature in Samsung devices, allowing users to access it through Settings > Sounds and vibration > Sound quality and effects > Equalizer. The feature offers various presets and the ability to personalize settings from scratch.

While the update does not introduce new features or changes, it does install the latest Android security patch to enhance device security. Users must download a 300MB package to install the update.

September 2024 Security Patch Details

The latest security patch addresses one critical and 43 high-level CVEs for the Android operating system. Additionally, Samsung provides 23 SVE items to improve the user experience, fixing various issues related to My Files, Theme Center, One UI Home, Knox, and Dex.

How to Update

To check and install the update, navigate to Settings > Software Updates > Download and Install. If the update is available, proceed to install it.

Samsung September 2024 One UI Updates List

Samsung has kicked off the rollout of the September 2024 security update, starting with its latest flagship, the Galaxy Z Fold 6. The company is working to extend this update to more devices soon.

In addition to the security patch, Samsung has also started the One UI 6.1.1 update rollout for several older flagship models, including the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Z Flip 5. Users of these devices can enjoy advanced Galaxy AI features and other enhancements.

The September 2024 security patch addresses over 65 issues, including one critical and 43 high-level security vulnerabilities. Samsung is also introducing 23 of its own security improvements related to My Files, Theme Center, One UI Home, Knox, and Dex.

A list of Galaxy devices that have received the September 2024 security update is available, including the Galaxy A53 5G, Galaxy A54 5G, Galaxy A52s, Galaxy S21 FE, Galaxy S21 series, Galaxy S20 FE, and more.

New Samsung Expert RAW Update

Samsung will soon roll out the latest Expert RAW update for Galaxy devices, which is expected to fix issues such as color banding and highlighting problems when shooting with the Telephoto camera app. The update is set to roll out to eligible models soon.

Samsung Rolls Out One UI 6.1.1 Update to Galaxy Devices: What's New and Which Devices Are Eligible

Image: Samsung

Samsung has commenced the rollout of its latest software update, One UI 6.1.1, to its Galaxy smartphones and tablets. While not a major update, One UI 6.1.1 brings several new features and enhancements to the table, including additional Galaxy AI features, improved animations, and support for new accessories.

What's New in One UI 6.1.1?

One UI 6.1.1 introduces several new features, including:

• Additional Galaxy AI features, such as "Listening Mode" in Interpreter, "Composer" for Chat Assist, and "Suggested Replies" on select devices
• "PDF Overlay Translation" in the Samsung Notes app, alongside other improvements to Note Assist
• "Sketch to Image" feature, which allows users to add content to an existing image based on a rough sketch
• A dedicated section in the Settings app for Galaxy AI
• Enhanced animations and app updates
• Support for new accessories, such as the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro

Eligible Devices

As of September 20, the following Galaxy devices have received the One UI 6.1.1 update:

• Galaxy S24
• Galaxy S24+
• Galaxy S24 Ultra
• Galaxy S23
• Galaxy S23+
• Galaxy S23 Ultra
• Galaxy S23 FE
• Galaxy S22
• Galaxy S22+
• Galaxy S22 Ultra
• Galaxy Z Flip 5
• Galaxy Z Fold 5
• Galaxy Z Flip 4
• Galaxy Z Fold 4
• Galaxy Tab S9
• Galaxy Tab S9+
• Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
• Galaxy Tab S8
• Galaxy Tab S8+
• Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

Samsung has also pre-installed One UI 6.1.1 on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6.

How to Check for the Update

To check for the One UI 6.1.1 update on your Samsung Galaxy device, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > Software update
2. Tap "Download and install" to check for any new updates

Future Updates

While the above list includes devices that have already received the update, Samsung is expected to roll out One UI 6.1.1 to other Galaxy devices in the future. This will likely include past generations of flagship Galaxy phones, as well as mid-range smartphones and tablets.

Stay tuned for further updates on the rollout of One UI 6.1.1 to other Galaxy devices.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Charging Speed Lags Behind Other Flagship Models

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a highly anticipated device in the tech industry, has been found to have a slower charging speed compared to its counterparts in the Pixel series. Despite its sleek design and advanced features, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's charging capabilities have been confirmed by Google to be limited to a maximum rate of 21W over a wired cable.

This slower charging speed puts the Pixel 9 Pro Fold at the bottom of the list among Google's current flagship devices, including the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, which boast faster charging speeds of 27W and 37W, respectively. The Pixel 8a, Google's most affordable device, charges at an even slower rate of 18W.

The slower wired charging speed is further compounded by the device's limited wireless charging capabilities. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is restricted to a maximum Qi wireless charging speed of 7.5W, which is significantly slower than the wireless charging speeds of other devices in the market. Additionally, the device is not compatible with the Pixel Stand, a feature that has been a staple in previous Pixel models.

Despite its slower charging speed, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's 4,650 mAh battery capacity is only marginally smaller than the 4,700 mAh batteries found in the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. This means that the device's charging time may not be drastically longer than its counterparts, but it is still a notable difference.

The slower charging speed of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold may be a concern for some users, particularly those who rely heavily on their devices throughout the day. However, it is essential to consider the device's overall performance, features, and design when evaluating its value.

In conclusion, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's charging speed may be a drawback, it is crucial to weigh this against the device's other attributes and determine whether it is a significant trade-off for the benefits it offers.

WhatsApp Beta Introduces Custom Chat Filters for Android Users

WhatsApp has rolled out a new update for its beta version on Android, introducing a feature that allows users to implement custom chat filters. This enhancement is designed to improve user experience by providing more control over chat organization and accessibility.

The latest beta update, version 2.24.19.16, enables users to filter their conversations based on specific criteria. This functionality is particularly beneficial for individuals who manage numerous chats and wish to streamline their messaging interface. With custom chat filters, users can easily sort messages by categories such as unread, personal, or business chats, thereby facilitating a more efficient communication process.

To access this feature, users need to ensure they have the most recent version of WhatsApp Beta installed on their Android devices. As this is a beta release, WhatsApp is likely gathering user feedback to refine the feature before a wider rollout.

This update reflects WhatsApp's ongoing commitment to enhancing user experience by incorporating features that prioritize organization and user control. As the app continues to evolve, users can expect further improvements and innovations aimed at optimizing their messaging capabilities.

For those interested in testing the new feature, joining the WhatsApp Beta program on the Google Play Store is recommended. This will not only provide early access to new features but also allow users to contribute feedback that can help shape future updates.