It’s rumored that the new Apple AirTags will be available sometime in October. These AirTags are similar to the Tile tags, in which they have built-in bluetooth to track devices or other important items if lost.
MacRumors shares that the Airtags will also come with the ever paramount ultra-wideband support.
“The rumored ultra-wideband support is worth noting because it’s going to let iPhones with a U1 chip (the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max) track positioning with more accuracy than Bluetooth alone. If you lose your keys down the couch cushion, for example, the iPhone should be able to lead you right to them.”
It isn’t said how they will be able to attach to the items. Tile tags mostly use rings to attach to key rings. AirTags could easily use adhesives, as well as rings.
There’s so much more to the AirTags, but Apple has seemed to keep quiet about most of it. Any information found about them has seemed to leak to different sources, but without Apple’s official statements, it’s all speculation.
For inquiries with Apple issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285. Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Frisco Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Frisco, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.
iPhone users can now opt-in to COVID notifications on their phone.
Tuesday, Apple pushed out the iOS 13.7 update, including additional assistance in the new COVID-19 tracking system. What’s wonderful about this feature is there’s no app download needed to access the information.
According to the software update, “System availability depends on support from your local public health authority.” Several iPhone users have shared concerns about the company stealing data or other personal information.
However, Apple states, “Your iPhone is not collecting or sharing exposure notification data with anyone. If you turn on Exposure Notifications, information related to your exposures can only be shared with your permission.”
Source: Apple
Simply go to Settings, scroll down and you’ll find Exposure Notifications. From there, you have the option of turning it on, along with receiving Availability Alerts. In order to use Availability Alerts, you will have to have Location Services turned on.
For help with any Apple issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285. Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Denver Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Denver, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.
Depending on how much GB you have on your iPhone, storage can be a nuisance. You can spend all day figuring out which apps you don’t use regularly, delete the ones that don’t matter, or you can enable Offload.
Offload is a key feature on the iPhone, allowing any unused apps to be removed once storage is low.
To enable this great feature, follow the steps below:
Go to Settings
Click on General
Scroll to iPhone Storage
Click on Enable Offload Unused Apps
You can also find it in the iTunes & App Stores from the Settings list. Just enable the Offload Unused Apps by moving the toggle to the right.
It states that your data, along with any information will be saved with the enabling process. This will allow you to download with the app again without the data being reset.
9to5 Mac shares, “While it seems that the feature is off by default, we’ve heard from some users that they found it turned on without them manually doing so. With this feature, apps are deleted, but not removed from your Home screen. It simply shows a cloud icon next to the name, indicating that it has been removed.”
If you are needing help with Apple issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285. Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Plano Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Plano, TX please call the local office at (469) 299-9005.
It’s no known secret that hackers are finding any way possible to insert malicious code to invade privacy and steal important information from potential victims. Synk, a software security business, shared a Chinese mobile ad vulnerability in iOS, implicating they were committing fraud through ads. They stated the following:
“We have identified that mintegral iOS SDK versions 5.5.1 and above contain malicious functionality which leads to information leakage. In simple terms the SDK is spying on user link clicking, and network activity within the affected apps. The spying occurs even if the SDK was not enabled by the developer or the ad mediation platform.”
Source: Synk Press Kit
The statements show that SDK makes iOS think that a different ad is being clicked on, therefore the ad revenue is being sent elsewhere instead of the actual business of the ad. The Chinese mobile ad, called Mintegral has stated it has been cooperating with Apple, while maintaining their innocence in the attack to steal information and ad revenue.
This vicious intended code seems to only have been seen on iOS and not on Android just yet. The first code was seen over a year ago, in July 2019.
For inquiries about vulnerabilities, call us at 1-800-620-5285. Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Goodyear Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Goodyear, Arizona please call or text the local office at (623) 295-2645.
With technology modernizing, companies are working hard to keep PC and Macs innovative, up-to-date, and useful for everyone. Yesterday, Intel announced their upcoming universal cable, called the Thunderbolt 4.
This new connectivity port will allow a plethora of benefits, capable of amplifying the “minimum performance requirements, expanded capabilities and USB4 specification compliance,” according to the Intel Newsroom. It also features up to four port docks, giving quite the advantage for those requiring multiple ports for work purposes.
Jason Ziller, the general manager of the Client Connectivity Division of Intel, stated that, “the arrival of Thunderbolt 4 underscores how Intel is advancing the PC ecosystem toward truly universal connectivity solutions.”
They also shared the Thunderbolt 4 controller 8000 series, which would add a Thunderbolt 3 PC collaboration. The experience of using Intel’s ports is expected to receive positive feedback due to a rise in productivity.
Apple and Intel partnered together years ago, establishing the Thunderbolt to bring additional perks. So if you have a Mac, there’s a good chance you’ll find an Intel port. According to The Verge, “Apple is moving away from Intel’s chipsets in favor of its new, custom-designed ARM chips — but the company is promising that it’ll still support Intel’s Thunderbolt USB-C connectivity standard on new Apple silicon computers, despite the lack of Intel processors.”
In July 2020, Intel announces the Thunderbolt 4 controller 8000 series, which includes JHL8540 and JHL8340 host controllers for computer makers and JHL8440 device controller for accessory makers. Thunderbolt 4 developer kits and certification testing are available. (Credit: Intel Corporation)
Other benefits of Intel’s Thunderbolt 4 involve:
Thunderbolt Security protection
2X minimum video requirements of Thunderbolt 3
PC charging on one computer port
and more!
At this time, the developer kits and testing for certification are accessible. And developers are excited about it.
For computer-related inquiries, call us at 1-800-620-5285. Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Aurora Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Aurora, Colorado, please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.
Today’s the day! WWDC is kicking off here shortly and Apple fans are excited to to hear announcements about their operating systems for Mac, iPhone, Apple Watch, and Apple TV.
MacRumors stated in their blog that “Apple’s long-rumored transition of its Mac lineup from Intel processors to Apple-designed Arm-based chips” announcement may come into play at WWDC, but are unsure.
Watch the Apple event at 9 am PST on their website, YouTube, or on your Apple TV.
If you are needing help with computer issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285. Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Grand Prairie Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Grand Prairie, TX please call our local office at (469) 299-9005.
Although this device is affiliated with law enforcement, it still acquires a security threat concern.
Founded in 2016, the company Grayshift created a device that had the ability to unlock iPhones. And those who really know about Apple’s products know how difficult it can be to hack into their phones. They spend millions of dollars focusing on security measures to make their products uncrackable. Their vulnerability is quite low.
However, Grayshift’s device, called GrayKey allows law enforcement to unlock iPhones easily. This raised concerns for iPhone users globally, as this device could fall into the wrong hands. In 2018, Grayshift added a “Request Access” form to fill out on their website. It states, “GrayKey is not for everyone. We kindly request that you tell us a bit about yourself and your organization.” This lowers the chances of hackers getting their hands on their device and causing problems. Police departments then have to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
And according to NBC News, the software that Grayshift implements for the police is called Hide UI, and “can track a suspect’s passcode when it’s entered into a phone, according to two people in law enforcement, who asked not to be named out of fear of violating non-disclosure agreements.”
Those NDAs have helped keep Hide UI a secret. Because of the lack of public scrutiny of the feature as well as its covert behavior, defense attorneys, forensic experts and civil liberties advocates are concerned that Hide UI could be used without giving owners the due process of law, such as a warrant.
Source: NBC News
On top of Grayshift’s security, the price tag for a GrayKey is quite hefty. They include two options, a $15k one and a $30k. The first one requires internet access and has limitations, and the second one can work offline and limitless.
Unfortunately with all of the new technology coming out, there are definite rip offs of these kinds of devices. You can buy them just about anywhere, and the cost is more affordable. It’s possible they’re not as potent as the GrayKey. But unlike the GrayKey, which at the moment is believed to only be available to law enforcement, the other devices are available to anyone.
An iPhone typically contains all manner of sensitive information: account credentials, names and phone numbers, email messages, text messages, banking account information, even credit card numbers or social security numbers. All of this information, even the most seemingly innocuous, has value on the black market, and can be used to steal your identity, access your online accounts, and steal your money.
The existence of the GrayKey isn’t hugely surprising, nor is it a sign that the sky is falling. However, it does mean that an iPhone’s security cannot be ensured if it falls into a third party’s hands.
For help with Apple issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285. Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Mesa Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Mesa, AZ please call the local office at (480) 240-2950.
Many people in the US are still concerned about the pandemic, especially since starting next month, nonessential businesses will begin to open back up. Federal and local governments are working to ensure transparency with the Coronavirus, along with large tech corporations.
Google and Apple are currently in the works for a Bluetooth-based app to trace COVID-19 exposures. And there are apps included in the iOS App Store for worldwide coronavirus exposure data. According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, or EFF, they are, “undertaking an unprecedented team effort to build a system for Androids and iPhones to interoperate in the name of technology-assisted COVID-19 contact tracing.”
Bing also brings a COVID-19 tracker to the Microsoft App Store. This app shares news about the coronavirus along with dependable information from your local Department of Health. It includes an overview of cases in multiple regions and shares Testing Centers in your local counties.
For help troubleshooting PC issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285. Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Mesa Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Mesa, AZ please call the local office at (480) 240-2950.
This month, Apple announced a brand new iPhone SE to their line of devices. This one comes at a low cost of $399, but the features behind it are outstanding. Its definitely worth looking into if you still have an earlier model.
According to MacRumors, “iPhone users who have held on to their iPhone 6, 6s, 7, 8, or even an earlier phone for size preference or cost purposes should take a good look at the iPhone SE because it offers solid hardware at an affordable price, and it is a significant upgrade over older iPhones.”
The new iPhone SE looks identical to the iPhone 8 and has a glass casing. The display is 4.7 inches, comes with a 12 mp camera, and the Home button is solid but has haptic feedback. This technology is similarly seen in earlier versions of iPhones with Touch ID.
There is no headphone jack on the new iPhone SE, so blue-tooth earbuds are a necessity if you choose to upgrade. Or you can use an adapter to connect to the lightning port if you prefer wired earbuds.
Source: Apple.com Newsroom
Other features include:
Water-Resistant
A13 bionic chip
Quick charging
Long battery life
4 year iOS support
So, long story short, this iPhone is a great upgrade if you have an older device. It has plenty of storage options (though you may just a little bit more for larger storage), has plenty of useful features, and is affordable.
For help with any Apple issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285. Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Denver Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Denver, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.
MacBooks are getting a game-changer with their battery life. Apple is currently in the works with Catalina 10.15.5. This update will include an awesome feature called Battery Health Management.
According to SixColors, this particular feature will be available on 2016 MacBook Pros, along with Retina MacBook Airs.
The feature works by analyzing the temperature of the battery over time, as well as the charging pattern the laptop has experienced—in other words, does the laptop frequently get drained most of the way and then recharged fully, or is it mostly kept full and plugged in? In the latter case, Battery Health Management is more likely to stop a bit short of full capacity in order to extend the battery’s long-term lifespan. (All charging data is kept private on the MacBook unless the Mac has been opted in to share anonymous analytics data with Apple.)
Leaving your Macbook, or any other laptop for that matter, on the charger after it’s hit 100% can dramatically harm the battery life. Apple continues to work its magic on extending its batteries as long as possible. This upcoming feature will be the default option to all Macbooks. However, this will also be an option. You’ll have the ability to select which battery life option according to your liking.
It’s possible to get anywhere from 8-13 hours of battery life on a single use, depending on what you do on your laptop.
