Latest news with #AdvancedProtectionMode
Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
Samsung's Android Upgrade Just Made Galaxy More Like iPhone
Samsung has never been this close to iPhone. Good news for Samsung users, with confirmation that its One UI 8 upgrade which brings Android 16 to its phones will include Google's most significant upgrade of the year. And while that has come to Pixels as well, Samsung should make it better. We're talking the new Advanced Protection Mode, which narrows the security and privacy gap to iPhone with a single click. Android Authority confirms Galaxy phones eligible for One UI 8 will get Android 16's 'powerful' new update. 'This optional mode activates various safeguards, such as blocking app sideloading, preventing USB data access, and disabling 2G network connections.' And while restricting sideloading in particular is a major issue for many diehard Android fans, it's absolutely the right move for security minded Galaxy owners. Samsung has a number of added security benefits over the stock Android 16 upgrade, including a enhanced Secure Folder with a new 'kill switch' and its Knox ecosystem, that uses reinforces the security of all your Samsung devices by creating your own mini walled garden. Again, an iPhone-like feature that has come to Galaxy. Enable Advanced Protection in One UI 8 Apple has its own Lockdown Mode, which it says its meant only for those users likely to be targeted by specific attacks — think politicians, activists, lawyers and journalists. Google's new Advanced Protection Mode is not as restrictive and should not disrupt your phone to the same extent as Apple's Lockdown Mode. As such, Google says it's for any security minded users who want to better safeguard their device and their data. As Android Authority explains, to turn on Advanced Protection Mode in One Ui 8: This is not the same as Google's Advanced Protection Program, which goes further and does restrict some of your online and on-device activities. Unlike Android's new one-click security upgrade, Google says the wider program is to protect 'users with high visibility and sensitive information from targeted online attacks.'
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Forbes
Samsung's Galaxy Update—Get Android 16's Best Feature Now
Change this Samsung setting now. Google Pixels are now upgrading to Android 16, just as Samsung confirms that One UI 8 Beta 2 only just live. In the aftermath of One UI 7 delays, the clock is now ticking for Samsung to power through its beta program and push out Android 16 to Galaxy users. But there's a twist to this Android 15 versus Android 16 story. While most Samsung users have only recently upgraded to One UI 7, it turns out that one of Android 16's best features is (kind of) available to them already. It just needs a quick settings change. While live notification updates are important — who doesn't want to know 'why a burrito seems to be stuck four blocks away,' the real Android 16 highlight is Google's Advanced Protection Mode. This finally narrows the security gap to iPhone, some would argue it goes even further, with a lockdown that doesn't make phones unusable. That has been the criticism of Apple's Lockdown Mode — that it goes too far. But Apple says it is just for 'the very few individuals who might be personally targeted by some of the most sophisticated digital threats.' Google's lockdown is more universal, targeting 'at-risk individuals' as well as anyone who 'just prioritizes security.' Maximum Restrictions Google says Advanced Protection Mode protects users from 'online attacks, harmful apps, unsafe websites, scam calls and more… providing greater peace of mind that you're protected against the most sophisticated threats.' While Samsung users need to wait for One UI 8 to get Google's new lockdown, they can get almost all the benefits now. Samsung upgraded Maximum Restrictions with One UI 7 and you can enable it now. Like Advanced Protection Mode, it now blocks risky network connections — including 2G and insecure WiFi, as well as USB data cables. More importantly, Samsung says One UI 7's Safe Install system 'sends a warning when a user attempts to download from an unauthorized source, alerting them of security risks and preventing unintentional sideloading on Galaxy devices worldwide.' That's not as complete as Google's lock — and unlike Google's Advanced Protection, Maximum Restrictions let's you choose what to enable. But it does prevent inadvertent installs. Maximum Restrictions also 'removes location data in shared photos, prevents automatic attachment downloads and blocks hyperlinks, previews and shared albums.' Enable Google's Advanced Protection Mode when you get One UI 8. But in the meantime, Galaxy users should turn on Maximum Restrictions now. It's no surprise this is now the default for all new Galaxy users and will keep you and your phone safer.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Android 16's big security feature surprises with early arrival on latest beta
Android 16 is introducing a new "Advanced Protection Mode" which consolidates existing, new, and upcoming security features under a single toggle for simplified device security. This comprehensive security mode, initially expected with the stable Android 16 release, is now surprisingly appearing for some users running the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1. Once enabled via the 'Personal & device safety' settings, Advanced Protection automatically activates various safeguards like spam/scam protection, theft detection, and more, with additional features planned for later release. Google is streamlining your device's security with Android 16, and headlining the effort is the tech giant's new Advanced Protection Mode. First revealed all the way back in October 2024, Google thoroughly detailed the mode and the security features it would offer back in early May. Roughly a fortnight later, the mode is finally starting to take shape. For those unaware, Advanced Protection Mode isn't necessarily a tool itself. It is essentially a feature that groups several existing, new, and upcoming security tools under one roof. Enabling the mode enables all the safeguards with a single toggle, simplifying the process of securing your Android device. Up until now, the mode could only be forced to surface by manually enabling it, with it expected to go live for users with Android 16 stable next month. That, however, changed today as some users running the latest Android 16 beta have reportedly gained access to the mode. Highlighted by the folks over at Android Authority, those running Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 are reportedly gaining access to the comprehensive security mode today. Those who've gained access report that the mode shows up within a new 'Personal & device safety' section in Settings. I am running the latest beta on my Pixel 8, but I personally don't have access to the new section in Settings just yet. Android Police News Editor Dallas Thomas reports the same. For what it's worth, even if you're running QPR1 Beta 1, and the feature has rolled out to you, it's not enabled by default. To enable it, head to Settings → Personal & device safety → Advanced Protection → and toggle on Advanced Protection. Once enabled, your device will automatically toggle on familiar features like Spam and Scam Protection, Theft Detection, Offline Device Lock, Automatic Call Screening, app screening, and more. Other features expected to make their way to the Advanced Protection Mode some time later this year include: Intrusion Logging: An after-the-fact feature that will let you revisit encrypted logs of device activity for post-intrusion analysis. USB Protection: To prevent USB device connections while your phone is locked. Disable Auto-Reconnect: To prevent your device from automatically reconnecting to a Wi-Fi network that has been deemed insecure. Scam Detection for phone calls: A feature that offers real-time warning if your phone's on-device AI detects patterns of scam.
Forbes
14-05-2025
- Forbes
Google's Best New Update Just Made Android More Like iPhone
All change for Android Getty Images Google's mission to narrow the security and privacy gap to iPhone has just taken a huge step, with confirmation that Advanced Protection Mode will arrive with Android 16. While this 'provides Google's strongest protections against targeted attacks,' and is seemingly targeted at 'users who need heightened security,' the reality is that it turns Android into a device that closely resembles the locked down nature of an iPhone. This one click setting will enable the latest set of theft, fraud and scam defenses within calls and messages, disable higher risk networks, and mandate safe browsing and Play Protect. It also adds the well-publicized inactivity reboot and a USB data cable block aimed at the plague of recent forensic exploits. But the headline act will be to disable sideloading without an option to opt-out. That remains Android's Achilles heel. Some of these settings move beyond iPhone, albeit the browsing and app restrictions lock down a device against the most likely threats a user will face. While Apple's own Lockdown Mode is genuinely extreme, Google's Advanced Protection Mode is more sensible and is well-advised for many Android users to tighten their security. Android will move ahead of iPhone with Intrusion Detection, a new feature Apple should replicate. 'This industry-first feature,' Google explains, 'securely backs up device logs in a privacy-preserving and tamper-resistant way, accessible only to the user. These logs enable a forensic analysis if a device compromise is ever suspected.' Advanced Protection Mode Google Google is also making it easier for sensitive apps — finance, enterprise, comms — to lockdown according to user preferences and device characteristics. 'Advanced Protection acts as a single control point that enables important security settings across many of your favorite Google apps… Advanced Protection will also incorporate third-party applications that choose to integrate in the future.' This is in addition to the newly updated Play Integrity API which draws a line between the no longer supported Android 12 and newer versions of the OS, restricting app behavior for the 50% of Android users running outdated versions of the OS. 'With the release of Android 16,' Google says, 'users who choose to activate Advanced Protection will gain immediate access to a core suite of enhanced security features. Additional Advanced Protection features like Intrusion Logging, USB protection, the option to disable auto-reconnect to insecure networks, and integration with Scam Detection for Phone by Google will become available later this year.'
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Time of India
Google I/O 2025: Date, time and what's coming with Android 16 and other AI updates
Google is getting ready to host its yearly developer conference, Google I/O 2025 . The event will take place over two days, starting May 20. The event will be held in person in California and streamed online for viewers around the world. At the event, developers, tech companies, and users are expected to hear about updates in Android, artificial intelligence (AI), web technologies, and cloud services. Here's what we know about Google's biggest software event of the year Google I/O 2025: Time and Date As mentioned above, Google I/O 2025 will begin on May 20 and continue through May 21. The event will be held at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California. Like past events, there will also be online sessions, including live keynotes and developer talks, open to all. Google I/O 2025: What to Expect Android 16 by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Google is expected to introduce Android 16. According to online reports, the upcoming Android update may include changes to volume controls, user interface, and tools for users with special needs. It may also support health records, improved screen performance, and stronger privacy settings. A new feature called Advanced Protection Mode may also be introduced. It is rumoured to help users by automatically turning on stronger security steps. Another update expected to come with Android 16 may be Health Connect 2.0 . This feature is said to help apps share health records in a standard format used in the medical field. The update may also allow tracking of physical activity levels and label workouts according to health guidelines. AI and Gemini Updates AI will be a major part of the event. Google may give updates on its Gemini models, including a possible upgrade to Gemini Ultra . This model is expected to offer more features and may come with a higher subscription cost. The company is also rumoured to talk about Astra, a project to build AI tools that can understand and respond across many types of input. Android XR At Google I/O 2025, Google and Samsung may introduce Android XR, a new system for extended reality. This system will combine virtual, augmented, and mixed-reality functions. It is designed for headsets and smart glasses and will use Gemini AI. Google wants other companies to use Android XR, making it a competitor to similar products from Apple and Meta.
