Latest news with #App Store
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Online safety laws behind surge in VPN use
Apps offering VPNs, which are commonly used in authoritarian countries to get around internet censorship, made up half of the top 10 most popular free apps on the UK's App Store this weekend, according to the latest Apple rankings. Proton VPN overtook ChatGPT to become the top free app in the UK. The Swiss-based company said it had seen a more than 1800 per cent increase in daily sign-ups from UK-based users since Friday. On X, Proton said: 'We would normally associate these large spikes in sign-ups with major civil unrest. This clearly shows that adults are concerned about the impact universal age verification laws will have on their privacy'. Nord, another VPN provider, said there had been a 1000 per cent increase in UK purchases of VPN subscriptions since the new rules kicked in. Data from Google Trends also showed a significant increase in search queries for VPNs in the UK this weekend, with up to 10 times more people looking for VPNs at peak times. Rules 'not foolproof' for teenagers Oliver Griffiths, Ofcom group director for online safety, told the Financial Times that the watchdog's age verification rules would not be 'foolproof' for a 'determined teenager', just as under-18s are sometimes able to buy alcohol in UK stores. Mr Griffiths said: 'There are opportunities for people to use VPNs, but this is part of a broader system approach.' Opposition to the new rules has grown in recent days, with a petition submitted through the UK Parliament website attracting more than 280,000 signatures. The petition demands that the Online Safety Act be withdrawn, with a surge of signatures being added to the document in the past week. Under the Online Safety Act, websites that ignore the new laws could be fined up to £18m, or 10 per cent of worldwide revenue.
TechCrunch
4 days ago
- TechCrunch
Apple broadens App Store's age rating system
Apple is expanding its age rating system for apps. The company on Thursday said it has updated its age rating system to add 13+, 16+, and 18+ ratings to the existing slate of 4+ and 9+ ratings, and remove the 12+ and 17+ age ranges. In addition, app developers will need to answer a new set of age rating questions to help identify the sensitive content in their app. Developers will also be able to update their apps' age ratings to one of the new options, if needed. The company says it has automatically updated all apps and games across the App Store to align with the new system, which is available in the beta versions of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26. The public betas went live yesterday, and the general release will roll out this September to all customers. As part of the updated system, developers will need to inform Apple about their in-app controls and app capabilities, answer questions about medical and wellness topics, and disclose whether their app or game contains violent themes. Apple will then calculate the appropriate age rating, which developers can view and modify in App Store Connect. The ratings are intended to offer parents more specific guidance about the apps their kids want to download, and will prevent kids from installing apps that exceed their age range. On Apple's side, the App Store also won't feature certain apps in areas like the editorial stories, Today, Games, and Apps tabs if they're not age-appropriate for the child using the device. The expanded age ranges are part of a broader update around child safety initiatives announced earlier this year. For parents, Apple is making it easier to set up child accounts and share information about their kids' ages. This data will be shared with app developers to help provide age-appropriate content. (Some of the changes for child accounts were first made available in the public beta of 18.4, out earlier this year.) App Store product listings will also be updated to include more information to help guide guardians' decisions about whether or not an app or game is right for their child or teen. For instance, guardians will be informed if the app features user-generated content or ads, both of which could expose younger children to adult content. Plus, they'll be informed if an app offers built-in parental controls. Increasing an app's age rating could reduce its visibility and distribution, which could encourage app developers to introduce parental controls or other age-appropriate experiences. Techcrunch event Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They're here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don't miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise. Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They're here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don't miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise. San Francisco | REGISTER NOW The changes to the App Store arrive as legislative disputes grow at both the state and federal levels about how children should be protected online, with U.S. states introducing new bills and laws that would require app store operators to check kids' ages to get parental consent for downloading apps. Apple and Google would prefer that the app makers themselves handle the age-verification process, but larger tech companies like Meta have lobbied for app stores to do the verification. Apple's solution is a system that will protect the child's personal information, like their birth date, by offering a developer API that gives them access to the age range information they need to customize their app experience appropriately. Because this information would be provided by the parent during the set-up of a new device, it's more likely to be accurate than if kids entered their birthday or age into an app directly, as kids may lie about their age to access an app's full experience. However, for this to work, developers will have to opt to integrate with the new API.
Geeky Gadgets
6 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
How To Manage Your iPhone Passwords Like a Pro
Effectively managing your passwords is essential for safeguarding your online accounts and sensitive information. For iPhone users, Apple's built-in Passwords app provides a secure and intuitive solution for storing, generating, and accessing your credentials. This amazing video from Daniel About Tech outlines how to set up and use the app, explores its key features, and demonstrates how to integrate it seamlessly into your Apple ecosystem to enhance your digital security. Watch this video on YouTube. Getting Started with the Passwords App The Passwords app is pre-installed on most iPhones running iOS, making it readily accessible to users. If the app is not already on your device, it can be downloaded for free from the App Store. Once installed, you can start adding your credentials. The app securely stores usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information, making sure they are always available when needed. To begin, navigate to the Passwords section in your iPhone's settings or open the app directly. You can add new credentials manually or allow the app to save them automatically as you log into websites or apps. For enhanced security, the app encrypts your data, making sure it remains private and protected. Streamlining Logins with Autofill The Passwords app simplifies the process of logging into websites and apps by using its Autofill feature. When you log into a site or app for the first time, the app prompts you to save your credentials. Once saved, the Autofill feature automatically enters your username and password the next time you visit the same site or app, eliminating the need to remember or type them manually. For added protection, you can enable Face ID or Touch ID to ensure that only you can access your saved passwords. This biometric authentication adds an extra layer of security while maintaining convenience. Additionally, the Autofill feature works seamlessly across Apple devices, providing a consistent and efficient login experience. Generating and Managing Strong Passwords Creating strong, unique passwords is a cornerstone of digital security. The Passwords app includes a built-in password generator that suggests complex combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols. These automatically generated passwords are designed to be highly secure and are saved directly within the app, reducing the risk of reusing weak or predictable credentials across multiple accounts. To generate a strong password, simply select the option when creating a new account or updating an existing one. The app ensures that these passwords are stored securely and can be accessed whenever needed. This feature not only enhances security but also simplifies the process of managing multiple accounts. Expanding Functionality Beyond Logins The Passwords app goes beyond storing login credentials, offering additional features that enhance its utility: Wi-Fi Password Management: The app securely stores your Wi-Fi credentials, allowing you to easily share network details or reconnect to a network on a new device. This ensures you never lose track of important network information. The app securely stores your Wi-Fi credentials, allowing you to easily share network details or reconnect to a network on a new device. This ensures you never lose track of important network information. Storing Sensitive Information: In addition to passwords, the app allows you to save other critical data, such as device passcodes, security questions, or private notes. This flexibility ensures all your sensitive information is securely stored in one place. In addition to passwords, the app allows you to save other critical data, such as device passcodes, security questions, or private notes. This flexibility ensures all your sensitive information is securely stored in one place. Data Synchronization: Using iCloud, the app syncs your saved credentials across all your Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. This integration ensures that your passwords are always accessible, regardless of the device you are using. Migrating and Manually Adding Credentials If you are transitioning from a third-party password manager, such as Google Passwords or 1Password, the Passwords app supports importing your credentials. This feature simplifies the migration process, allowing you to consolidate all your passwords into a single, secure platform. To import passwords, follow the app's step-by-step instructions, which guide you through exporting data from your previous manager and importing it into the Passwords app. For accounts that are not automatically saved, you can manually add credentials. This ensures that even less frequently used accounts are securely stored and easily accessible. To manually add a password, navigate to the app, select the option to add a new entry, and input the required details. This feature provides flexibility and ensures comprehensive password management. Seamless Integration Across the Apple Ecosystem The Passwords app is deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, offering a consistent and secure experience across all devices. Whether you are logging into a website on your Mac, accessing an app on your iPad, or sharing a Wi-Fi password from your iPhone, your saved credentials are readily available. This cross-device functionality enhances convenience while maintaining high security standards. Additionally, the app works seamlessly with Safari, Apple's web browser, to provide a streamlined browsing experience. When visiting a website, the app automatically suggests saved credentials, allowing you to log in with a single tap. This integration not only saves time but also reduces the likelihood of errors when entering login information. Enhancing Digital Security with the Passwords App The Apple Passwords app is a robust tool for managing your digital security. By using its features—such as strong password generation, Autofill, and iCloud synchronization—you can simplify your login processes while keeping your data secure. Its ability to store additional sensitive information and manage Wi-Fi credentials further enhances its utility. Whether you are setting up new accounts, transitioning from another password manager, or simply looking for a more secure way to manage your credentials, the Passwords app provides a comprehensive and user-friendly solution. By integrating seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem, it ensures that your digital security remains a priority across all your devices. Below are more guides on Password management from our extensive range of articles. Source & Image Credit: Daniel About Tech Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
CNET
22-07-2025
- CNET
I Used FaceApp AI to See How I Might Age. It Wasn't as Bad as I Thought
While society idolizes youth and normalizes young people getting preventative treatments to "stay young," there's nothing more attractive than someone who wears their age proudly. Especially since some argue that working to prevent aging might be having the opposite effect -- making 20-year-olds look like they're 30. I'm one of those people who believe in aging gracefully. Fillers are frightening to me, but will I regret not getting them when I'm 50? I thought I'd ask artificial intelligence, with all that it can do -- I've already used it to change my hair color, predict my future baby's face and create headshots. Surely it can show me a realistic version of my aged face. What is FaceApp? A quick search for "old age face app" in the App Store led me to FaceApp, which has been around since way before AI was cool. The Cyprus-based FaceApp Technology launched its app in 2017, allowing you to transform your face with old and young filters. FaceApp is free, but it has feature limitations. For premium filters, no watermarks and faster processing, you can upgrade to FaceApp Pro for $10 per month, or $5 per month if you pay for the 12 months in full. There's a one-week free trial available. I'm happy to pay $10 to save me a lifetime with wrinkles, but I started with the free version. Getting started with FaceApp I was in no state to take a selfie, so I chose a few photos from my camera roll. Given AI apps are usually picky with photo quality, I selected four to upload. Once I uploaded the images, the FaceApp watermark was instantly added to each one, given that I was on the free plan. The features were easy to find, with a simple banner of prompts to select from. I could change my face size, skin, expression, hair, gender and age. I clicked on Age, and it had eight face prompts available, from young to teen to old. I picked "cool old" first to soften the blow. Baby steps. First impression? I'm wearing too much makeup. Oh, and I look like my grandma. The original photo of me (far left), the AI-generated "cool old" version (middle) and AI's "old old" version (right). FaceApp/Amanda Smith/CNET Now onto the second. Me now (far left), the AI-generated "cool old" version (middle) and AI's "old old" version (right). FaceApp/Amanda Smith/CNET What this one nailed was the vertical line between my eyebrows and my crow's feet. My dad has these lines and he's 70. He's also got a full head of hair, so it's good to see my AI old age filter with fab hair. On to the third try. This one's not bad at all. Me now (far left), "cool old" (middle) and "old old" (right). FaceApp/Amanda Smith/CNET On to the lucky last. Aging with that hair? Not bad at all. Me now (far left), "cool old" (middle) and "old old" (right). FaceApp/Amanda Smith/CNET FaceApp and privacy concerns FaceApp reassures its users that it doesn't use any of your photos or videos for any reason other than giving you the ability to edit them. While it uses Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services to process and edit photos and videos, your multimedia is only temporarily cached on those cloud services while they're being edited and encrypted with a key stored locally on your own device. They remain in the cloud for 48 hours at most -- meaning FaceApp and its third-party partners do not keep any of your photos or videos, either before or after they've been edited. Advice on aging from AI While it's fun to see how AI predicts I'll age, I wanted to take it further to get feedback on what I can do about it. Can ChatGPT tell me my problem areas and suggest a skin care regimen? I opened ChatGPT and uploaded the four old-age images from FaceApp with this prompt: "Here are four AI-generated old-age filter photos of me. This is how AI predicts I'll age. Based on the visible aging in these photos, identify the problem areas and provide a personalized regimen that I can do now to avoid my skin aging to this extent. I don't want generic advice." ChatGPT gave me the standard skin care routine advice but did emphasize a vitamin C serum in the morning to brighten the skin and vitamin A in the evening. For preventive treatments, it suggested microneedling, laser therapy, chemical peels and Botox. I asked ChatGPT if I needed Botox or if good skin care would suffice. Screenshot by Amanda Smith/CNET ChatGPT suggested I see how my skin responds to good skin care over the next two years. If dynamic lines deepen, it's time for Botox. Ouch. Given that I'm nontox obsessed, I asked ChatGPT if there's a natural alternative to Botox. It gave me some options such as facial acupuncture, natural wrinkle relaxers (bakuchiol, argireline and aloe vera), a collagen-rich diet and noninvasive treatments like microcurrent devices and LED light therapy. I asked what the most natural cosmetic procedures are, and I got this list: To summarize, ChatGPT suggested three top non-tox treatments based on my photos: Screenshot by Amanda Smith/CNET The verdict on using AI to predict how you'll age It's handy to be able to use AI to get a sense of how I'll age, then put it into a chatbot to talk through preventive strategies. While AI image generators might be way off, it can help with the decisions I make now in how I care for my skin and hair -- though you should definitely speak to a dermatologist before making any decisions. Maybe I just need to age with dignity and change my mindset, not my face. Hopefully by the time I'm 60, society will have caught up to the fact that there's beauty to celebrate at every age.
