Latest news with #Graphene
The Citizen
30-05-2025
- The Citizen
Travelling? Here are smartphone settings to save you from theft
Smartphones hold everything from boarding passes and hotel bookings to banking apps and personal data. The one item that many people cannot do without when travelling abroad is their mobile phone. Heck, many cannot do without their smartphones even when not travelling. As smartphones become essential travel companions, adjusting your phone settings before departure can protect both your device and personal data. Smartphones Whether you're catching a flight for business or leisure, your smartphone likely holds everything from boarding passes and hotel bookings to banking apps, personal data, and photos of your loved ones to keep you company while you're away from home. If you have a smartphone and are travelling abroad, the essential travel phone settings checklist is a must to stay safe, connected, and cost-efficient abroad. From preventing theft to avoiding data roaming charges, this simple pre-travel setup guide helps travellers secure their phones and personal information before heading overseas. ALSO READ: Smartphone stolen? Here are some tips that may help you recover it Tips when travelling Travel exposes you to new digital threats, both physical and online. A few quick changes to your settings can save you from financial headaches, identity theft, or losing irreplaceable data. SmartMove shared six tips on how to set up your phone for a safe, smart, and theft-proof holiday: Disable Control Centre access from the lock screen Thieves often exploit quick-access settings to turn on aeroplane mode or disable data, making your phone untraceable. Prevent this by locking down your control centre from the lock screen. ALSO READ: 'Cool smartphones' with Graphene, the super hero component [VIDEO] Turn off mobile data and Roaming International roaming charges can rack up fast. Disable roaming and turn off mobile data unless you're using a travel-friendly plan or SIM. Authenticator App Instead of SMS for 2FA Use an authenticator app instead of SMS for two-factor authentication (2FA) Text-based 2FA may not work abroad and is vulnerable to SIM-swap fraud. Apps like Google Authenticator provide safer and more reliable alternatives. Enable Remote Tracking Features like 'Find My iPhone' or 'Find My Device' let you locate, lock, or wipe your phone remotely if it's lost or stolen. Back up Ensure all important contacts, documents, and photos are backed up to the cloud or an external drive. Auto-Connecting to public Wi-Fi Disable automatic Wi-Fi connections to avoid insecure networks, and consider using a VPN when accessing sensitive apps. Breaches Tech expert, Jes Johnson from SmartMove said many people pack their passports but forget to 'pack' their digital defences. 'A lot of theft and data breaches abroad are preventable. In fact, your phone is only as secure as its settings. 'Opportunistic theft is still a top threat, especially in tourist-heavy areas. A stolen phone can be wiped and sold in minutes if it's not properly secured. Disabling access to settings like airplane mode from the lock screen is one of the most overlooked but crucial steps,' Johnson said. Hidden costs Travellers should also take note of the hidden costs of travel, particularly around data usage. You might think you're safe just by turning your phone off or leaving it on silent, but background apps can still sync. One accidental tap and you're facing a hefty bill. Before you board the plane, treat your phone like a second passport: protect it, secure it, and plan for what you'd do if it disappeared. ALSO READ: Slow and glitchy smartphone? Try these quick fixes
Associated Press
08-03-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Glide Xpress Car Wash Marks Historic Month With Six Grand Openings
Free Car Wash Events and Special $10 Unlimited Membership Offer Available at Each Ribbon Cutting FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS / ACCESS Newswire is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking milestone: six new locations will celebrate their official Grand Openings throughout March 2025. Each site will host its own Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 11:00 AM on the specified date, offering FREE Diamond Ray Washes (including Graphene protection, a $20 value) during a special promotional period. Plus, for those who want to keep the shine going all year long, Glide Xpress is offering any unlimited wash plan at just $10 per month for the first three months of Xpress Car Wash Glide Xpress Car Wash in Memphis, TN 'We are absolutely ecstatic to open six new Glide Xpress Car Wash locations in a single month,' says Christopher Barrett, Director of Marketing at Glide Xpress Car Wash. 'Our aim is to be the world's best local car wash by offering superior washes, advanced technology, and exceptional customer service to as many communities as possible. We invite everyone to come out and celebrate with free washes and learn about our unmatched wash experience.' Now with 15 locations (and counting), Glide Xpress Car Wash continues to raise the standard in the car wash industry. From its signature conveyor belt moving floor system-capable of accommodating everything from compact cars to SUVs-to its use of advanced wash chemistry, each facility promises a smooth, high-quality wash that leaves every vehicle gleaming. Below is an overview of each Grand Opening celebration. All Ribbon Cuttings are at 11:00 AM on their respective dates, and local community members, media, and press are warmly invited to attend. Fayetteville, AR (Wedington Drive) Address: 3349 W Wedington Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72704 Date: March 11, 2025 Tontitown, AR Address: 1272 E Henri De Tonti Blvd, Tontitown, AR 72762 Date: March 14, 2025 Memphis, TN (Kirby Road) Address: 2966 Kirby Rd, Memphis, TN 38119 Date: March 14, 2025 Bentonville, AR Address: 807 SE Walton Blvd, Bentonville, AR 72712 Date: March 21, 2025 Memphis, TN (Austin Peay Hwy) Address: 3560 Austin Peay Hwy, Memphis, TN 38128 Date: March 21, 2025 Fayetteville, AR (N College Avenue) Address: 3448 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703 Date: March 28, 2025 Free Diamond Ray Wash and Unlimited Membership Offer: To introduce these locations, visitors can receive a FREE Diamond Ray Car Wash (valued at $20) during a select promotional window. The Diamond Ray Wash features Graphene for exceptional shine and protection. Additionally, any of Glide Xpress's unlimited wash packages can be purchased for $10 a month for the first three months (regular plans start at $16/month). Why Glide Xpress Car Wash? 'At Glide Xpress, it is our goal to be the world's best local car wash. We are a family-owned car wash that prioritizes customer service, great value, and clean vehicles,' says James Herrington, Managing Partner. 'We hire local, think local, and look forward to being a significant part of the communities in which we serve.'
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MAGA Newspaper Owner's AI Bot Defends KKK
The Los Angeles Times removed its new AI-powered 'insights' feature from a column after the tool tried to defend the Ku Klux Klan. Columnist Gustavo Arellano's Feb. 25 column reflected on Anaheim's history with the hate group after the city's council did not acknowledge the 100th anniversary of booting four Klan-affiliated council members from the group. Arellano noted how the group's presence in the city was a 'stain' on its history, but that leaders should reflect on the lesson of 'how to combat tyranny and white supremacy — and also that the work is never really done." But the feature produced by AI company Particle—which debuted on Monday for 'Voices' pieces and has been heavily touted by billionaire owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong—included a defense for the group under a banner that offered 'different views on the topic.' 'Local historical accounts occasionally frame the 1920s Klan as a product of 'white Protestant culture' responding to societal changes rather than an explicitly hate-driven movement, minimizing its ideological threat,' the point read. Within hours of its debut, the feature was removed from the column. It remains available on other 'Voices' pieces that offer points of view, which includes news commentary and reviews, among others. The Times did not respond to a request for comment. The gaffe was first spotted by New York Times reporter Ryan Mac. The 'Insights' tool allows Times readers to generate an AI-powered summary of the piece's perspectives along with opposing views. It also tries to dictate the political bias of each article. Each summary is topped with a disclaimer: 'The following content is AI-generated and was not created by the editorial staff of the Los Angeles Times." Soon-Shiong, who has tried to court conservative readers, touted the feature on X on Monday, months after he first unveiled plans for it. 'Now the voice and perspective from all sides can be heard, seen and read —no more echo chamber," he wrote. 'Thanks to our talented content management software team running this Graphene platform.' The tool was criticized by the paper's union, which said it 'risks further eroding confidence in the news.' 'And the money for this endeavor could have been directed elsewhere: supporting our journalists on the ground who have had no cost-of-living increase since 2021,' its vice chair Matt Hamilton said in a statement, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
