Tag Archives: mobile apps

UK watchdog says Apple’s rules restrict iOS browser competition

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The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has “provisionally concluded” that Apple’s restrictive mobile browser policies limit innovation. After an independent inquiry group shared its findings on browser competition on iOS and Android, the governing body’s board plans to conduct an in-depth assessment of how Apple and Google constrict third-party browsers on their platforms. However, Apple — with its more closed ecosystem — appears to have borne the brunt of the CMA’s concern.

The CMA’s investigation is based on the premise that Apple and Google have an effective duopoly on mobile platforms, allowing them to set the rules of how mobile browsers work. The board says third-party browser developers have complained that they’re constricted by rules like Apple’s requirement to use the company’s WebKit browser engine.

“The group has provisionally found that Apple’s rules restrict other competitors from being able to deliver new, innovative features that could benefit consumers,” the CMA wrote. “Other browser providers have highlighted concerns that they have been unable to offer a full range of browser features, such as faster webpage loading on iPhone.”

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCC), which passed earlier this year, will give the UK body extra ammunition to carry out its next steps. The UK’s equivalent of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) can designate big tech companies as having “Strategic Market Status” with “substantial and entrenched market power” and “a position of strategic significance.”

Much like the EU’s version, the law gives the UK some teeth to negotiate and force concessions from Big Tech behemoths that, at least in the US, often seem untouchable: The DMCC will empower the UK board to fine infringing companies up to 10 percent of their global revenue.

The CMA’s summary of Apple’s hearing reveals the iPhone maker argued that it restricts browser engines to “ensure users get the best security, privacy, and performance on iOS devices” — a familiar argument to those who’ve followed Apple’s previous competition trials. Apple claimed healthy competition exists, due to the presence of third-party browsers with features like ad-blocking, VPNs and AI. The company also said it routinely considers developer feedback and hadn’t heard any fuss over its current browser rules.

Contradicting that, the CMA said other browser providers have highlighted features they can’t implement on iOS, like faster webpage loading. “Many smaller UK app developers also told us that they would like to use progressive web apps — an alternative way for businesses to provide apps to mobile users without downloading apps through an app store — but this technology is not able to fully take off on iOS devices,” the board wrote.

The CMA also said that how browser choices are presented to users lets Apple and Google “manipulate these choices to make their own browsers the clearest or easiest option.” In addition, it pointed out a revenue-sharing agreement between the two companies that “significantly reduces their financial incentives to compete in mobile browsers on iOS.”

The board’s next step is a period of open comments on its findings, which will end on December 13. After its investigation, the CMA expects to make its final ruling in March 2025.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/uk-watchdog-says-apples-rules-restrict-ios-browser-competition-201106359.html?src=rss

Bluesky hits 20 million users

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Bluesky has passed the 20 million user mark as the app continues its recent surge in growth. The decentralized service, which reached 15 million users less than a week ago, has just about tripled its user base in the last three months.

Though it’s still far smaller than its rivals Threads and X, Bluesky’s current momentum is notable. The app has had several days over the last week where it added a million new users in a single 24-hour period. That’s similar to the growth rate of Threads, which has been getting a million new sign-ups a day for “going on three months,” according to an update last week from Meta’s Adam Mosseri. Threads reached 275 million monthly users earlier this month and has added at least 15 million since the start of November.

And while Bluesky remains the underdog, there are other signs it’s gaining momentum. Bluesky has been the top app in Apple’s App Store for the last six days and has been the top non-gaming app in Google Play for four days, according to data provided by analytics firm App Figures. Meta’s Threads is currently in the number two spot on the App Store. 

Though Bluesky has experienced other periods of significant growth over the last year, the recent surge is far bigger than what the open-source service has previously seen. The latest growth for Bluesky seems to be at least partially furled by mounting frustration from some X users. There was a significant spike in traffic to Bluesky on November 7, the day after the presidential election, according to a report from analytics company SimilarWeb. That spike seemed to coincide with a surge in users trying to deactivate their accounts on X. 

Bluesky has also been keen to differentiate its policies from its larger rivals. Last week, the company pledged that it would not use its users’ content to train generative AI. X’s new privacy policy allows it to work with third-parties to train AI models on users’ past tweets. Bluesky’s CEO Jay Graber has also said that she doesn’t want to “enshittify the network with ads.” Threads, meanwhile, reportedly plans to start experimenting with its first ads in January.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/bluesky-hits-20-million-users-143920955.html?src=rss

Google now offers a standalone Gemini app on iPhone

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Google now offers a dedicated Gemini AI app on iPhone. First spotted by MacRumors, the free software is available to download in Australia, India, the US and the UK following a soft launch in the Philippines earlier this week.

Before today, iPhone users could access Gemini through the Google app, though there were some notable limitations. For instance, the dedicated app includes Google’s Gemini Live feature, which allows users to interact with the AI agent from their iPhone’s Dynamic Island and Lock Screen. As a result, you don’t need to have the app open on your phone’s screen to use Gemini. The software is free to download — though a Gemini Advanced subscription is necessary to use every available feature. Gemini Advanced is included in Google’s One AI Premium plan, which starts at $19 per month.

The app is compatible with iPhones running iOS 16 and later, meaning people with older devices such as the iPhone 8 and iPhone X can use the AI agent. I’ll note here that the oldest iPhone that can run Apple Intelligence is the iPhone 15 Pro. Of course, that’s not exactly a fair comparison; Apple designed its suite of AI features to rely primarily on on-device processing, and when a query requires more computational horsepower, it goes through the company’s Private Cloud Compute framework.

Either way, it’s not surprising to see Google bring a dedicated Gemini app to iPhone. Ahead of WWDC 2024, Apple had reportedly been in talks with the company to integrate the AI agent directly into its devices.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/google-now-offers-a-standalone-gemini-app-on-iphone-160025513.html?src=rss

Proton’s VPN app now works natively on Windows ARM devices

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Proton's latest VPN app will be among the first to work natively on Windows ARM PCs, the company announced. The new app was built in collaboration with Microsoft by the same team that developed the encrypted Proton Mail service and promises "best in class security and privacy" on Windows ARM devices, according to Proton. 

The ARM app offers the same functionality as the x86 version and natively supports Proton VPN’s core security and privacy features. Normally, native support means it should also load and run a bit quicker than x86 apps running on Windows 11's emulator, but improved security is the main selling point. 

As for its claim to be among the first native Windows ARM VPN apps, rival Surfshark launched such an app in August and NordVPN recently said that it's planning to release an ARM-native app "this autumn." 

Proton also revealed its upcoming winter 2024 roadmap, promising new apps for iOS and iPadOS. Those will include commonly requested features like sorting servers by load, selecting a server based on its city, hiding free servers and more. Proton also promised IPv6 support in more apps, port forwarding on macOS and Linux plus guest modes for iOS and iPadOS. 

Proton's app topped our best VPN services list for 2024, thanks to its overall security, usability and privacy features. It also offers a no-logs policy, an open-source framework and an official vulnerability disclosure program. There's a free version (with access limited to servers in three countries) or a paid version starting at 4.99 euros ($5.44) per month. Proton recently released an Apple TV app that allow customers with a paid plan to stream their media content from any location on Apple's set-top box.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/protons-vpn-app-now-works-natively-on-windows-arm-devices-110054749.html?src=rss

Apple just approved another app that streams pirated movies and TV shows

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By now, you’d think that Apple’s vetting procedures for the App Store are watertight, but think again. As reported by The Verge, this Threads post shows that an app called Univer Note, a productivity app on the outside, is actually an illegal app that grants certain users access to pirated films.

Univer Note Illegal
Kris Holt/Engadget

The kicker isn’t only that the app is Apple-approved. Univer Note actually functions as a productivity app, but if you’re in countries like France or Canada, a French menu full of pirated movies and shows will show up. The app’s listing makes it appear like a standard, if generic, app, but it has an incredible rating of 4.9 stars out of 5.

When we downloaded and tested this ourselves, we found movies and shows like Agatha All Along, Breaking Bad, The Office, Deadpool and Wolverine and many other titles, all streaming for free.

Univer Note Menu
Kris Holt/Engadget

The content is divided into sections for various streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Max, Paramount+ and Crunchyroll, as well as a few French-only platforms. Some of the movies have only recently been released in theaters, including Venom: The Last Dance and Terrifier 3.

Apple will likely remove Univer Note from the store soon, and it likely won’t be the last app to slip past the tech giant’s filters. However, the fact that it has plenty of content from large streaming platforms makes it a particularly egregious slip-up. You have to imagine that Netflix and Disney aren’t happy with this.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/apple-just-approved-another-app-that-streams-pirated-movies-and-tv-shows-164549689.html?src=rss

X now lets blocked users see your posts

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Elon Musk's X has implemented a controversial change to the block function first announced in September, Engadget has confirmed. The update allows blocked users to see posts of the accounts that blocked them, while still not being able to interact with those accounts. 

For the first time since 2014, I was able to see posts from William Shatner, who blocked Engadget reporters en masse back then (why, Bill?). At the same time, X displays a message below Shatner's pinned post stating that "you can view public posts from @WilliamShatner, but you are blocked from engaging with them. You also cannot follow or message @WilliamShatner." Prior to that, X simply displayed a "You're blocked" message while showing no tweets, replies or other content.

X previously said it was making the change because users can already see and interact with accounts that have blocked them by switching to a non-blocked account. X also said that blocking as previously implemented could be used to share and hide harmful or private information about those they've blocked, so the new feature allows for "greater transparency."

However, experts on social media abuse say that the changes help stalkers and trolls while reducing their victims' safety. "Enabling blocked users to see posts is catering to abusers and stalkers, indulging and facilitating their behaviors," wrote London Victims' Commissioner Claire Waxman last month. 

Users have pointed out that X's blocking changes may run afoul of rules on iOS and Google Play app stores. Apple, for one, states in its developer terms of service that any apps with user-generated content must offer "the ability to block abusive users from the service." The block button is still technically in place, though, so it's not clear what, if anything, Apple and Google will do. 

Some have been voting with their feet, with alternative platforms like BlueSky and Threads gaining users and popularity over the last few months. Threads announced today that it has hit 275 million monthly active users (MAUs) — gaining 75 million in just the past three months. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/x-now-lets-blocked-users-see-your-posts-130020841.html?src=rss

Apple reportedly tested a blood glucose monitoring app

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Apple is reportedly still working on glucose management — this time through software. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says the company tested an app this year for pre-diabetic people, helping them manage their diet and lifestyle. Apple is said not to have plans to launch the app to consumers, but it could play a part in future health products.

The company reportedly tested the app internally, with employees confirmed through a blood test to be at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The subjects “actively monitored their blood sugar via various devices available on the market,” logging corresponding glucose changes. The app would then note correlations between dietary changes and blood sugar levels (for example, “don’t eat the pasta”).

Gurman says Apple paused the test to focus on other health features. Bloomberg notes that the Apple Health app currently lacks meal tracking, something rival services offer. The publication also says Apple could eventually offer deeper third-party glucose tracking integration into its products.

The study reportedly wasn’t directly related to Apple’s 15-year quest to offer non-invasive blood glucose monitoring, something that’s seemingly regurgitated in Apple Watch rumors every cycle. The company’s current hardware prototype is reportedly an iPhone-sized wearable device that uses lasers to shoot light into the skin. Gurman claims Apple’s first consumer-facing version — whether in the Apple Watch or some other form — will likely only notify users if they may be pre-diabetic. Providing specific glucose levels would have to come in later iterations.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-reportedly-tested-a-blood-glucose-monitoring-app-204241266.html?src=rss

Apple reportedly tested a blood glucose monitoring app

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Apple is reportedly still working on glucose management — this time through software. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says the company tested an app this year for pre-diabetic people, helping them manage their diet and lifestyle. Apple is said not to have plans to launch the app to consumers, but it could play a part in future health products.

The company reportedly tested the app internally, with employees confirmed through a blood test to be at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The subjects “actively monitored their blood sugar via various devices available on the market,” logging corresponding glucose changes. The app would then note correlations between dietary changes and blood sugar levels (for example, “don’t eat the pasta”).

Gurman says Apple paused the test to focus on other health features. Bloomberg notes that the Apple Health app currently lacks meal tracking, something rival services offer. The publication also says Apple could eventually offer deeper third-party glucose tracking integration into its products.

The study reportedly wasn’t directly related to Apple’s 15-year quest to offer non-invasive blood glucose monitoring, something that’s seemingly regurgitated in Apple Watch rumors every cycle. The company’s current hardware prototype is reportedly an iPhone-sized wearable device that uses lasers to shoot light into the skin. Gurman claims Apple’s first consumer-facing version — whether in the Apple Watch or some other form — will likely only notify users if they may be pre-diabetic. Providing specific glucose levels would have to come in later iterations.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-reportedly-tested-a-blood-glucose-monitoring-app-204241266.html?src=rss

Cash App users can claim thousands of dollars in a data breach settlement

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Heads up if you’ve had a Cash App account over the last six years or so: you may now be able to claim thousands of dollars as a result of a class-action settlement. The company proposed the $15 million settlement earlier this year following two security incidents. If you're eligible to make a claim, you only have a few weeks to do so.

The first related breach took place in December 2021 when, according to Cash App, a former employee downloaded reports containing information on more than 8 million users. This included their full names, brokerage account numbers and, in some cases, the holdings and value of investment portfolios. Cash App disclosed the incident in April 2022.

The consolidated class-action complaint alleged that Cash App and parent company Block failed to enact sufficient security measures to prevent another data breach. This involved Cash App’s person-to-person payment services. According to the plaintiffs, “an unauthorized user accessed certain Cash App accounts in 2023 using recycled phone numbers." The complaint contended that Cash App and Block mishandled complaints related to both breaches and fraudulent transactions.

Cash App and Block have denied any wrongdoing, The New York Times reports. They say the settlement is not an admission of liability.

You may be eligible to make a claim if you had a Cash App account between August 23, 2018 and August 20 of this year. The settlement will cover up to $2,500 of out-of-pocket costs stemming from the breaches, as well as up to three hours worth of lost time at $25 per hour. Those who have sustained a monetary loss and haven’t yet been reimbursed can file a claim for that too.

If you plan to file a claim through the settlement website, you’ll need to do so by 2AM ET on November 19. A final court hearing in the case is set for December 16.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/cash-app-users-can-claim-thousands-of-dollars-in-a-data-breach-settlement-194520756.html?src=rss

Cash App users can claim thousands of dollars in a data breach settlement

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Heads up if you’ve had a Cash App account over the last six years or so: you may now be able to claim thousands of dollars as a result of a class-action settlement. The company proposed the $15 million settlement earlier this year following two security incidents. If you're eligible to make a claim, you only have a few weeks to do so.

The first related breach took place in December 2021 when, according to Cash App, a former employee downloaded reports containing information on more than 8 million users. This included their full names, brokerage account numbers and, in some cases, the holdings and value of investment portfolios. Cash App disclosed the incident in April 2022.

The consolidated class-action complaint alleged that Cash App and parent company Block failed to enact sufficient security measures to prevent another data breach. This involved Cash App’s person-to-person payment services. According to the plaintiffs, “an unauthorized user accessed certain Cash App accounts in 2023 using recycled phone numbers." The complaint contended that Cash App and Block mishandled complaints related to both breaches and fraudulent transactions.

Cash App and Block have denied any wrongdoing, The New York Times reports. They say the settlement is not an admission of liability.

You may be eligible to make a claim if you had a Cash App account between August 23, 2018 and August 20 of this year. The settlement will cover up to $2,500 of out-of-pocket costs stemming from the breaches, as well as up to three hours worth of lost time at $25 per hour. Those who have sustained a monetary loss and haven’t yet been reimbursed can file a claim for that too.

If you plan to file a claim through the settlement website, you’ll need to do so by 2AM ET on November 19. A final court hearing in the case is set for December 16.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/cash-app-users-can-claim-thousands-of-dollars-in-a-data-breach-settlement-194520756.html?src=rss