Have you signed up for Android Pie’s Digital Wellbeing beta?
“I got how many notifications today?”
Android Pie officially dropped this past Monday, and with it comes a new gesture navigation system, an updated UI, battery-saving features, and plenty more. Along with all this, Pixel and Pixel 2 owners running the new software can also sign up to join Google’s Digital Wellbeing beta.
After you sign up for the beta, you’ll receive instructions on how to download the Digital Wellbeing app from the Play Store. Once you do this, a Digital Wellbeing section will automatically appear in your settings.
Digital Wellbeing is designed to help you use your phone less, and as such, Google’s providing stats to help you see how much you’re using your phone throughout the day, which apps you’re spending the most time on, and give you tools that are designed to make it easier to put your device down.
Going through the forums, it looks like a lot of our members have already signed up for the beta!
Tomster88
08-09-2018 01:13 AM“
I opted into the Beta And I got the email today and downloaded it. It’s fascinating to see how many times I’ve unlocked my phone today LOL
Reply
DMP89145
08-08-2018 07:26 PM“
Alright, I generally don’t do any type of Betas… BUT I jumped in on this one.. Interested to see how things look after a week of so … Was already staggered a bit at the number of notifications..:confused:
Reply
Mike Dee
08-07-2018 01:25 PM“
I registered yesterday and received the email today. Not sure how it works yet.
Reply
mrjetpacks
08-07-2018 09:09 PM“
I already downloaded the APK
Reply
What about you? Have you signed up for Digital Wellbeing?
Join the conversation in the forums!
Android 9 Pie
- Android 9 Pie review: Greater than the sum of its slices
- Everything you need to know about Android 9 Pie!
- Will my phone get Android Pie?
- How to get Android 9 Pie on your Pixel right now
- Join the Discussion
Watch the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 launch event: Live at 11:00 a.m. ET!
The new S Pen-toting flagship is ready to burst onto the scene.
It’s the moment we’ve been waiting for since the Galaxy S9 was announced: the Galaxy Note 9’s launch event. The Note fans among us have had August 9 circled on the calendar for weeks now, and it’s finally time to see the successor to the phone that’s in so many pockets today.
We’re always interested in the spectacle that is a Samsung launch event.
Many of the Note 9’s specs and details have leaked, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t interested in the spectacle that is a Samsung launch event. Part of the experience of getting a new Samsung phone is seeing all of the circumstances surrounding its launch, and they’re always a good time.
It all gets going at 11:00 a.m. ET in New York City — that translates to 8:00 a.m. PT, 4:00 p.m. CET and 8:30 p.m. IST for folks elsewhere in the world. No matter where you are, you can watch the show unfold right here at the video player above. As the launch event wraps up, be sure to follow all of Android Central’s coverage to get every bit of Note 9 information you desire!
Samsung Galaxy Note 9
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9 rumors: Release date, specs, price, and features!
- Is it best to buy the Galaxy S9 or wait for the Note 9?
- Do you plan on upgrading to the Note 9?
- Galaxy Note 8 review
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Xfinity August 2018 security vulnerability: Everything you need to know
Two different vulnerabilities exposed social security numbers and addresses.
Comcast’s Xfinity internet/TV/home phone service is one of the most popular across the United States, and according to a report from BuzzFeed News, two individual security vulnerabilities left the social security numbers and home addresses of all 26.5 million subscribers exposed and accessible to even novice hackers.
Comcast says that there’s no reason to believe any information was actually stolen, but even so, here’s what you should know about what’s going on.
What happened?
The first of the two vulnerabilities allowed attackers to obtain customers’ full addresses using Comcast’s in-home authentication system.
When connected to your home Xfinity network, you could log in to pay your bill by simply selecting the correct address from a list of five (see the picture above).
As BuzzFeed News notes in its article:
If a hacker obtained a customer’s IP address and spoofed Comcast using an “X-forwarded-for” technique, they could repeatedly refresh this login page to reveal the customer’s location. That’s because each time the page refreshed, three addresses would change, while one address, the correct address, remained the same.
The second vulnerability has the potential to be even more damning as it exposed the last four digits of social security numbers,
On the log-in page for Comcast Authorized Dealers (Comcast employees that are selling the service at other retailers), the “Exisitng Customer Address” page asks for a user’s address, last four digits of their SSN, account pin, and drivers license number.
The last four social security number digits are shown on this page, and by just having the billing address of a customer, an attacker could use a brute-force attack to repeatedly enter four-number combos until they got the right match. Per BuzzFeed News:
Because the login page did not limit the number of attempts, hackers could use a program that runs until the correct Social Security number is inputted into the form.
What you can do to protect yourself
The in-home authentication system has since been disabled after Comcast was informed of the vulnerability, and for the Authorized Dealer log-in, Comcast says it’s placed “a strict rate limit on the portal” to prevent it from being abused.
Although Comcast is still conducting an investigation into the matter, the company says it doesn’t believe any information was wrongfully used.
Even so, it’s never a bad idea to update your password or start using two-factor authentication for all your online accounts when something like this pops up. In these situations, you can never be too safe.
Best Password Managers For Android
These are the best phones for playing PUBG Mobile
PUBG Mobile is a graphics-intensive game that demands a powerful phone, and the Razer Phone is your best option.
Our Pick
Razer Phone
$699 at Amazon
The best gaming phone, period.
The Razer Phone is a specs beast, with a powerful Snapdragon 835 chipset, a whopping 8GB of RAM, a huge 4000mAh battery, and a 5.7-inch display that supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz — capable of producing the most buttery-smooth frame rate you’ve seen on a phone.
Why you should buy the Razer Phone
If you’ve played PUBG Mobile, you’ll know it’s a very fast-paced and competitive game. If you want to win consistently, you’ll need to refine your reflexes and learn how to scan the horizon for enemies and try and get the jump on them before they see you.
With the Razer Phone, you get a phone that’s perfectly designed to handle a game like PUBG Mobile. The specs will run the game smooth as butter and the display is capable of running the game at its highest graphics settings. The front-facing speakers are nice and loud and will let you hear the subtle sounds around your character, and even the blockish design is great with none of that curved screen business which could result in accidental touches around the edges.
Then, there’s the massive battery which is enhanced by the gaming optimization features built into the Razer Phone’s software that let you prioritized game performance or battery life and can also block incoming notifications so a distraction doesn’t cause you an early demise. Plus, it’s also got front-facing speakers that sound amazing and 64GB of onboard storage along with a dedicated microSD slot.
A Razer Phone won’t make you a better PUBG player, but it will let your skills grow without ever impeding your gameplay.
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The Best Display
Samsung Galaxy S9+
$820 at Amazon
The most gorgeous screen you’ll see on a phone.
The Galaxy S9+ is a great gaming phone because it is a great phone, period. But when it comes to playing a game like PUBG Mobile, the best differentiator the Galaxy S9+ has going for it is its brilliant Infinity Display.
Samsung has refined its top flagship to make the performance slightly faster and the display slightly brighter for an all-around better experience for mobile gamers.
This phone has the top-end specs you’d expect and easily handles running PUBG itself, but you also get some other great hardware features like a headphone jack, a microSD card slot, water resistance, and support for wireless charging that make it a better phone overall.
I personally think this phone is not as comfortable to hold for lengthy gaming sessions without a case, but it’s arguably a better phone overall than the Razer Phone so if camera performance and a sleek design for your phone are your top priority, this is a great option.
Value Pick
OnePlus 6
$529 at OnePlus
A great deal, with gaming chops.
With a game like PUBG Mobile, you’re going to want to play on a newer phone to get the best performance from the game itself. But these days, to buy a brand new flagship phone can mean dropping up to or over $1000.
The OnePlus 6 costs just $529 and comes with a Snapdragon 845 and 6GB of RAM base, with an option for 8GB if you so desire. The display is big and bright, too, which makes for a better time trying to track down enemies across a field.
The OnePlus 6 is a great option for anyone who wants to save some money on a device with flagship specs.
Bottom line
PUBG Mobile is an intense game that can be scaled down to play on low-end devices, but for the best experience, you’re going to want a phone that’s been designed to run games at their highest settings. Sure, the Samsung Galaxy S9 and OnePlus 6 are outstanding devices that run PUBG Mobile like a dream.
In my experience, the Razer Phone has proven to be the best device with its 120Hz refresh rate and design focused for gamers.
Combo an Echo Dot with Sengled’s 2-bulb Starter Kit for just $60
Here’s a bundle you’ll want to purchase.
Amazon is currently discounting the Echo Dot + Sengled 2-bulb starter kit to just $59.99, a savings of $30. If you were to buy the two pieces on their own, the 2-bulbs with hub would cost you $39.99 and the Echo Dot is currently at $49.99. Amazon’s Echo Dot can be used for a variety of tasks, including controlling smart bulbs like the two that come with this kit.
These are white bulbs, but they are dimmable and offer various shades of white for you to change between. You can also grab the Echo Dot with a two-bulb Philips Hue color starter kit for $129.99, which is a savings of $70.
See at Amazon
PSA: Don’t update to Android Pie if you have a Samsung Gear wearable
Even after numerous developer previews, Pie still doesn’t support Gear accessories.
As of this past Monday, Android 9 Pie officially began rolling out to the Pixel/Pixel XL, Pixel 2/Pixel 2 XL, and the Essential Phone. We’ve been having a blast with Google’s latest flavor of Android, but according to numerous reports from users, the new software isn’t so hot if you’re using a Samsung Gear product.
Take a quick visit to the r/Android subreddit, and you’ll find a heap of users reporting that Android Pie completely breaks any and all functionality with Samsung’s Gear devices (such as the Gear Sport, Gear S3, Gear Fit 2, etc.).
Gear devices that are paired to non-Samsung phones require users to install a few different Samsung apps, and despite the first P developer preview coming out in March, it would appear that Samsung still hasn’t updated its apps to support the new version of the OS.
One member on the XDA forums has come up with a temporary fix that allows Gear devices to keep working like usual on Pie, and while that’s fine in the interim, it’d be nice to see Samsung address this sooner rather than later.
Other Gear owners are reporting that their gadgets are working just fine while connected to Pie phones, however, so your mileage may vary.
Android 9 Pie review: Greater than the sum of its slices
Android 9 Pie
- Android 9 Pie review: Greater than the sum of its slices
- Everything you need to know about Android 9 Pie!
- Will my phone get Android Pie?
- How to get Android 9 Pie on your Pixel right now
- Join the Discussion
ILIFE’s A4s robot vacuum cleaner is just $187 at Amazon Canada today
Hands-free cleaning without breaking the bank.
Amazon Canada has ILIFE’s A4s Robot Vacuum on sale for $187.49 today only as its Deal of the Day. This vacuum normally sells for $250 so today’s discount makes for a considerable saving. 
The A4s has a 3-step cleaning system with a strong suction and multiple sensors to avoid bumping into objects or falling off stairs. You can schedule it to run at times that are convenient for you, and with its 140 minute cleaning time, it outperforms most of the competition.
If you’re tired of cleaning your floors on your own, you’ll want to give one of these a shot. At this price, the convenience it brings will pay for itself in just a few uses so be sure to grab one before the deal expires.
For more Canadian deals coverage, be sure to keep an eye on Thrifter CA, sign up for the Canadian newsletter and follow the team on Twitter.
See at Amazon Canada
Apple Faces Potential Legal Threat From Indian Regulator Over Noncompliance With Anti-Spam iPhone App
Just a few days after Bloomberg revealed Apple’s revamped India strategy, including changes that the company hopes will boost its lackluster smartphone market share in the country, a report by Reuters today has pointed out another hurdle for Apple’s India plan.
The new report concerns Apple’s work with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) over the development of an anti-spam iPhone app, which dates back nearly two years. Indian users constantly have to deal with spam phone calls, leading to the government’s decision to build its own smartphone app that would let users mark and report spam callers.
Reuters previously reported in March that work on the app was deadlocked as Apple continuously raised concerns over the privacy implications of allowing the app broad access to customers’ calls and text logs. Following months of Apple pointing out privacy loopholes in the app — which has been available on Android in India since 2016 — TRAI last month threatened Apple by stating that its smartphones could be “derecognized” from the country’s networks.
This means that while iPhones would still be available for purchase in India, users would not be able to connect to any supported cellular network and would lose many of the features that they likely purchased the iPhone for. TRAI’s derecognition threat was specified in a letter sent to Indian telecom firms over the summer, notifying the firms that TRAI would give them six months notice to derecognize devices from their networks if the phones in question do not support the anti-spam app.
With that ticking clock looming for Apple, the company recently asked for the clause about derecognition to be removed:
“We look forward to working with TRAI to address the issue of unsolicited commercial communications, while simultaneously ensuring that we fully honor our commitment to protect the privacy and security of our users,” Apple’s head of public policy in India, Kulin Sanghvi, wrote in the letter which was seen by Reuters.
In response to Apple’s own letter, TRAI chairman R.S. Sharma said that derecognition could not be “quashed or challenged” by writing a letter, and suggested the disagreement between the two could end up in court:
“The most appropriate way to challenge this is in court,” he said.
As of now, no legal action has yet been taken by either side. The drama over the anti-spam app is just one of numerous headaches for Apple in India, in the past few months including ever-increasing taxes on imported smartphones, rising iPhone prices because of such taxes, and user frustration with poor Apple services.
According to people familiar with the company’s plans, its new strategy in India includes better and longer-lasting retail deals with higher sales targets, the opening of official Apple retail stores in India, “overhauling” the company’s relationship with independent retailers, and improving apps and services “aimed more closely at Indians.” The company is said to focus specifically on Apple Maps in the services area with a “revamped” version of the app coming to Indian users by 2020.
Tag: India
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Apple Details Improvements to Siri’s Ability to Recognize Names of Local Businesses and Destinations
In a new entry in its Machine Learning Journal, Apple has detailed how it approached the challenge of improving Siri’s ability to recognize names of local points of interest, such as small businesses and restaurants.
In short, Apple says it has built customized language models that incorporate knowledge of the user’s geolocation, known as Geo-LMs, improving the accuracy of Siri’s automatic speech recognition system. These models enable Siri to better estimate the user’s intended sequence of words.
Apple says it built one Geo-LM for each of the 169 Combined Statistical Areas in the United States, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, which encompass 80 percent of the country’s population. Apple also built a single global Geo-LM to cover all areas not defined by CSAs around the world.
When a user queries Siri, the system is customized with a Geo-LM based on the user’s current location. If the user is outside of a CSA, or if Siri doesn’t have access to Location Services, the system defaults to the global Geo-LM.
Apple’s journal entry is highly technical, and quite exhaustive, but hopefully this means that Siri should be able to better understand the names of local points of interest, and also be able to better distinguish between a Tom’s Restaurant in Iowa and Kansas based on a user’s geolocation.
In its testing, Apple found that the customized language models reduced Siri’s error rate by between 41.9 and 48.4 percent in eight major U.S. metropolitan regions: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, and San Francisco, excluding mega-chains like Walmart.
Siri still trails Google Assistant in overall accuracy, according to a recent study by research firm Loup Ventures, but hopefully these improvements eliminate some of the frustration of querying Siri about obscurely named places.
Tags: Siri, machine learning
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HomeKit-Compatible ‘Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller’ Now Available to Buy Through Apple
Apple has begun selling the Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller on its United States website today, following a few weeks after the HomeKit accessory previously launched on Eve’s own website and on Amazon (via HomeKit News and Reviews). On Apple.com, you can buy the Eve Aqua for $99.95, and the free shipping option currently designates a delivery date on Monday, August 13.
The Eve Aqua is a small controller that you attach to an outdoor water outlet, letting you activate or shut off water flow via the Home iOS app, Siri voice commands, or automatic HomeKit scenes. Eve says this makes the accessory perfect for sprinklers and can prevent gardens from flooding thanks to an auto shut-off feature.
Elgato Systems announced the Eve Aqua this past May, and then in June Elgato revealed that it would shift its focus “entirely” to its line of Eve devices. Elgato is now “Eve Systems,” with plans to offer a “constantly expanding ecosystem” of accessories designed exclusively for Apple’s HomeKit platform.
Despite the name change, Apple.com still lists the water controller accessory as the “Elgato Eve Aqua.”
Following the restructured company, Eve Systems teased users with new product announcements set to come out of IFA Berlin, which begins on August 31 and runs through September 5. For current products, Eve sells many of its devices on Apple.com, including the Elgato Eve Degree Connected Weather Station, Light Switch, Wireless Motion Sensor, Room Sensor, Energy Smart Plug, Button, and more.
Tag: Eve
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