Topic
feature
Technology Apple's Assistive Access Feature Turns iPhone into a Kid-Friendly Dumb Phone
Apple's Assistive Access, introduced in iOS 17, allows parents to create a simplified, browser-free iPhone for children. Unlike standard Screen Time restrictions, it prevents web access via links, making it an ideal free alternative to paid dumb-phone apps. WIRED's Jeremy White details the setup process and benefits.
Technology Zoho's Arattai Disables Username Feature to Comply with Indian Government Directive Amid WhatsApp Scrutiny
Zoho-owned messaging app Arattai has disabled its username feature to comply with a regulatory change, following the Indian government's notice to WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram directing them not to roll out username features until consultation. The Internet Freedom Foundation has questioned the legal basis of the government's action.
Technology WhatsApp Usernames Arrive This Week: How to Reserve Yours and Protect Privacy
WhatsApp begins rolling out usernames globally this week, allowing users to connect without sharing phone numbers. The feature, designed with privacy in mind, includes optional four-digit PIN security and protects celebrity names. Reservation opens in the Settings > Account > Username tab.
Technology Try One of macOS 27's Best Features Right Now: AI-Powered Shortcuts
macOS 27 will let users create Apple Shortcuts by typing plain language descriptions, powered by generative AI. Until the official release this autumn, Federico Viticci's Shortcuts Playground offers early access via Claude Code or OpenAI's Codex, enabling rapid shortcut creation and modification.
Technology Microsoft Teams finally rolls out Wi-Fi-based location tracking for workplace check-in
Microsoft Teams is rolling out a long-delayed feature that uses Wi-Fi networks to detect and automatically update a user's work location. The 'Workplace Check-in via Wi-Fi' tool is off by default, with admins deciding whether to enable it and users able to opt-in or opt-out. The feature aims to provide more visibility for hybrid team managers but raises privacy concerns.
Technology Apple to Add Customizable EQ to AirPods with iOS 27, According to Engadget
According to Engadget, Apple's iOS 27 update, expected this fall, will introduce a Custom EQ feature for AirPods. The tool will let users manually adjust highs, mids, and lows, supplementing the existing Adaptive EQ. Details on supported models and cross-device syncing are not yet available.
Technology Garmin Cirqa Certification Listing Suggests Lack of GPS, Wi-Fi, and ANT+ Connectivity
A certification listing for what is believed to be the Garmin Cirqa on Singapore's IRIS system shows only Bluetooth connectivity, meaning the screenless wearable will lack GPS, Wi-Fi, and ANT+. This puts it in line with rivals like the Fitbit Air and Whoop 5.0, missing an opportunity for differentiation. The device is expected to launch in mid-2026.
Technology Android Is Fighting Phone Scams With a New Feature to Prove Who’s Calling
Google has introduced a new Android security feature that uses the RCS communication standard to verify caller identity and flag spoofed calls. The feature, rolling out for Android 12 and later, aims to combat AI-powered voice cloning scams by providing a hardware-based confirmation signal between Android phones.
Technology Amazon's 'Story So Far' Enhances Kindle Reading Experience
Amazon has introduced the 'Story So Far' feature for Kindle devices, providing users with summaries of key plot points to help them resume reading after a break. This feature is available on Kindle devices and the iOS app, but not yet on Android.