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Your car’s data privacy problems are worse than you think
A Northeastern University and Consumer Reports study found extensive data sharing by connected cars and their companion apps, raising concerns about what owners know and can control. The findings add evidence to a debate already sharpened by US penalties against automakers for collecting or sharing driving data without adequate consent. Researchers examined 21 cars from…
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Meta launches AI assistant for small business owners
Meta has launched Muse for Small Business, an AI agent tailored for small business owners that integrates with their professional accounts on Facebook and Instagram. The tool can access business analytics and advertising accounts to provide insights and automate tasks related to social media presence and ad campaigns, representing Meta’s expansion of its AI agent…
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Apps can support analogue hobbies and help people cut screen time
The article explores how technology and apps can paradoxically support a more analogue lifestyle and reduce screen time, rather than solely contributing to digital dependency. With growing concern about AI and screen reliance, the author demonstrates that thoughtfully chosen digital tools can enhance physical and mental wellbeing whilst enabling more present, engaged living. The author…
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Opera for Android now comes with a free eSIM and 3GB of data
Opera’s Android browser now includes an embedded eSIM with 3GB of free 5G data, offering a convenient solution for international travellers. The digital SIM card works across 47 countries without requiring users to swap physical SIM cards or deal with roaming fees, making it particularly useful for those frequently crossing borders. The free 3GB allowance…
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How to spot when your iPhone battery needs replacing
iPhone batteries gradually lose capacity through ageing and repeated charging, which can lead to shorter battery life, slower performance or unexpected shutdowns. Apple’s Settings app provides battery health information to help owners spot deterioration and decide when to seek a replacement. In Settings > Battery > Battery Health, users can check whether the battery is…
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Simple Android settings can reduce power use and preserve battery health
The article says Android phone batteries often run down quickly because of avoidable settings and app activity. A few small changes can reduce daily power use while helping preserve battery health over time, without requiring users to disable essentials such as Wi-Fi. It recommends lowering screen brightness, shortening screen timeout and, where available, switching the…
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My iPhone hit 1,000 charge cycles — Here’s how it’s holding up
The writer’s iPhone 15 Pro Max has reached 1,000 charge cycles after nearly three years and reports 81 per cent battery health. Its battery life has fallen from more than 12 hours of screen-on use when new to often needing a charge before the day ends, illustrating how battery wear affects everyday use even before…
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Reduce Android animation speeds to make everyday actions feel quicker
The article describes an Android setting that can make a phone feel more responsive by speeding up its interface animations. It matters because the change can make everyday actions, such as unlocking the phone, opening apps and switching between them, seem quicker, although it does not improve the phone’s actual performance. To adjust it, users…
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How to set up Amazon Alexa’s price drop alerts and auto-buy feature
Amazon’s Alexa shopping tools can monitor product prices and automatically purchase items when they reach specified price targets, removing the need for manual price checking. This represents how e-commerce platforms increasingly leverage artificial intelligence to simplify the shopping experience for consumers. The Price History tool displays price fluctuations over 30, 90, or 365 days, helping…
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How to improve sound quality on your Android phone during calls
Android users can significantly improve call sound quality through several built-in phone settings and features, addressing a common frustration with unclear audio during calls. The article provides step-by-step guidance on enabling these improvements without requiring hardware changes or professional assistance. The main techniques include enabling VoLTE (Voice over LTE), which routes calls through faster 4G…