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TikTok Introduces Screen Time Limits for Users Aged Under 18

Screen Time Limits for Users Aged Under 18

TikTok, the popular social media app known for its short-form videos, has introduced screen time controls to address concerns about teenage users’ excessive screen time and its potential impact on mental health. The new default setting limits users aged under 18 to one hour per day.

TikTok’s new screen time controls will automatically limit the daily usage of accounts owned by users under 18 to 60 minutes. After reaching the time limit, a passcode must be entered to continue viewing, and the teenager must actively decide whether to extend that time. Children under 13 already have a daily screen time limit of 60 minutes. Parents can set a passcode or enter an existing passcode for an additional 30 minutes of viewing time if needed.

The company is also introducing a new parental control feature, “Family Pairing,” which allows parents to monitor their children’s TikTok activities. Parents can set their screen time limits and see detailed dashboard stats about their child’s app usage, such as how often they open apps and when they use them most. Parents can also set when their children receive notifications and filter out topics they don’t want to appear in the ‘For You’ feed.

The decision to introduce screen time controls reflects growing concerns about the potential negative effects of social media on young people’s mental health, as well as the need for companies to take responsibility for the impact of their products on users. While there is no collectively accepted view of the “right” amount of screen time or how it affects us, TikTok consulted with experts from Boston Children’s Hospital’s Digital Wellness Lab to determine the 60-minute time limit.

TikTok’s move to introduce screen time controls and parental controls may be seen as a positive step towards addressing concerns about the impact of social media on young people’s mental health. However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will effectively reduce excessive screen time among teenagers and improve their well-being.

Godot Engine 4.0: A New Era of Open-Source Game Development

Godot Engine 4

After years of work, the much-anticipated stable version 4.0 of the Godot Engine has finally been released, giving the open-source game engine community reason to celebrate. This release signifies the beginning of a new age for Godot, giving a solid foundation for the future.

The Godot Engine has grown in popularity among developers due to its simplicity and flexibility, but the 4.0 version elevates the engine to a new level of sophistication. The most noticeable enhancement is the inclusion of the most recent Vulkan renderer, which provides considerable rendering improvements across the board, helping games run smoother and quicker.

Godot 4.0 includes a full overhaul of the global illumination system and support for volumetric fog, allowing developers to build more realistic scenes. The engine also supports AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution, which allows games to be rendered at greater resolutions while maintaining performance.

The physics engine has also been significantly improved, offering more realistic physics simulations and overall engine performance. Internal improvements to the 3D animation technology have resulted in smoother, more realistic animations. The new edition also includes enhancements to scripting support, multiplayer, and web platform compatibility.

The engine’s core, the Godot Editor, has improved extensively, resulting in a more user-friendly experience for developers. This will be a pleasant enhancement for people who often use the editor.

Overall, the Godot 4.0 release is a huge step forward for the engine, and the enhancements will help both developers and players. The engine is now better suited to compete with proprietary game engines. The faster pace of future releases will allow developers to iterate on new features and enhancements more swiftly.

Godot 4.0 can be downloaded from the official website, and further details about the release can be found on GitHub. The open-source game engine community has much to look forward to with the release of Godot 4.0, and we can’t wait to see what developers will build with this new and better engine.

Qualcomm and Thales Announce iSIM in Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Qualcomm and Thales Announce iSIM

Qualcomm and Thales have announced the world’s first Integrated SIM (iSIM) card, which is a SIM card that is incorporated directly into a single-chip system. This solution saves even more space inside the device, even in comparison with eSIM. iSIM is expected to be the modern solution, replacing traditional SIM cards and eSIMs.

Arm presented the iSIM idea in 2018, claiming that the transistors required to execute the technology in the SoC will be located on a 1 sq mm space, which is more than 100 times smaller than a traditional nanoSIM card (12.3 x 8.8 mm). Last year, Qualcomm, Thales, and Vodafone demonstrated the Integrated SIM (iSIM) standard on the custom-designed Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 with iSIM has received GSMA security certification, providing the same level of cyber protection as eSIM modules.

SIM vs eSIM vs iSIM

The iSIM card eliminates the need for a separate physical space for SIM services inside devices, resulting in smaller designs and less power consumption.

Qualcomm and Thales are glad that their investment in high-security processor hardware has met the security and functionality needed by the GSMA for the UICC Remote Provisioning use case. They believe a tamper-resistant element built into a host processor can enable innovative use cases in many markets and product segments.

With its smaller size, energy efficiency, and security features, iSIM is poised to revolutionize how devices communicate and interact, paving the way for an exciting future of innovation and progress.

6 Interesting Features That Mobile Security Software Offer

Mobile Application Security

If you’ve been shopping for a mobile security solution, you may have noticed many different features offered by various software packages. It can take time to decide which ones are worth paying for and which you can live without. To help you make an informed decision, here are seven interesting features that many mobile security software offer. This will help you narrow your choices and find the perfect solution for your needs!

Mobile security software can help you find your lost or stolen phone

Losing your phone can be a nightmare. It feels like you’re suddenly without access to a valuable part of your life – after all, how many of us rely on our phones to do almost anything? From staying in touch with family and friends to accessing work emails, our phones are often akin to an extra limb. Thankfully, the right mobile security software can significantly reduce the stress of losing or having your phone stolen.

Whether you misplace your device or it gets stolen, cutting-edge technologies such as GPS tracking and remote locking allow you to quickly relocate your phone and keep its contents safe from unscrupulous intruders. With help from these valuable protocols, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that there is help out there if ever disaster strikes and you lose or have your phone stolen.

It can lock your phone remotely if it falls into the wrong hands

Lookout Enterprise offers a unique feature that is absolutely fantastic for those who have their phones stolen. Lookout Enterprise can actually detect when your phone has fallen into the wrong hands and will lock it remotely, preventing any unauthorized activity from taking place. The remote locking technology Lookout provides makes it so much harder for a thief to access your data and steal any sensitive information from it. Not only does Lookout protect your phone from theft, but it ensures that all your valuable information remains safe and kept away from prying eyes!

Some software come with anti-theft features that can take a photo of the person using your phone or even sound an alarm

Mobile security software offer a wide variety of features to help safeguard against theft. A handy tool is the anti-theft feature which can both take a picture of the person using your phone and sound a loud alarm to alert you in case it gets stolen. Not only does this act as an effective deterrent, but if your phone is lost or stolen, this feature can also be used to help identify the thief and provide clues for the police. Having access to these powerful security measures via your smartphone could prove invaluable if you are unfortunate enough to suffer from device theft.

You can also remotely wipe all data from your phone if you think it’s irretrievable

Losing a smartphone can be devastating, especially if it contains irreplaceable data and files. Fortunately, many mobile security software offer the ability to remotely wipe all data from devices in just a few clicks. This feature allows users to protect their personal information while removing any trace of it from the lost phone. Remote wipe provides an extra layer of protection to users and can be a helpful tool if you are ever unlucky enough to lose your phone or have it stolen.

Most mobile security software also offer virus and malware protection

Keeping your mobile device safe from malicious attacks is a top priority, and most mobile security software can do just that! As well as providing powerful virus and malware protection, many of these tools include other features to enhance safety, such as data backup, app monitoring to weed out vulnerabilities, and even activity trackers that let you know who has been trying to access your accounts. While there are various other aspects of mobile security as well, such as encryption and fraud detection capabilities, having the ability to protect your phone against viruses and malware remains one of the most vital aspects.

Some even offer parental controls, so you can monitor and restrict your children

Mobile security software have many great features to offer consumers, with some including the ability to enable parental controls. These powerful tools help parents keep an eye on their children’s online activity, allowing them to set restrictions on what they can or can’t do while online. Through the use of this kind of software, parents can easily monitor and block any sites or apps that don’t fit within the boundaries they have set for their children. It’s an excellent way for parents to ensure their kids are using smart and safe practices when it comes to their phones.

Concluding thoughts

Mobile security software is a must-have for anyone with a smartphone. Not only can it help you find your lost or stolen phone, but it can also lock your phone remotely if it falls into the wrong hands. Some software even come with anti-theft features that can take a photo of the person using your phone or sound an alarm. If you think your phone is irretrievable, you can also remotely wipe all data from your phone. Most mobile security software also offer virus and malware protection, keeping your phone safe from malicious attacks. Some even have parental controls, so you can monitor and restrict what your children do on their phones. Do you have mobile security software installed on your smartphone?

Xiaomi’s Redmi Brand Introduces 300W Fast Charging Technology

Xiaomi Redmi 300W Fast Charging

Xiaomi’s Redmi brand has unveiled a new fast-charging technology capable of charging a smartphone with a 4,100 mAh battery in just five minutes. This technology reaches 300W and is the fastest charge in the world, surpassing Realme’s previously announced 240W

The new charging technology has been tested on a modified Redmi Note 12 Pro+, reaching 20% battery in less than a minute, 50% in 2 minutes and 12 seconds, and 100% in just 5 minutes.

The battery materials have been slightly modified to allow this charging speed to be achieved without significantly affecting the battery’s useful life. Xiaomi claims that up to 50 security-related functions have been added to control the integrated charging chips’ voltage, current, or temperature.

Although the technology is not yet available in the market, its announcement is excellent news for fast-charging enthusiasts. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ used in the test had a 4100 mAh battery, slightly less than the Realme model’s 4600 mAh battery. The new battery mounted on the prototype uses 15C cells. It replaces graphite with carbon to reduce the thickness of the electrodes by 35%, enabling higher density, faster loading and unloading, and reduced heat generated during operation.

The charging technology’s peak power was 290W, sustaining 280W for long periods, resulting in a fast charge. The technology’s safety is assured, with Xiaomi implementing more than 50 safety features to control temperature and voltage. It will be interesting to see how this technology progresses when it is finally implemented in a Redmi mobile.

Google Paid Out a Record $12M as Bug Bounty Reward in 2022

Google news and new stories

Google has released the results of its Vulnerability Reward program, which rewards ethical hackers for bugs and vulnerabilities found in the company’s products. In 2022 this figure reached a record — more than $12 million for more than 2900 vulnerabilities found.

Interestingly, the company paid the largest reward for identifying a chain of exploits using five separate vulnerabilities in Android — $605,000. This specialist turned out to be a man known by the nickname gzobqq, and in 2021 he also identified another exploit chain in Android, which brought him $157,000. Both of these rewards at one time were record-breaking for finding errors in Android.

The company paid $4.8 million in rewards for the Android segment. The most active experts reported 200, 150, and 100 vulnerabilities, respectively. 

Google also paid around $500,000 for 700 vulnerabilities uncovered as part of a closed ACSRP initiative focused on boosting Android chipsets security. Google rewarded hackers $4 million for 363 vulnerabilities discovered in the Chrome browser and 110 vulnerabilities discovered in the Chrome OS platform.

In comparison, Microsoft revealed in August last year that it paid $13.7 million to 330 professionals in 46 countries — the highest payment was $200,000, and the average was $12 000. In 2022, Apple gave out $20 million under a similar scheme, with awards averaging $40,000.

5 Kinds of Information You Can Obtain with a Person Search Engine

People Search Finder Services

A person search engine can take up all your time. That’s because when you learn about them, you may enjoy using them. You can find free ones online, and what they reveal might fascinate you.

Potential employers use these search engines when conducting background checks during the hiring process. However, because so many free ones exist, you can use one for another reason as well. You might look up someone you’re dating if you want more info they won’t divulge. You may look up people you know when you’re just passing the time.

Person search tools can reveal critical information, so let’s look over what you might learn when you start exploring cyberspace.

Contact Information

You can find out someone’s contact information with one of these tools. You can see their address, along with their phone number. You will often see their email address as well. You also get their full name. If someone you know won’t reveal an embarrassing middle name, you can find it this way.

You might need this information when locating someone with whom you feel connected. Maybe you met them briefly, and you think you might date them if they gave you a chance. Now, you can call them or contact them via email. Only follow up if they seem receptive, though.

Criminal Records

You can understand why someone hiring for a company would want detailed criminal records. If you’re a hiring manager or a business owner, you want someone working for you with a spotless record. If they have minor drug offenses, that might not bother you much.

If you learn this person killed someone or they have several DUIs in their past, that might convince you they should not represent your company. You want someone working in your store or warehouse that doesn’t make such poor decisions.

You may also use this tool when looking up someone you’re dating. Maybe they seem perfect, but they won’t reveal much when you ask them about their past. 

If you learn they spent time in prison for some particularly heinous act, you may cut them off right there before proceeding any further. You can avoid future heartache with a person search tool.

Employment History

You will likely learn a person’s employment history with a background check, and if you’re considering hiring them, that makes a huge difference. If they say they had several previous jobs like this one, you should feel better giving them the position. 

If you learn they didn’t work where they claimed, you know they’re dishonest. You also know they’re unqualified.

If you can’t search someone’s employment history and can’t find a specific job they claim they had, they might insist it’s an oversight. That’s not impossible. You can contact their former employer directly if you suspect an error or omission.

Education History

You can also learn someone’s education history when you use a person search tool. This makes a difference when you’re considering hiring someone. Maybe they say they’re a Georgetown graduate, or they’re a USC alum. If you see no evidence they attended that school, you know they’re probably lying. Maybe that’s not the only untruth on their resume.

Again, oversights occasionally happen, and you can contact the school directly and ask them. Usually, though, the person search gives you the correct information.

You can also look into someone’s education if you’re dating them. If you learn they fabricated their past, that might disturb you. You may confront them and get an explanation before you involve yourself in the relationship any deeper.

Court Records

Court records can reveal many things. You might find something about a person that completely shocks you. For instance, you can learn whether they ever married anyone and whether they ever divorced them.

If you’re dating someone, and they say they never had a spouse, this search can prove or disprove that. You may find this person had a spouse, and they never officially divorced them. You can confront them and see what they say about it.

You can learn whether someone owes child support. You can find out whether they own any property and whether any entities have liens on that property.

This information should paint a clearer picture. If you have someone in your life and you don’t completely trust them, you can satisfy your curiosity this way. Maybe you learn this person speaks the truth, or perhaps you’ll find out the opposite.

Xiaomi Unveils Wireless AR Glasses With a Retina-Level Display at MWC 2023

Xiaomi Wireless AR Glass Discovery Edition

Xiaomi announced its latest augmented reality (AR) technology innovation at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2023 in Barcelona. The Xiaomi Wireless AR Glass Discovery Edition is a wireless headset prototype that can connect to any smartphone and offer immersive AR experiences.

The device weighs only 126g and features a carbon fibre and magnesium-lithium alloy body for durability and comfort. It is powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 Platform, which supports high-performance computing and graphics for AR applications. It also uses Xiaomi’s proprietary low-latency communication link, which reduces lag to less than 50ms.

The highlight of the Xiaomi Wireless AR Glass Discovery Edition is its “retina-level” display, which boasts 58 pixels per degree (PPD), almost matching the human eye’s resolution. The device can project realistic virtual images onto the real world, such as navigation maps, social media notifications, games, etc.

The device also supports Xiaomi’s AR gesture control system, which allows users to interact with virtual objects using hand gestures. Additionally, it has electrochromic lenses that can change transparency and switch between the virtual and real worlds.

Xiaomi has partnered with Garmin to provide an emergency call service via satellite for users who are in remote areas with no internet connection. Users can send their location and distress signals to Garmin Response using voice commands or gestures.

Xiaomi claims that its wireless AR glasses are ahead of Apple’s rumoured AR headset, which is expected to launch later this year. Apple’s device is said to have up to 15 sensors and a sleek design, but it may require a cable connection to an iPhone.

The Xiaomi Wireless AR Glass Discovery Edition is a concept device for developers and enthusiasts. The company has not revealed when it will be available for consumers or how much it will cost.