Research finds that popular apps like Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X are harvesting iPhone user data through notifications, even when the user doesn't open them, using a method called "fingerprinting" to send targeted ads. The collected data includes device details and is not clearly linked to improving user experience. While companies like Facebook and LinkedIn deny using the data for external purposes, Apple is expected to launch an update requiring app developers to explain their data harvesting practices to prevent misuse.
Google TV is introducing support for "Call notifications," allowing select apps to send calls to the TV. The feature, currently available for Google Meet, can be toggled on and off in the Settings app, with potential for other apps like Zoom to utilize it. While the functionality is not fully operational yet, it is expected to become functional in the future. This update is part of Google's efforts to enhance the capabilities of Google TV and improve user experience.
The latest update to the Pixel Watch companion app, version 1.4, has caused app notification preferences to be reset, resulting in previously blocked apps sending notifications to the watch. Users will need to manually reconfigure their notification settings after updating. It is unclear if this issue is a broader problem with the update, as the user interface may not accurately reflect the actual state of the notifications. The update also includes bug fixes and the ability to link a Google Account to the Pixel Watch app, possibly in preparation for the watch transfer capability in Wear OS 4.
