All articles tagged with #smartphone apps
Many top CEOs start their day by checking their phones, using apps like weather, LinkedIn, wellness trackers, messaging platforms, news, and email to prepare for the day ahead, highlighting that even the most successful leaders rely on their devices first thing in the morning.
Certain popular apps like Netflix, TikTok, YouTube, Threads, and Snapchat are major battery drainers on smartphones, with Netflix being the highest, consuming up to 1,500% of a full battery charge per month due to extensive usage and background processes, highlighting the importance of managing app activity to preserve battery life.
Unidentified governments are reportedly using push notifications from smartphone apps to surveil users, according to a letter from US Senator Ron Wyden to the Department of Justice. The letter suggests that foreign officials have been demanding data from Google and Apple, who handle the majority of push notifications. These notifications, which alert users to messages and updates, travel through the servers of these tech giants, giving them unique insight into user activity. Wyden has called for the repeal or modification of policies that hinder public discussions on push notification spying. Apple has stated that they will update their transparency reporting to include details on government requests related to push notifications. The Department of Justice has not commented on the matter.
As the annular solar eclipse approaches on October 14, two smartphone apps have been recommended for those interested in viewing the event. "OneEclipse" by Astronomers Without Borders provides information, maps, and simulations of the eclipse, with proceeds supporting the organization's astronomy initiatives. "Totality 3.0" by Big Kid Science offers easy access to eclipse maps and timings for multiple upcoming eclipses, including the annular solar eclipse in 2023 and the total solar eclipse in 2024. Both apps are available on iOS and Android platforms.
Security experts are advising smartphone owners to delete four apps that pose privacy risks and drain battery life. Facebook, known for tracking location and using excessive data, should be removed. QR code scanner apps are unnecessary as most smartphones now come with built-in scanners, and these apps often collect personal information. CamScanner, a document scanning app, has been linked to data breaches and can be replaced by using the phone's camera. Plant Monster and similar apps that track plant locations collect personal data that can be sold or breached, making their removal advisable.