BATTERYFORPC BLOG
Microsoft's passwordless plans lets users switch to app-based login
Microsoft has announced users can now delete all passwords from their accounts and instead login using an authenticator app or other solution. The technology giant made passwordless accounts available for business users of its products in March. And that system is now being made available to all Microsoft or Windows users. It said "nearly 100% of our employees" were already using the ... Read more
2021-09-15 20:03:42
Apple rushes to block 'zero-click' iPhone spyware
Apple has issued a software patch to block so-called "zero-click" spyware that could infect iPhones and iPads. Independent researchers identified the flaw, which lets hackers access devices through the iMessage service even if users do not click on a link or file. The problem affects all of the technology giant's operating systems, the researchers said. Apple said it issued the securi ... Read more
2021-09-14 20:09:46
Apple iPhone 13 brings portrait mode for video
Apple has announced its new iPhone 13, which can film "portrait mode" videos with a depth of field effect. The new cinematic mode "anticipates when someone is about to enter the frame" and shifts focus to them, Apple said - something known as "pull focus". It is the only smartphone that lets users edit this effect after shooting, Apple boss Tim Cook said. However, ... Read more
2021-09-14 20:09:02
Apple iPhone risk from powerful motorbike vibrations
IPhone owners should beware picking up bad vibrations from powerful motorbikes, as they may damage camera systems, Apple has said. The technology giant published a warning iPhones should not be attached to powerful bikes, in a support document spotted by MacRumors. Engine vibrations can harm phones' optical-image stabilisation or closed-loop autofocus systems, it says. Owners of scooters and mo ... Read more
2021-09-13 19:47:53
Fake Walmart news release claimed it would accept cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency Litecoin saw a sudden surge in price on Monday over a press release about Walmart accepting it for payment - which turned out to be fake. The release, published through a legitimate press channel, claimed that Walmart would accept the currency through all its digital stores. Walmart later told US media outlets the announcement was "inauthentic". By that time, several ma ... Read more
2021-09-13 19:47:26
Apple dealt major blow in Epic Games trial
Apple has been dealt a major blow in its ongoing trial against Fortnite-maker Epic Games. A court in Oakland, California, has ruled that Apple cannot stop app developers directing users to third-party payment options. Apple had argued that all apps should use Apple's own in-app payment options. In a high profile trial, Epic Games had challenged the up-to-30% cut Apple takes from purchases - and ... Read more
2021-09-12 19:44:47
Cressida Dick: Tech giants make it impossible to stop terrorists
The Metropolitan Police commissioner has accused tech giants of making it harder to identify and stop terrorists. The tech giants' focus on end-to-end encryption was making it "impossible in some cases" for the police to do their jobs, Dame Cressida Dick wrote in the Telegraph on Saturday. On Wednesday, Home Secretary Priti Patel launched a new fund for technologies to keep children sa ... Read more
2021-09-12 19:44:14
'Anti-radiation' phone stickers still sold on Amazon
Stickers that claim to protect users against electromagnetic fields (EMF) from phones remain for sale on Amazon. The listings remain eight months after scientists told the BBC the smartDOT stickers had "no effect". This week the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) also criticised the claims on the makers' website. The firm has told the BBC it is changing its website, product descrip ... Read more
2021-09-10 19:42:22
Apple dealt major blow in Epic Games trial
Apple has been dealt a major blow in its ongoing trial against Fortnite-maker Epic Games. A court in Oakland, California, has ruled that Apple cannot stop app developers directing users to third-party payment options. Apple had argued that all apps should use Apple's own in-app payment options. In a high profile trial, Epic Games had challenged the up-to-30% cut Apple takes from purchases - and ... Read more
2021-09-10 19:41:54
PayPal raises fees between UK and Europe
PayPal is introducing new fees for payments between businesses in the UK and those in Europe, from November. British businesses will be charged a 1.29% fee for payments from the European Economic Area and vice versa. Most currently pay about 0.5% in similar charges, which have remained unchanged since before the UK left the EU customs union and single market. PayPal said it was now incurring ex ... Read more
2021-09-09 19:39:27