BATTERYFORPC BLOG
Google's New Cloud-Based Authentication Isn't End-to-End Encrypted Yet
Google says an option to make it end-to-end encrypted is coming. The Google Authenticator app, which was updated earlier this week to allow for cloud-based two-factor authentication (2FA) via your Google account, isn't end-to-end encrypted, according to software company Mysk. "We analyzed the network traffic when the app syncs the secrets, and it turns out the traffic is not end-to-end encr ... Read more
2023-04-26 23:45:42
Microsoft boss: Activision Blizzard deal block is bad for Britain
One of Microsoft's senior leaders has hit out after the software giant's deal to buy US video game company Activision Blizzard was blocked by UK regulators. The move was "bad for Britain" and showed that the European Union was a better place to set up a firm than the UK, Brad Smith told the BBC. But the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said its job was not to serve the interests ... Read more
2023-04-26 23:44:32
Apple AirTags: Everything You Need to Know
Here's how to put the tiny Bluetooth trackers to use. The AirTag tracking tiles that Apple unveiled in 2021 are one way the iPhone-maker can help you track non-Apple devices. Apple also allows its Find My app to locate items made by third parties. This is especially helpful for traveling. The groundwork for the AirTag was laid in 2014 with the iBeacon, a small, inexpensive Bluetooth transmitter ... Read more
2023-04-25 21:31:55
Is Your VPN Crushing Your Internet Speed? Here's How You Can Fix It
You can lose about half of your internet speed when you use a VPN. These seven tips can help you get back up to speed. Let's face it: Using a virtual private network will slow down your internet speed -- often by 50% or more. It's the nature of how VPNs work, and there's unfortunately no way around it. However, there are a few things you can try if you want to get the fastest possible speeds ou ... Read more
2023-04-25 21:30:40
You Can Now Get the Galaxy S22 on Samsung's Refurbished Phones Site
The phone series starts at $619 on the Samsung Certified Re-Newed site. If you've been holding out on paying full price for a phone from the Samsung Galaxy S22 lineup, including the Galaxy S22 Plus and Galaxy S22 Ultra, now's your chance to buy a refurbished device from Samsung's official used goods store. Here are the prices and phones available: Galaxy S22 Certified Re-Newed: Starting at $619 ... Read more
2023-04-25 21:29:08
Have Apple AirTags? 5 Unexpected Places to Put Them
Apple's tracking device can keep track of more than just your keychain, wallet and phone. Have you ever wondered what sorts of things you can track by using an AirTag? It can go beyond the basics of tracking your wallet, keys and phone. We've got several more things to keep track of with AirTags that you may have not thought of before. Generally, you need to be within Bluetooth range to find you ... Read more
2023-04-25 21:28:30
What the HBO Max Rebrand Means for Your Streaming Account
Here's an idea of what to expect amid changes to the streaming service's name, face and library. HBO Max will soon become Max, a revamped streaming service, according to Warner Bros. Discovery. The reworked platform will house merged content from HBO Max and Discovery Plus, including dramas such as Euphoria and Succession next to greige-tinted Fixer Upper and other unscripted series. Along with t ... Read more
2023-04-24 20:48:57
Is Your VPN Dragging Your Internet Speed to a Crawl? Here's How to Fix It
A VPN can cut your internet speed in half, which can be a real pain if you're gaming or streaming. Try these tips to speed things up. Let's face it: Using a virtual private network will slow down your internet speed -- often by 50% or more. It's the nature of how VPNs work, and there's really no way around it. However, there are a few things you can try to get the fastest possible speeds out of ... Read more
2023-04-24 20:45:26
Google Authenticator's One-Time Passwords Now Cloud Sync to Your Google Account
This feature will come in handy if you ever lose your device. Here's how to enable it. Google Authenticator, the app that gives your accounts additional security by generating timed codes for two-factor authentication, will now be able to store those one-time passwords on your Google account, the tech giant said in a blog post Monday. The feature is available on both iOS and Android, but may take ... Read more
2023-04-24 20:44:09
Facebook work filtering posts 'cost me my humanity'
Behind the scenes on Facebook, thousands of moderators protect users from graphic content by filtering out posts that break its rules. The BBC has spoken to one moderator based in Kenya, who is taking legal action against its parent company Meta. On his first day of work screening posts, South African Trevin Brownie watched a man take his own life. "The problem was not [the taking of his ow ... Read more
2023-04-24 20:43:20