Google’s Privacy Sandbox is finally on its way

After nearly four years of anticipation, Google’s Privacy Sandbox initiative is finally gaining traction. Initially introduced in August 2019, the initiative aimed to replace third-party browser cookies with a set of APIs, thereby reducing the amount of user activity data collected by the browser. However, progress on the implementation has been relatively slow, leaving users eager for updates from the company.

In a recent blog post on July 13, Chrome 115, officially launched on July 18, brought some clarity to the situation with more details about the Privacy Sandbox’s rollout. The first phase of the launch involves phasing out the use of “third-party cookies and other mechanisms” that have been used to track user browsing behavior across various sites to deduce their interests. Instead, Google will introduce the Topics API.

The Topics API allows Chrome to share information with third-party advertisers while maintaining a level of user privacy. Unlike third-party cookies, which reveal specific browsing activity, Topics are more generalized signals that help ad tech platforms select relevant ads without divulging additional information about the user or their browsing habits.

For instance, if a user visits a website related to cats, the browser might retain “cats” as a topic of interest without explicitly revealing the exact site visited. Consequently, advertisers will be able to target ads based on the topic “cats” rather than specific site visits, resulting in advertisers having less granular data about individual users.

The implementation of Topics API is a significant step toward achieving the Privacy Sandbox’s objectives, as it strikes a balance between advertising efficiency and user privacy. By adopting this approach, Google aims to make online advertising more privacy-friendly while still catering to advertisers’ needs for relevant ad targeting. As Google continues to refine and expand its Privacy Sandbox initiative, it hopes to set new standards for user data protection in the digital advertising landscape.

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Mobile

iPhone SE 4: A major redesign with a new chassis, camera bump, and biometrics

by George Mensah 2023-10-01

The iPhone SE 4, codenamed Ghost, is expected to receive a major redesign with a new chassis, camera bump, and biometrics.

Chassis

The iPhone SE 4 will use a modified version of the iPhone 14 chassis, with two major changes:

Action button: A new multi-purpose button that replaces the mute switch on newer iPhone models. It can be configured to perform a variety of actions, depending on the user’s preference.
USB-C port: In order to comply with upcoming European Union regulations, the iPhone SE 4 will switch to a USB-C port instead of Lightning.

Camera bump

The camera bump on the iPhone SE 4 will be redesigned, with Apple reportedly developing at least five different designs. The exact design of the camera bump is still unclear, but it is expected to be similar to the third-generation iPhone SE in terms of size and placement.

Camera

Preliminary information suggests that the iPhone SE 4 may feature a 48-megapixel rear camera, which would be a significant upgrade from the current model’s 12-megapixel camera.

Biometrics

The iPhone SE 4 will not have a Touch ID home button, but will instead use Face ID for biometric identification. This is likely due to the fact that the new chassis is based on the iPhone 14, which also does not have a Touch ID home button.

In-house 5G modem

Apple is also working on an in-house 5G modem, codenamed Sinope. The iPhone SE 4 is being used to test the new modem, which is expected to debut with the iPhone 16 lineup. However, it is possible that the new modem could be released earlier, as it is currently being tested on the iPhone SE 4 and a derivative of the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Mass production

It is still early in the development process, so it is possible that the iPhone SE 4 may not make it to mass production. However, the amount of effort that Apple is putting into the design of the device suggests that it is serious about releasing it.

Overall

The iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be a major upgrade from the current model. The new chassis, camera bump, and biometrics are all expected to be significant improvements. Additionally, the possibility of an in-house 5G modem could make the iPhone SE 4 even more attractive to consumers.

It is important to note that this information is preliminary and subject to change. However, it gives us a good idea of what to expect from the iPhone SE 4 when it is finally released.

Mobile

Google Launches Earthquake Alert System for Android Devices in India

by George Mensah 2023-09-27

Google has announced the launch of its earthquake alert system for Android devices in India. The system uses smartphone sensors such as accelerometers, which can act as small seismometers to detect tremors.

The system, developed in consultation with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Seismology Center (NSC), will provide early earthquake alerts for Android users in an area that’s likely to be impacted. These alerts will be available in local Indian languages supported by Android.

Google sends two types of alerts: Be Aware and Take Action.

Be Aware: These alerts are sent to users experiencing MMI 3 & 4 shaking during an earthquake of magnitude 4.5 or greater. They show an alert on the screen but don’t play any sound if the phone is on Do Not Disturb mode or in silent mode.
Take Action: These alerts are sent to users experiencing MMI 5+ shaking during an earthquake of 4.5 magnitude. They bypass the system’s notification settings, including Do No Disturb, and play a loud sound. The alert also suggests to users what action — such as taking cover under a table — they can take for safety.

Google detects a potential earthquake through many Android phones noting seismic activity in an area. The company claims that alerts often reach many seconds before shaking.

How to enable earthquake alerts on your Android device

To get earthquake alerts, you must:

Be using a phone with Android 5 or later and have Wi-Fi or cellular data connectivity.
Have the location settings enabled on your device.

To enable earthquake alerts:

Go to Settings > Safety & emergency and then Earthquake alerts.
Toggle on Get alerts.

Alternatively, you can also enable earthquake alerts through:

Go to Settings > Location > Advanced > Earthquake alerts.
Toggle on Get alerts.

Google’s AI-powered flood alerts

Google already issues AI-powered flood alerts to all Indian regions. The company began the flood alert pilot in Patna, the capital of the Indian state of Bihar, in 2018. Later, it expanded flood alerts to all of India in 2020.

Google’s earthquake alert system is a valuable addition to its disaster relief and safety efforts in India. It can help people stay safe and informed during earthquakes, which can be devastating.

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