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Tag: iOS

  • League of Legends Wild Rift to launch on iOS and Android in 2020

    League of Legends Wild Rift to launch on iOS and Android in 2020

    Rumors about ‘League of Legends’ making its way to smartphones initially surfaced in May. Now, Riot Games has officially confirmed that League of Legends: Wild Rift will launch on iOS and Android in 2020. The company gave the official confirmation during a bunch of announcements posted on YouTube to celebrate the game’s 10th anniversary.

    According to Riot Games, the mobile version of League of Legends is inspired by the wildly popular original MOBA title, which was released on the PC ten years ago. It’ll be built from scratch and will feature a similar five-on-five gameplay that made the original title so popular. However, the company adds that individual matches are much shorter at around 15-20 minutes. Besides, there’s a twin-stick control scheme which Riot says will allow for faster responses during battles.

    “Wild Rift is not a port of LoL on PC.It is a new game built from scratch to ensure it is a polished, legitimate LoL experience that’s worth players’ time,” the company said.

    Apart from these changes, the mobile version of the game will remain largely similar. It’ll have the same 5v5 maps alongside a huge character roster.

    Launched nearly ten years ago, League of Legends is still one of the most popular PC game in the world. However, sources indicate that compared to 2017, the game’s revenue dipped by 21 percent last year. Therefore, it appears Riot Games wants to cash in on the growing popularity of mobile games. Games like Fortnite and PUBG have enjoyed massive success on both iOS and Android, hence it’s not surprising that Riot Games is looking to jump onto the mobile platform.

    Riot plans to launch the mobile version of League of Legends across the globe by the end of 2020. Not to mention, the game is slated for a debut on consoles next year.

    Are you excited about League of Legends coming to iOS, Android, and consoles? Let us know in the comments below.

  • Safari in iOS sends user browsing data to Chinese company Tencent

    Safari in iOS sends user browsing data to Chinese company Tencent

    Apple has seemingly found itself tangled in yet another controversy related to China, as reports indicate that Chinese tech giant Tencent gets user browsing data from its Safari browser. The data sent includes the IP address of the user along with websites visited by the user.

    In case you aren’t aware, such data sharing is done to help protect users from malicious websites. Apple has long been a part of Google’s Safe Browsing to help protect users from phishing scams using its fraudulent website warning feature. For instance, if a user tries to visit a website that has been flagged as fraudulent by Google, a warning is shown in Safari advising users not to visit the website. However, the fact that a Chinese company also receives such data has raised some eyebrows.

    Johns Hopkins University professor and cryptographer Matthew Green suggests this could have consequences as it may reveal both the webpage a user is trying to visit, as well as his IP address. Besides, it could also leave a cookie on a device, and the data could possibly be used to build up a profile of a user’s browsing behavior.

    However, evidence suggests that Apple sends browsing data to Tencent only when a user’s iOS region is set to China. That said, it’s still unclear as Green adds that the warning not only appears on Chinese-registered iPhones’, but also shows up on iPhones’ operating in the US.

    Apple is one of the companies along with a few others who’ve long been criticized for appearing to bend over backward to China’s demands. Industry experts and users are concerned about China’s bullish influence on tech companies.

    Apple came under fire last week when it removed the HKmap Live app from the App Store after pressure from Chinese authorities. Apple removed the app stating that it was violating local laws that targeted individuals and police. Besides, the company also removed the app of news outlet Quartz from China’s app store, on grounds that content found in the app is illegal in China.

    Several American organizations operating in China have come under immense scrutiny and criticism for yielding to China’s censorship demands. Recently, Blizzard came under immense scrutiny after it imposed a ban on a pro-Hearthstone player who showed up in an interview and appeared to shout a slogan associated with Hong Kong protesters: “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our time”.

  • Critical iOS exploit impacts millions of devices from iPhone 4S to the iPhone X

    Critical iOS exploit impacts millions of devices from iPhone 4S to the iPhone X

    A newly discovered bootrom exploit in iOS, dubbed as ‘checkm8’, could lead to permanent jailbreak on iOS devices that run on Apple’s A-series processors.

    According to security researcher axiomX, the vulnerability affects hundreds of millions of iOS devices starting from the iPhone 4S, to the iPhone 8, as well as the iPhone X. The affected devices also include iPad models starting with the iPad 2 up to the 2017 iPad Pro.

    The vulnerability could give attackers deep access to iOS devices. axiomX claims that ‘checkm8’ is possibly one of the biggest news in the iPhone hacking community for years. Being a bootrom exploit, it affects devices at bootrom level instead of taking advantage of vulnerabilities in the OS or software. Now, this essentially means that Apple won’t be able to fix the issue with a simple patch or an update. To fix the issue, Apple would need to make physical changes directly to its A-series processors.

    As expected, the new flaw has some serious security concerns, as the vulnerability can offer root access to affected devices. Therefore, it’s possible that attackers could use the exploit to take control and delete sensitive information from other user’s devices.

    However, there’s some good news as axiomX explained that the vulnerability can’t be used remotely. Now, this means that attackers would need physical access to an iOS device to take undue advantage of this vulnerability. Therefore, just make sure you’re iPhone or iPad is passcode protected.

    Apple is yet to make any official statement regarding this exploit, though we’ll update you as soon as Apple responds to the matter.

    iPhone jailbreaking isn’t as popular as it was 7 years from now. During the early days of the iPhone, jailbreaking was primarily done to install third party apps that were not available via the App Store. Jailbreaking allows iOS users to add apps and other functions that Apple wouldn’t usually allow users to perform on their iPhones. iOS has rather strict limitations that are designed to protect users from malicious apps but also gives Apple’s more control over the ecosystem. Therefore, jailbreaking hurts your iPhone’s security, but at the same time gives users more control over the phone.

    The last jailbreak we heard was back in August this year when a new vulnerability was found in iOS 12.4. It was the first iOS jailbreak to be publicly revealed in years.

  • Twitter now lets iOS users add favorited lists to their Home timeline

    Twitter now lets iOS users add favorited lists to their Home timeline

    Twitter has rolled out a new feature that lets users pin up to five favorite lists in its iOS app. The feature essentially works like TweetDeck, allowing users to easily switch their timeline to view tweets directly from the Home screen.

    “On iOS starting September 23, we’ll be expanding this feature to people across the globe who will now get to pin up to five Lists directly to their Home timeline, and with a fancy new landing page,” Twitter shared in a press release.

    With the new feature, users can pin and unpin up to five lists, whose tweets they can view directly on their Home timeline. The whole idea is to give users a more curated experience compared to what chronological or top tweets can offer.

    Twitter has also added a new landing page for your pinned lists, which displays a header image and more information about your customizable timelines, such as the numbers of members and subscribers. iOS users can customize their lists by tapping on their profile picture. Then, in the home menu, just click on the lists tab.

    “This is just the beginning of our work to make Lists a way to discover and follow conversations about the things you care about. By the end of the year, Lists will be getting a revamp with new features including the ability to report, discover and share Lists created by the global Twitter community,” Twitter added in the press release.

    Meanwhile, Android users wondering whether the feature would arrive on their platform. Well, there’s good news as key sources confirm that Twitter plans to expand the feature outside of iOS. That said, there’s no word on the exact date yet.

  • Apple rolls out iOS 12.1.3 and watchOS 5.1.3 updates

    Apple rolls out iOS 12.1.3 and watchOS 5.1.3 updates

    Apple has rolled out the final version of iOS 12.1.3 and watchOS 5.1.3 updates for users. Both updates are primarily aimed at bug fixes and patching security issues to further improve the stabilty and performance of devices. Available via the OTA (Over-the-Air) update process, users can install these latest updates on supported devices running earlier versions of iOS 12.1 and watchOS 5.1.

    The iOS 12.1.3 update for supported iPhones and iPads brings several bug fixes. These include a fix for a bug in the Messages app that affects scrolling photos in the Details View. Besides, the update also resolves an issue with the newly launched iPad Pro 2018 models, which leads to distorted audio when using an external audio input. It also resolves an issue on the iPhone XS, XS Max, and iPhone XR, which automatically leads to disconnection with certain CarPlay systems.

    For the HomePod, iOS 12.1.3 fixes a bug that caused the HomePod to abruptly restart. In addition, it also arrives with a fix for a bug that caused Siri to stop listening. You can find the complete changelog below:

    iPhone 12.1.3 release notes:

    iOS 12.1.3 includes bug fixes for your iPhone or iPad

    This update:

    • Fixes an issue in Messages that could impact scrolling through photos in the Details view
    • Addresses an issue where photos could have striped artifacts after being sent from the Share Sheet
    • Fixes an issue that may cause audio distortion when using external audio input devices on iPad Pro (2018)
    • Resolves an issue that could cause certain CarPlay systems to disconnect from iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max

    HomePod iOS 12.1.3 release notes:

    This update includes general improvements for stability and quality.

    • Fixes an issue that could cause HomePod to restart
    • Addresses an issue that could cause Siri to stop listening

    Besides, Apple has also released tvOS 12.1.2 and macOS 10.14.3 updates that also resolves security, stability and compatibility issues with your Mac.

  • WhatsApp starts testing new features for iOS

    WhatsApp starts testing new features for iOS

    Popular IM app WhatsApp has reportedly started testing several new features for iOS. A recent beta build of the app gives us an idea of what new features are arriving for iPhones.

    According to a report by WABetaInfo, these new features and improvements are a part of beta build 2.19.10.21. The build includes a new feature that allows users to add stickers in images, further adds the report.

    The upcoming WhatsApp update should allow iPhone users to edit a sent image by adding a drawing or emoji. Besides, starting with this update, sticker support will arrive on iOS for additional customization options.

    whatsapp update

    Another handy addtion is the private reply option in group chats, somethig similar we’ve seen in Android beta builds of the app. With this functionality, users can tap on a messsage from a particluar contact in a group and then choose to reply privately. A private chat window pops up and the message you chose is highlighted so users know from where the conversation started.

    The upcoming WhatsApp update will also bring improved 3D Touch support for iPhones, making it possible for users to peek and pop messages in the Status section.

    That said, there’s np specifc timeline as to when the update will be available for everyone. However, given that beta testing has already begun, it’s safe to assume that it wouldn’t take too long before the rollout begins.

  • Pandora update for iOS brings offline playback on Apple Watch

    Pandora update for iOS brings offline playback on Apple Watch

    Pandora’s latest iOS update brings a rather nifty feature for Apple Watch users. The music streaming service has updated its iOS app which brings offline playback for the smartwatch, most likely due to popular demand. With the new update, users will be able to control music playback or like whatever song is currently playing on Pandora. Now, this essentially negates the need of carrying your iPhone and allows you to play music on your Apple Watch while on-the-go.

    “You asked, and we listened! By popular demand, we bring you a brand new, built-from-the-ground-up app that’s seamlessly integrated into the Apple Watch experience”, confirmed Pandora. Here’s what Apple Watch users can look forward with the new update:

    • Access remote playback controls.
    • Give your favorites a Thumbs Up directly from the Now Playing screen.
    • Listen without an internet connection! Pandora Plus & Premium subscribers get access to offline content – no phone required

    That said, only Pandora users can enjoy this feature, so you’ll need to subscribe for Pandora Plus or Pandora Premium to listen to offline music on your Apple smartwatch. Not to mention, users need to upgrade to watchOS 5 in order to enjoy offline playback with Pandora.

  • iOS 12.1.2 update starts rolling out, fixes the eSIM bug

    iOS 12.1.2 update starts rolling out, fixes the eSIM bug

    Apple starts rolling out the new iOS 12.1.2 update for compatible iPhones. The latest iOS update is primarily aimed at fixing the eSIM activation bug for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and the iPhone XR.

    To recall, eSIM functionality first arrived with iOS 12.1. All major carriers in the US such as Verizon, T Mobile, as well as AT&T are now supporting this feature. Apart from addressing issues with eSIM activation, the update also fixes an issue that could impact cellular connectivity in Turkey for Apple’s 2018 iPhone line-up.

    According to Apple’s release notes:

    iOS 12.1.2 includes bug fixes for your iPhone. This update includes:

    • Fixes bugs with eSIM activation for iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max
    • Addresses an issue that could affect cellular connectivity in Turkey for iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max

    The latest iOS 12.1.2 update could also include software tweaks for the Chinese market to negate Qualcomm’s patents. A court recently issued a ban on iPhone sales in China as Apple was found to infringe on two of Qualcomm’s patents. These include a patent for changing and reformatting the size and appearance of photographs, and one for managing apps when viewing, navigating and dismissing apps using a touchscreen.

    However, Apple said it would roll out an iOS update specifically to neutralize the ban imposed on iPhone sales in China. The Cupertino giant also added that the update will directly address patent violation claims made by Qualcomm.

    How to download iOS 12.1.2 on your iPhone

    To download the latest update, just head over to the Settings Menu. To check the update, go to Settings> General> Software Update. As with all iOS updates, iOS 12.1.2 is available as an over-the-air update and is free to download.