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15 Crucial Phone Settings to Keep Big Brother Out of Your Business

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By Mercy Kambura

Did you know the average person unlocks their smartphone 150 times daily, leaving a trail of personal data ready for the picking? Every search inquiry, location ping, and app interaction adds to this constantly growing digital footprint.

Advertisers and data brokers are eager to take advantage of this treasure trove of information, making privacy an increasingly pressing concern in our interconnected world. But don’t worry just yet – regaining control over your digital life is possible, and it starts with understanding the safeguarding tools at your disposal.

While smartphones have unquestionably made our lives easier, they’ve also ushered in a new dimension of vulnerability. It’s a trade-off we’ve all made, often without fully grasping the implications. But it doesn’t have to be this way. With a few strategic tweaks, you can drastically decrease the amount of personal information your phone broadcasts to the world.

Let’s look at 15 practical strategies for keeping your phone out of your private life. These aren’t complex hacks requiring technical expertise; they’re simple steps anyone can take to fortify their digital defences.

1. Review App Permissions

Smiling Woman using her phone
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Delve into the permissions you’ve granted to various apps. Many request access to your contacts, camera, microphone, or location without a legitimate reason. Take control by revoking permissions from apps that don’t require them. This small adjustment can make a significant difference in protecting your data.

Regularly audit the list of apps with granted permissions in your phone’s settings. This is an ongoing process, as new apps and updates may introduce additional requests. If an app’s access seems excessive or unwarranted, consider using alternative apps that respect your privacy.

2. Disable Location Services

Google Maps application on Apple iPhone
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

When you’re not actively using navigation or location-based apps, switch off location services. This prevents your phone from constantly broadcasting your whereabouts to apps and advertisers. Taking back control of your location data is a crucial step in maintaining privacy.

While disabling location services significantly reduces tracking, some apps may still glean your location indirectly through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connections. Be mindful of this and consider using a VPN for added protection.

3. Limit Ad Tracking

smartphone with Airbnb application. Airbnb is an online marketplace and hospitality service, enabling people to lease or rent short-term lodging
Image Credit: Pixavril at Deposit Photos.

Dive into your phone’s privacy settings and disable ad personalization. You can also reset your advertising identifier, a unique code used to track your activity across apps and websites. This reduces the amount of targeted advertising you receive, making your online experience less invasive.

Remember, some apps may still track you for their purposes, even with ad personalization disabled. For comprehensive protection, consider using an ad blocker and a privacy-focused browser.

4. Use a VPN

two girls riding the bus phone headphones
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

A virtual private network (VPN) is a powerful tool for safeguarding your online privacy. It encrypts your internet traffic, masks your IP address, and makes it difficult for third parties to track your online activity. Think of it as a cloak of invisibility for your digital presence.

When choosing a VPN provider, research their reputation and privacy policy. A trustworthy VPN with a no-logs policy ensures that your browsing data remains confidential.

5. Avoid Public Wi-Fi

Remove BG Save Share Sample Woman connecting to WiFi using mobile phone, closeup
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making them easy targets for hackers looking to intercept your data. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like online banking or accessing personal emails. Instead, opt for cellular data or use a VPN to encrypt your traffic.

If you must use public Wi-Fi, be extra cautious about the information you access and avoid entering passwords or financial details.

6. Use Strong Passwords

Relaxed young woman sitting on couch using cell phone technology, happy lady holding smartphone, scrolling, looking at cellphone enjoying doing online ecommerce shopping chatting in mobile ai apps.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Secure your phone with a strong password or biometric authentication like fingerprint or facial recognition. Avoid using easily guessable codes like birthdays or anniversaries. A strong password is the first line of defence against unauthorized access to your personal data.

Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords for various accounts. This not only enhances security but also saves you the hassle of remembering multiple passwords.

7. Be Cautious of Social Media

Businessman looking at mobile phone
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Social media platforms are designed to encourage sharing, but it’s crucial to be mindful of what you reveal. Avoid posting sensitive details like your home address, phone number, or travel plans. These seemingly harmless tidbits can be exploited by malicious actors.

Regularly review the privacy settings of your social media accounts and restrict who can see your posts. Consider creating separate accounts for personal and professional use to maintain control over your online persona.

8. Disable Microphone Access

Woman checking online content on mobile phone sitting on a couch at home
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Unless you frequently use voice commands or specific apps that require microphone access, disable it in your phone’s settings. This prevents unauthorized recording and ensures that your conversations remain private.

Be aware that some apps may still be able to access your microphone through workarounds. It’s a good practice to regularly review app permissions and revoke access for those who don’t need it.

9. Minimize Data Collection

Beautiful woman using mobile phone and laptop computer at home
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Be selective about the personal information you share with apps and websites. Avoid filling out unnecessary forms or surveys that request personal details. Every piece of data you provide contributes to your digital footprint and can be used to target you with advertising or other unwanted communications.

When signing up for new services, read their privacy policies carefully to understand how your data will be used. Opt out of data collection whenever possible and choose services that prioritize privacy.

10. Update Software Regularly

Social media apps on mobile
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Keeping your phone’s operating system and apps updated is crucial for security and privacy. These updates often include patches that fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. A few minutes spent updating your phone can save you from a world of trouble.

Enable automatic updates to ensure you’re always protected against the latest threats. It’s a simple step that significantly enhances your phone’s security.

11. Use Privacy-Focused Browsers

Happy blonde woman smiling and using cellphone while sitting on couch at home
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Popular browsers like Chrome and Safari collect vast amounts of data about your browsing habits. Consider switching to privacy-focused alternatives like Brave or Firefox Focus. These browsers offer enhanced privacy features, such as built-in ad blockers and tracker protection, to shield you from prying eyes.

Experiment with different browsers to find one that suits your needs and privacy preferences. You might be surprised at how much cleaner and faster your browsing experience becomes.

12. Use Secure Messaging Apps

Happy woman using smart phone while waiting for her flight at departure area.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Protect your conversations by using messaging apps like Signal or WhatsApp that offer end-to-end encryption. This ensures that only you and the recipient can read your messages, even if they’re intercepted. Don’t let your private chats become public knowledge.

Research and compare different secure messaging apps to find one that meets your needs and offers the level of privacy you desire.

13. Disable Personalized Search Results

Woman working in the table with her laptop
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Search engines often personalize results based on your search history and location. This can be convenient, but it also means that your searches are being tracked and used to create a profile of your interests. Take back control by disabling personalized search results in your search engine settings.

Be aware that some personalization may still occur based on your location or device type, even with personalized search results disabled. For maximum privacy, consider using a privacy-focused search engine like DuckDuckGo.

14. Limit App Notifications

Image of joyful pretty woman with pink hair reading book and using cellphone while resting at home
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

A barrage of notifications can be overwhelming and distracting, not to mention a potential privacy risk. Many apps collect data on your interaction with notifications, including when you open them and how long you spend reading them. Take back control of your attention and minimize data collection by disabling notifications for non-essential apps.

Consider scheduling specific times to check for notifications rather than allowing them to interrupt you throughout the day. This can help you focus on your tasks and reduce the amount of personal data you inadvertently share.

15. Use a Privacy Screen Protector

Woman holding and cleaning sanitizing phone smartphone with wet wippes
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

A privacy screen protector is a simple yet effective way to shield your screen from prying eyes. It limits the viewing angle of your display, making it difficult for anyone not directly in front of your phone to see what you’re doing. This is particularly useful in public spaces or when dealing with sensitive information.

Privacy screen protectors are available for most phone models and can be easily installed. They not only protect your privacy but also reduce glare and improve visibility in sunlight.

Feature image credit: Shutterstock.

By Mercy Kambura

Sourced from AOL

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No, it’s not your microphone — this is how advertisers know what you want

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By Kanika Gogia

Most folks have probably noticed that when they mention something out loud, like a holiday or a random gadget, its ads suddenly start appearing everywhere. It feels as if your phone is listening to you. However, there’s no strong evidence that your smartphone is secretly recording your conversations for advertising purposes. Now, you must be wondering if your phone isn’t listening, then how come these ads are so accurate every time? Well, that’s because advertisers don’t need your microphone to show up ads. They already have something more powerful: your data. That’s how advertisers always know exactly what you’re looking for.

Your search and browsing history tells a story

Every click and search builds your profile

lumepad 2 - browsing website

Every search you make, every website you visit, and how long you linger on a page builds a behavioural profile. That’s because of the embedded trackers in websites and emails. Advertisers and ad networks quietly track your actions, such as your search queries, how long you stay on a page, and even how you click or scroll. These actions build a detailed picture of your intent and interests. And advertisers analyse this data to predict what you’re likely to want next.

If you follow fitness-related content and read articles about running events, advertisers may see you as someone likely to purchase sports gear, even if you never searched for it directly. Modern advertising technology can connect patterns across your activity to anticipate your future behaviour, and that too, with surprising accuracy.

Even Incognito mode won’t help. Advertisers can still create a unique digital fingerprint based on your IP address and browser settings.

How apps collect data behind the scenes

A lot happens in the background

Most of the data for targeted ads is collected quietly in the background. This happens with the help of tools you’ve agreed to without thinking twice. When you download an app, it asks for your permissions, like location, contacts, storage, and more. These can reveal a lot about your daily life, so make sure to review your app permissions regularly. Websites also use cookies and trackers to get an idea of what you do online. That’s how you look at something at once and see related ads later. Apps also track what you click, how you scroll, and how long you stay on a page.

On top of that, your phone’s GPS and Wi-Fi data provide a digital footprint. When your phone regularly shares location data, it allows advertisers to show you ads based on where you are or what places you’ve visited. None of this data stays in a single app. Cross-app tracking tools and advertising IDs allow companies to track your activity across different apps and devices. This helps them build a single, growing profile that gets more detailed over time. That’s how you see ads on your phone for a product that you searched for on your laptop.

Social media knows more than you think

One of the biggest data collectors

Facebook home page on an Apple iPhone 14 Pro

Social media platforms can track your likes, shares, and comments; who you follow; who you interact with and how often; and what you pause on while scrolling. Every time you interact (even for a second) with Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, you give a data point. They can track how long you look at a post, rewatch a reel, or share a post in a DM.

If you pause on multiple travel videos or like some baby product posts, it can reveal your interests. This is enough to trigger targeted ads. The algorithm may tag you as ‘interested in travel’ or ‘interested in baby products’, even if you’ve never searched for them. This goes even further. Platforms can guess things like your personality, interests, and even your mood, to target you more precisely. All of this is based on how to interact with social media content.

Your purchasing history and data brokers

The hidden network

data broker website search for gavin phillips.

We all have our shopping habits. For example, some of us might be into impulsive buying, while others stick to the same brand. We might feel these personal choices, but they are part of a much larger system. Behind the scenes, data brokers collect and sell information about you, including your purchase history, income estimates, your lifestyle, and general interests. This information is compiled from public records and commercial sources, such as your credit card purchases and loyalty card data.

Data brokers combine this information and create a detailed overview of your life. Then, they group you into categories like “budget shopper,” “frequent traveller,” or “likely a new parent.” After all, advertisers don’t need to know your name. Rather, they just need to know your type and interests. Once you’ve been grouped, you start to see ads that feel less random and more personal.

The power of predictive AI

When AI predicts what you want before you do

Google Ads screen open on a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6Credit: Tashreef Shareef / MakeUseOf

This is where ads begin to feel as if they are in complete sync with your thoughts. Modern advertising uses sophisticated AI algorithms to predict what you might want next, and not just what you’ve searched for. They can guess what you might buy next and spot your needs even before you realize them. They also find patterns among millions of other users with similar interests and habits, like yours.

For instance, if a person with similar behaviour to yours often buys a certain product, you’re also likely to see ads for it, no matter if you’ve never looked for it. That’s why ads can feel as if they are always listening to your thoughts. In reality, they are predicting based on signals you don’t realize you’ve given them. With advanced AI, they are getting better at doing so.

How to improve your privacy

The harsh reality is that you might not be able to fully escape data collection. Fortunately, there are some ways to significantly reduce it. You can start by reviewing your app permissions. You should allow access to only what’s truly needed by a genuine app. Second, you can turn off personalized ads and delete your Advertising ID to reduce creepy targeted ads. The next thing you can do is clear or block cookies to maintain your online privacy. You can also switch to privacy-focused browsers. They block third-party trackers to prevent data collection.

I would also recommend taking a closer look at your social media settings. You must restrict data sharing and ad personalization. These are some effective ways to regain control and limit how much of your information is collected.

By Kanika Gogia

Kanika began writing about consumer technology in 2019 and has contributed to tech websites like Beebom and The Mac Observer. During her journey, she covered a wide range of topics, including Android, Windows, AI, and everything Apple. She has been a loyal iPhone user since 2014,

Sourced from MUO – Make Use Of

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Your phone is sharing data without your knowledge – how to stop it ASAP

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 By Lance Whitney

Even when it’s idle, your smartphone is transmitting certain information to the device manufacturer, says NordVPN. Here’s why you might want to limit some of this data.

ZDNET’s key takeaways

  • Your phone may be sharing data without your awareness.
  • Certain data sharing is necessary, but some can affect your privacy.
  • Review and block any unnecessary app permissions and data access.

You may think that your smartphone falls asleep and remains inactive during the night when you’re in bed and not using it for hours. But that’s not the case. Your phone takes advantage of this downtime to share bits of data with the device’s manufacturer and other parties. And that could be both good and bad, according to NordVPN.

Much of this information needs to be sent to the manufacturer to keep your device up to date and functioning properly. With that goal in mind, your phone might share any of the following tidbits:

  • Device identifiers such as IMEI numbers, hardware serial numbers, and SIM details
  • Telemetry data about the device’s system status or health
  • Service checks for push notifications and operating system updates
  • Crash logs or diagnostic analytics
  • The connectivity state, such as Wi-Fi vs. mobile
  • Content updates, including news, social feeds, and synced emails

“The above are legitimate reasons for idle data transmissions,” NordVPN CTO Marijus Briedis said in a news release. “It’s needed for system health reporting, operating system update availability checks, network and connectivity management, and content synchronization for email and messages.”

But then there’s other shared data not considered essential that could infringe on your privacy. These can include any of the following:

  • Persistent identifiers. Device IDs and advertising IDs for mobile apps can be transmitted even though they aren’t needed to keep your phone operating. Instead, such IDs allow companies and advertisers to track and link your activity across their apps and services. Armed with this information, these parties can build behavioural profiles and track you even when you’re not using an app.
  • Location-related signals. Even if precise GPS is disabled, your phone could still share general location data, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth identifiers, and local network data. These signals can enable device makers and others to detect your overall movements and locations.
  • Background analytics and diagnostics. Your phone could be sharing analytics and telemetry data even when you’re not using it. With these analytics, a third party can learn how and when you use an app, determine when specific system events occur, and even find certain behavioural patterns.

Whether sent to your device maker or to advertisers and other third parties, certain data is being shared without your knowledge or permission. The ultimate goal is to build a profile based on your actions and activities, allowing companies to target you with more relevant, but often intrusive, advertising.

“From a cybersecurity standpoint, unnecessary background data sharing is not just a privacy issue — it’s a risk multiplier,” Briedis added. “Each identifier or telemetry signal adds another piece to a much larger puzzle. When combined, these data points can reveal sensitive behavioural patterns and expose users to tracking, profiling, or interception, often without their knowledge.”

Tips for protecting your privacy

Though you can’t block all types of data from being shared, nor should you, you can limit the exposure of certain information that threatens your privacy. Toward that end, Briedis offers the following tips:

  1. Review any unnecessary permissions granted to your apps. Pay attention to any apps that track your location, scoop up background data, have access to the microphone or camera, or can view your photo library.
  2. Review background app refreshes. Most apps don’t need background refreshes, so you’ll want to manage this setting. To do that on an iPhone, go to Settings, select General, and then tap Background App Refresh. On an Android device, head to Settings, select Apps, and then open each app. Select the setting for Permission to view any existing ones. Tap a specific permission to disable it.
  3. Restrict cloud backups. Turn off auto-sync for any data you don’t need backed up from your device. Alternatively, make sure your cloud-based backups are secured with a password.
  4. Disable personalized ads. To limit tracking for advertising purposes, turn off the option for personalized ads on your device. On an iPhone, go to Settings, select Privacy & Security, tap Apple Advertising, and then turn off the switch for Personalized Ads. On Android, go to Settings, select Security & Privacy, tap Privacy Control, and then select Ads. From there, you can customize the ad topics you see and reset or delete your advertising ID.
  5. Use a VPN. Consider using a VPN on your mobile device. Beyond protecting you from websites that aim to track you, such a tool can also reduce the amount of profiling performed by advertisers.

Feature image credit: Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

By Lance Whitney

Sourced from ZD Net

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Major Smartphone Brands Ranked Worst To Best

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By Will Zoobkoff

Smartphones have become an essential part of our lives, revolutionizing communication, work, and entertainment. Choosing the right smartphone can be overwhelming due to the multitude of options available. In the fiercely competitive smartphone market, brands strive to differentiate themselves. Innovation is key as they push technological boundaries with features like advanced cameras, powerful processors, and immersive displays. These brands constantly aim to captivate and retain consumers’ attention.

Performance plays a vital role in ranking smartphone brands. Seamlessly integrating software, optimizing performance, and enabling efficient multitasking contributes to a smooth user experience. Performance greatly impacts user satisfaction, attracting gaming enthusiasts and productivity-driven individuals alike. Design sets smartphones apart, with brands investing in sleek, ergonomic devices that are visually appealing and comfortable. Aesthetics, build quality, and premium materials are carefully considered to create functional and visually stunning devices. Finally, a positive user experience comes from a seamless interface, timely updates, robust security, and an extensive app ecosystem.

Throughout this article, we explore major smartphone brands, thoroughly evaluating their strengths and weaknesses. Join us as we navigate the smartphone market, delving into performance, innovation, design, and user experience, while uncovering the secrets behind their success and revealing which brands reign supreme in this highly competitive industry. Here is every major cell phone brand, ranked from worst to best

10. Huawei

Huawei, a prominent Chinese electronics manufacturer, has earned worldwide acclaim for its exceptional smartphone brands, including Huawei and Honor. Renowned for their partnership with renowned camera maker Leica, Huawei smartphones have become synonymous with outstanding photography capabilities. The co-engineered camera systems capture stunning images, providing users with a professional-grade photography experience.

In addition to their remarkable cameras, Huawei smartphones boast powerful processors, ensuring smooth and efficient performance for various tasks. The devices also feature large high-resolution displays, delivering vibrant visuals and an immersive viewing experience. With long-lasting battery life, users can rely on their Huawei smartphones throughout the day without worrying about frequent recharging.

Huawei’s commitment to innovation is evident in the integration of cutting-edge technologies. The inclusion of 5G connectivity enables faster data speeds and seamless connectivity in an increasingly connected world. Advanced features such as facial recognition, gesture control, and AI-powered voice assistants provide users with intuitive and convenient interactions with their devices.

Despite facing challenges arising from restrictions imposed by the American government, Huawei remains steadfast in its pursuit of excellence. The company continues to prioritize the development of groundbreaking smartphones with exceptional camera performance and forward-thinking features, such as a clamshell design for the Huawei P50 Pocket. By delivering advanced features, premium design, and technological excellence, Huawei meets the demands of consumers seeking top-of-the-line smartphones in a highly competitive market — even if some of their immediate competitors occupy a more prominent position in that market.

9. Vivo

Vivo, a prominent Chinese smartphone manufacturer, has made a mark in the industry by offering a diverse range of devices that prioritize photography and design. Vivo smartphones are widely recognized for their advanced camera systems, boasting high megapixel counts and incorporating cutting-edge features like AI-powered scene recognition. These capabilities empower users to capture stunning photos in various lighting conditions and enhance their photography skills.

In addition to their exceptional cameras found in models like the Vivo X70, Vivo smartphones are known for their premium designs. The brand emphasizes sleek aesthetics, incorporating features like in-display fingerprint sensors and slim bezels. Vivo devices also often sport high-resolution displays, providing vibrant visuals and enhancing the enjoyment of multimedia content.

Vivo keeps pace with technological advancements by equipping their latest smartphones with powerful processors, ensuring smooth performance and efficient multitasking. The devices also prioritize long battery life, enabling users to stay connected and productive throughout the day. Vivo smartphones often support fast charging technologies, minimizing downtime and keeping users on the go.

Innovation is at the core of Vivo’s smartphone offerings. Their devices use features such as gesture controls, allowing users to navigate the interface with intuitive gestures. Moreover, AI-powered voice assistants provide convenient hands-free interaction and assistance. Vivo’s smartphone lineup caters to consumers seeking a combination of premium design, innovative features, and advanced camera capabilities, providing users with a compelling smartphone experience that meets their diverse needs and aspirations.

8. Xiaomi

Xiaomi, a leading Chinese electronics manufacturer, has gained widespread recognition for its Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone brands. These devices have become synonymous with the perfect balance of high-end features and affordable prices, making them a top choice for budget-conscious consumers.

The company’s latest smartphone offerings exemplify its commitment to delivering impressive specifications at Xaomi’s typically accessible price points. These devices feature powerful processors that ensure smooth performance and efficient multitasking. The large high-resolution displays offer immersive visuals, enhancing the user experience for everything from content consumption to gaming. Battery life is another priority for Xiaomi, as their smartphones provide long-lasting usage and incorporate fast charging technologies, minimizing downtime and keeping users connected throughout the day.

One of Xiaomi’s standout features is its advanced camera systems. With high megapixel counts, Night mode, AI-powered scene recognition, and multiple lenses, users can capture stunning photos in various conditions, unleashing their creativity and capturing memorable moments. In addition, Xiaomi smartphones run on MIUI, a custom Android-based operating system that offers a range of customization options. This allows users to personalize their devices and tailor the user interface to their liking, creating a more personalized and enjoyable experience.

Catering to consumers who seek both high-end features and affordability, Xiaomi continues to make waves in the smartphone market. Their devices provide a compelling option for those who desire exceptional performance and innovative features without compromising their budget.

7. Sony

Sony, the renowned Japanese electronics manufacturer, offers a range of smartphones under its Xperia lineup, which is known for its premium features and elegant designs. Xperia devices excel in various aspects, including advanced camera systems with high megapixel counts, large sensors, and advanced image stabilization. Additionally, Sony prioritizes audio excellence by incorporating Hi-Res audio support and powerful speakers into Xperia smartphones.

With sleek profiles and premium materials like glass and metal, Xperia devices boast a sophisticated and refined aesthetic. Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors and running on the Android operating system, they deliver robust performance and a familiar user interface.

Sony’s Xperia lineup targets consumers seeking the perfect combination of premium features and design in their smartphones. These devices offer a remarkable photography experience and ensure captivating audio playback. With their elegant appearance and powerful performance, Xperia smartphones appeal to tech enthusiasts and those who appreciate top-tier craftsmanship.

Sony’s commitment to quality and innovation has established Xperia as a trusted brand in the competitive smartphone market. Their devices consistently deliver the desired blend of cutting-edge features, stylish designs, and reliable performance, making Xperia a compelling choice for users who demand excellence from their smartphones, even if it has yet to achieve the brand recognition some of its competitors enjoy.

6. ASUS

Asus, a distinguished Taiwanese electronics manufacturer, has made a mark in the smartphone industry with its Zenfone lineup. These devices are highly regarded for their exceptional combination of high-end features and affordability, catering to consumers who seek both performance and innovation without breaking the bank.

At the core of Asus Zenfone devices lies powerful processing capabilities, ensuring seamless multitasking and efficient operation. The inclusion of large high-resolution displays enhances the visual experience, providing vibrant colors and sharp details for immersive content consumption.

One of Asus’ strengths lies in its advanced camera systems. Zenfone smartphones boast multiple lenses, allowing users to explore different perspectives and capture stunning photos. Features like Night mode and AI-powered scene recognition enhance photography possibilities, enabling users to achieve impressive results in various lighting conditions.

Asus smartphones are not afraid to push the boundaries of design and functionality. They have introduced unique features like flip camera modules, which can be utilized for both front and rear-facing photography, delivering versatility and convenience. Additionally, advanced cooling systems have been implemented to enhance performance during gaming sessions, ensuring smooth gameplay even during demanding tasks.

Asus aims to cater to consumers who desire high-end features, innovative designs, and affordability in their smartphones. By striking a balance between cutting-edge specifications, distinctive features, and accessible pricing, Asus Zenfone devices provide an appealing option for those seeking exceptional value for their smartphone investment.

5. Motorola

Motorola, an American electronics manufacturer, offers a range of smartphones under the Moto and Motorola One lineup. Renowned for its user-centric approach, Motorola devices prioritize an intuitive and convenient user experience. With a near-stock Android operating system, features like Moto Display and Moto Actions enhance usability and streamline interactions.

Battery life is a key focus for Motorola smartphones, delivering long-lasting performance to keep users connected throughout the day. Fast charging technologies ensure minimal downtime, allowing quick recharges when needed.

The latest Motorola devices feature high-end components, including powerful processors, large high-resolution displays, and advanced camera systems. However, most of Motorola’s smartphone lineup strikes a balance between high-end features and affordability, with a strong emphasis on user experience. Many Motorola devices cater to consumers seeking intuitive interfaces, long-lasting battery life, and the benefits of advanced technology without straining their budget.

By offering devices that prioritize user convenience, seamless interactions, and essential features, Motorola has cultivated a loyal following of users who value a straightforward, reliable, and cost-effective smartphone experience, helping them earn a spot in the top half of our ranking.

4. OnePlus

OnePlus, a highly regarded Chinese smartphone manufacturer, has carved a niche in the industry by offering a range of high-end devices that prioritize performance, design, and user experience. Renowned for their commitment to delivering top-of-the-line specifications and innovative features, OnePlus smartphones present an enticing proposition for tech enthusiasts and discerning users alike.

At the heart of devices like the OnePlus Pro 10 lies their powerful processors, ensuring seamless multitasking, snappy performance, and efficient operation. The inclusion of large high-resolution displays enhances the visual experience, delivering vibrant colors, sharp details, and an immersive viewing experience.

Photography enthusiasts are in for a treat with OnePlus’ advanced camera systems. Beyond that, OnePlus smartphones offer a clean and intuitive user interface through OxygenOS, a custom Android-based operating system. OxygenOS is celebrated for its fluidity, customization options, and optimized user experience, guaranteeing seamless and personalized interaction with the device.

OnePlus sets itself apart with unique features like Warp Charge, a fast-charging technology that delivers lightning-fast charging speeds, reaching 70% battery capacity in just 30 minutes. Additionally, the Alert Slider provides users with effortless control over different notification modes, enhancing convenience and user control.

Catering to consumers seeking a combination of premium design, fast performance, and personalized experiences, OnePlus continues to impress with its dedication to innovation and meeting the expectations of tech-savvy users. This commitment to quality helps this relatively lesser-known company land among the top smartphone brands on the market.

3. Google

Google, an esteemed American technology company, has made a significant impact in the smartphone market with its impressive Pixel lineup. Its devices are renowned for their clean Android OS and exceptional camera capabilities, showcasing Google’s focus on software and user experience.

Pixel smartphones stand out with their high-end cameras featuring advanced features like Night Sight and Super Res Zoom, which allow users to capture stunning photos in low-light conditions and achieve remarkable zoom levels. Additionally, regular software updates from Google ensure access to the latest features, security patches, and improvements.

Notable features like Google Assistant and Google Lens integrate advanced AI capabilities for voice commands and image recognition, enhancing convenience and productivity. The latest Pixel devices boast powerful processors, large high-resolution displays, long-lasting battery life, and additional perks like wireless charging and water resistance.

While lacking some advanced features found in competitors like Samsung and Apple, Google’s smartphone lineup caters to those seeking a premium and straightforward Android experience. By combining cutting-edge technology, regular updates, and AI-driven features, Google continues to solidify its position as a leading player in the smartphone industry.

2. Apple

Apple has long established itself as a prominent player in the smartphone industry with its iconic iPhone. These smartphones are renowned for their exceptional design, cutting-edge features, and highly acclaimed iOS operating system.

iPhone devices boast premium design and craftsmanship, incorporating high-quality materials that exude elegance and durability. Features like Face ID and Touch ID provide secure biometric authentication, ensuring the privacy and convenience of users.

The advanced camera systems of Apple smartphones capture stunning photos with features like Portrait mode consistently delivering impressive results. Complemented by powerful processors, large high-resolution displays, and long battery life, iPhone devices offer a seamless and immersive user experience.

Apple smartphones also showcase a range of advanced features like Siri, Apple Pay, FaceTime, and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. Siri allows users to conveniently interact with their devices through voice commands. Apple Pay provides a secure and convenient way to make payments, while the ecosystem integration enables effortless connectivity and synchronization across various Apple devices.

Apple’s iPhones have gained a reputation for being exceptionally easy to use, making them a popular choice among consumers. With intuitive interfaces, straightforward navigation, and a user-friendly ecosystem, iPhones offer a seamless user experience. Apple’s commitment to simplicity and consistency across their devices allows users to quickly adapt and effortlessly navigate through various features and settings placing it high on the list.

1. Samsung

Renowned South Korean electronics manufacturer Samsung is widely recognized for its Galaxy line of smartphones. These devices embody high-end features, innovative designs, and advanced technology, catering to consumers seeking a superior mobile experience.

Galaxy smartphones showcase powerful processors that deliver seamless performance and multitasking capabilities. With their large high-resolution displays, users are treated to immersive visuals for gaming, media consumption, and productivity, while extended battery life ensures uninterrupted connectivity throughout the day.

Samsung’s commitment to photography excellence is evident in its advanced camera systems. However, the company’s dedication to innovation extends to unique Samsung Galaxy features such as Samsung DeX, which enables a desktop-like experience through a monitor, and Samsung Pay, a secure mobile payment system. Wireless charging, water resistance, and the robust Knox security platform further enhance the user experience and provide added convenience and protection.

Samsung’s smartphone lineup combines high-end features, innovative design, and advanced technology to cater to diverse user preferences. Samsung maintains its position at the top by offering a wide variety of devices that allow users to find the perfect fit for their needs. By prioritizing productivity and entertainment, Samsung delivers devices that elevate the mobile experience for users worldwide.

By Will Zoobkoff

Sourced from SLASH GEAR

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A tap away — tips on protecting your smartphone privacy

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By Dr. Brian Krupp

Smartphones hold some of our most personal data. This not only includes material like personal photos, but also data that is sensed from the device, such as your location.

With smartphone users spending on average more than five hours a day on their devices, it is critical that we understand how to protect our privacy by controlling what data apps and services can access.

Often, these “free” apps and services are funded by our data. With many of them, if you are not paying for the product, you are the product.

Fortunately, there are now more ways to protect your data. Let’s dive into a few basic steps you can take to shield your information.

By Dr. Brian Krupp

Guest columnist Dr. Brian Krupp is an associate professor of computer science at Baldwin Wallace University. He leads the MObile, Privacy and Security Research Group (MOPS) at BW and also advises BW’s CS+ group that provides educational opportunities for young minds in the community to learn computing. More information is on his website.

Sourced from cleveland.com

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Google to Launch New Devices, Boost Smartphone Presence

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Sourced from Yahoo Finance

Alphabet’s GOOGL division Google is firing on all cylinders to expand presence in the world of electronic gadgets, backed by innovative skills and advanced technologies.

Per reports, Google has confirmed that it will launch latest Pixel smartphones by mid-2019. The company is geared up to roll out new devices at the Google I/O 2019, all set to start from May 7, which in turn will aid in popularizing the device.

The latest move is in line with Google’s persistent focus on expansion of its portfolio of smartphones that comprises Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. The latest to join the queue is Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL.

Though much detail about these devices is not available, it is rumored that Pixel 3a and 3a XL will have respective codenames of Sargo and Bonito. Pixel 3a and 3a XL are said to come with a display of 5.6 and 6inch in size, respectively, and have a resolution of 1080p each. These devices will reportedly be powered by Snapdragon 670 processors and sport 12MP rear cameras.

The release of new devices will enhance the company’s product offerings and broaden portfolio. Further, these new phones will help Google to rapidly penetrate into the growing smartphone market.

Smartphone Market Holds Promise

In this data-driven world, smartphones are playing a significant role in day-to-day life by enabling users to get necessary and urgent work done via phones.

Growing penetration of internet usage globally is another factor that is bolstering the demand for smartphones on a constant basis.

Per a report from IDC, worldwide smartphone shipment in full-year 2018 was recorded at 1.4 billion. Although the figure declined 4.1% from a year ago, the market holds growth potential, thanks to its growing proliferation worldwide.

Courtesy of the updated version of Pixel phone, Google is well poised to cater to the ever-increasing demand for smartphones, especially in the emerging markets.

Rising Competition

Given its growing smartphone portfolio, Google has strengthened its competitive position against major players like Apple AAPL, Samsung and Xiaomi.

Samsung is currently leading the roster with its affordable range of smartphones having almost all advanced features. Its smartphone portfolio comprises premium range of phones that provide enhanced user experience.

Apple continues to ride on the popularity of iPhone and its brand loyalty. The company enjoys a loyal customer base for iPhone, thanks to its robust features and global availability.

However, the search giant entered the space much later compared with peers like Apple and Samsung.

Nevertheless, the company’s innovative skills, robust voice assistant and widely preferred Android operating system worldwide will continue to aid the advancement of Pixel phones.

Moreover, these factors will help it in gaining competitive advantage over Microsoft’s MSFT Windows phone, which has been losing market share for quite sometime now due to Android’s open ecosystem feature.

We believe all these endeavors are likely to bolster the company’s presence in the rapidly growing smartphone market.

Alphabet Inc. Price and Consensus

Alphabet Inc. Price and Consensus | Alphabet Inc. Quote

Zacks Rank & Stock to Consider

Currently, Alphabet carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A better-ranked stock in the broader technology sector is Ctrip.com International, Ltd. CTRP, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Sourced from Yahoo Finance

 

 

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Augmented reality promises to rescue dying museums – so why don’t visitors want to use it?

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By  & 

Museums are often perceived as dusty cabinets full of dead and ancient things, especially those institutions you’ve never heard of. You know the ones, the neglected pride of county towns that could play a vital cultural and social role but struggle for funding.

For some, technology is the answer, virtually recreating museums and their contents online, or launching fancy augmented reality smartphone apps that overlay videos of the real world with interactive computer-generated content. We certainly see the potential for such apps to make museums more exciting, especially to young people, and have recently been using them to bring dinosaurs to life.

But sadly our experience suggests visitors just aren’t keen on downloading these apps. So is there another way technology can help revitalise musuems and similar attractions?

We are working on a project called PalaeoGo! that explores how museums and parks can be enhanced by augmented reality, 3D digitisation and new search engines. Our first foray with augmented reality was at White Sands National Monument in New Mexico, US, using a smartphone app called Zappar to support research undertaken there.

Using the phone’s camera to scan a code on a notice board or flyer brings forward a 2D computer-generated image superimposed on the phone’s live camera feed. Users can see a troop of mammoths walk over the horizon with the real landscape behind, or have their selfies taken with a mammoth. We’ve since created our own free app that recreates augmented reality dinosaurs and other extinct reptiles and mammals in 3D, without the need to scan a code.

We deployed the mammoth and a T. rex at various events in 2017 and 2018, allowing visitors to pose for selfies. The tech was embraced enthusiastically, not just by children but by older generations as well. We found the sense of technological wonder coupled with a chance to strike a silly pose with an extinct animal really appealed to the visitors.

Mammoth selfies. Matthew Bennett, Author provided

But when we first deployed the app at a museum, in summer 2018 at the Etches Collection on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, it challenged our thinking. In fact, it stopped us dead. When we had staff on site to show people what was possible with our own tablets and phones, the technology had an impact and people were excited to see it in action (although they did not always download the app). But no one engaged when we relied on posters and banners to encourage visitors to download and use the app.

We failed at the first step, not due to a lack of interest in the technology or in the 3D dinosaurs deployed, but due to the fundamental reluctance of visitors to download museum apps. We have since found this experience to be shared by others, such as Skybox Museum, who also struggle to get visitors to download their app deployed at their site in Manchester. In fact, the feedback we’ve received so far suggests that simply getting people to download a museum app, rather than a problem with the underlying technology, is the biggest obstacle to its success.

What makes people download apps?

To find out why, we immersed ourselves in a growing body of consumer-based research on smartphone apps. It turns out that the characteristics of an app are less important when it comes to getting people to download it than whether they trust the makers, and that brand loyalty and familiarity help build this trust. We also know that the potential for social interaction and pure enjoyment are more important than the usefulness or educational value of an app. People want to be entertained, engage with others and are wary of potential risks to their phones and personal data.

So when you’re asked to download an app at the doors of a museum, the default position is to decline. It’s a hard sell, especially if you have children in tow. Promoting the app in advance helps but, even if you overcome this reluctance, people still want a guarantee of fun.

Not enough for a download. Matthew Bennett, Author provided

What’s the answer? Games are an obvious possibility. Which regular museum visitor hasn’t seen a horde of children with clipboards on some form of quest or hunt? Promising a fun game is perhaps the key to getting children to try the augmented reality we know can change a museum experience.

The alternative is to make such resources available without an app, and we are exploring this. One solution might be to enable visitors to access it through their phone’s internet browser or via a standard QR code. Another idea we are trialling is to preload the technology onto a tablet hired like an audio guide at a museum’s entrance. As the software doesn’t need downloading it can be more complex, for example using locational technology such as GPS that can prompt the user to activate the device at a given spot and offer content tailored to their visit. But this would make social interaction and downloading those fun-filled selfies harder.

We believe that technology has much to offer the museums of the future. In fact, we would argue it’s essential to their survival. In particular, mixed reality, a form of enhanced augmented reality where real people and objects are displayed in virtual worlds, has some exciting potential to create immersive, engaging and educational content. But for once, the smartphone may not hold the key.

By 

Professor of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Bournemouth University

& 

Professor of Data Science, Bournemouth University

Sourced from The Conversation

 

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Product Brand loyalty or blind loyalty: does it make sense?

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By JC Torres

What Microsoft feared nearly a decade ago has come true. The mobile market has become a two-horse race, with just some extras on the sidelines. With only Android and iOS really to choose from, who do you think has more loyal users? Apple is often cited for having fiercely loyal fans but, surprisingly enough, for the first time, Android loyalty has exceeded iOS 91% to 88%, respectively. But before either camp brings out the champagne or the pitchforks, one really has to ask: does it matter at all?

What happened?

To be clear, nothing really happened. The Consumer Intelligence Research Partners’ (CIRP) study shows that customer loyalty to either Android or iOS has been steadily on the rise. Except for a dip in iOS retention in late 2014. Perhaps if not for that temporary decline, iOS would have overtaken Android with that exact same growth rate.

And before Android users celebrate, CIRP co-founder Josh Lowitz has some insights that put that victory in a less impressive light. There are more Android users than iOS ones, that much is a fact. But to keep the iOS line growing stead, that would require an influx of more Android users switching to iOS. In contrast, Android needs less iOS refugees to keep its rate up. In other words, Android may have the higher numbers, but it may also have more people moving to iOS than the other way around.

For businesses

So what is all this Android vs iOS loyalty all about and does it even matter. For the businesses running or banking on Android or iOS, that’s a resounding yes. That means a big yes for Google, Apple, Samsung, and other Android OEMs. Brand loyalty means that people will keep using their products longer. That means, in a sense, locking them a lot longer into your services. That ultimately means making more money, or at least a steady influx of money.

Brand loyalty and customer retention are why companies work so hard to not only keep their current customers happy but to also convince those from the other side to jump ship. That last part is what sometimes causes tension, confusion, and sometimes even lawsuits, when companies fight and sometimes defame each other in order to pull their customers from other their grasp. In the Android versus iOS context, that usually involves things like saying how insecure one platform is or how closed off the other is.

For users

For users, however, brand loyalty is really nothing more than a badge, pretty much like sports team loyalty. Sometimes just as passionate, zealous, or even violent. It gives a sense of belonging or kinship to a group with similar interests and experiences. In practical terms, however, it matters very little.

iOS users are loyal to the iPhone because they don’t exactly have any other hardware to choose from. If someone else starts making iOS phones, especially better than Apple, you’ll see that iPhone loyalty wane instantly. Likewise, not all Android users are loyal to Android because of Android. Often they’re loyal to Pixels, Samsungs, LGs, Xiaomis, and the like. Often they might even be loyal to the brand of Android they only know from their OEM, not realizing how different Android might be from other OEMs.

Of course, there are those that are loyal to iOS or Android for the very platforms themselves. They agree with this or that way of doing things, of presenting things, of designing things. But then comes along a new version of iOS or Android that turns things around or yanks out those favorite features. Then you hear gnashing and weeping and the door slamming on the way out.

And then there are those who couldn’t care less about iOS or Android or Windows or Mac. It just so happens that the app they fell in love with or grew up with is only available in one particular OS. And when some of those become available in other operating systems, then the operating system becomes even less relevant. Then again, they might have become loyal to the app in the same way.

Blind loyalty

So what does brand loyalty bring? In this particular context, nothing relevant to users other than bragging rights. Indirectly, they do bring benefits, since consumer retention helps companies, which, in turn, retains or improves services that benefit users.

But not all those services are ultimately tied to those two platforms anyway. Brand loyalty, in fact, can actually become more harmful in some cases when they force users into a box of their own making. Some may never consider or use this or that app because it’s not made by this or that brand. Some won’t try out other phones because they’re too set in the ways of their old brands. Some would even go as far as admit that this or that OS is better but they’re not going to use it because it’s not iOS or Android.

Wrap-up: Breaking down barriers

We live in a world where the Internet has made the world a smaller place, where development happens at breakneck speeds, where features come and go, almost with no complete assurance they’ll be there in the next version. We live in an age that sticking to a brand just because of that brand no longer makes a lot of sense.

Of course, there will be the argument that so and so brand is synonymous with quality. As can be proven so many times, that is only true for so long. There’s no denying the fact that one brand, one platform, one app, will have better features and aspects than the others. But to equate those features to a brand and equate it for the long-term? Not exactly a sensible outlook.

Brand loyalty and customer retention are important for the companies that make these products, so hooray to the Googles, the Apples, and the Samsungs of the world. Those numbers, however, aren’t always representative of the actual quality of their products. More of then than not, it’s more representative of how good their marketing is.

By JC Torres

Sourced from SLASH GEAR

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Majority of Workers Feel Distracted at Work, Blame Technology

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More than a third of millennials use their phones for personal activities up to 2 hours during the workday.

By MediaStreet Staff Writers

Technology is now on the verge of making us utterly unproductive. This is according to a new report from Udemy.

The study measured how distracted employees are during work hours, how they’re responding to distractions, and the price of distraction for employers and the economy at large. The research found a strong correlation between increased levels of distraction, decreased productivity, and a lack of proper training at work.

Workers can’t resist the pull of social media
Most survey respondents (58%) said they don’t need social media to do their jobs, but they still can’t make it through the day without it. When asked to rank various social media sites and communication tools by degree of distraction, Facebook came in first (65%), followed distantly by Instagram (9%), Snapchat (7%), and Twitter (7%).

In addition to recognising how workplace distraction can hurt productivity and diminish quality of work, companies need to be aware of the very real damage to employee morale and retention. Among millennials and Gen Z, 22% feel distractions prevent them from reaching their full potential and advancing in their careers, and overall, 34% say they like their jobs less as a result.

When people are engaged, they report being more motivated, confident, and happy, and feel they deliver higher quality work. And, based on the survey, opportunities around learning and development are the top drivers of engagement.

 

Workers want training but are reluctant to ask for it
Though 69% of full-time employees surveyed report being distracted at work and 70% agree that training could help them learn to focus and manage their time better, 66% have never brought this up to their managers. Younger workers, in particular, are also having trouble balancing work and personal activities on devices they use for both; 78% of millennials/Gen Z say using technology for personal activity is more distracting than work-related tools like email and chat.

Let’s face it, we are all suckers for social media. The good news for marketers is that with highly engaged audiences comes a lot of places to put targeting advertising and reach these audiences.

 

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We’re not Addicted to Smartphones, We’re Addicted to Social Interaction

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According to scientists, mobile device habits stem from a healthy human need to socialise, which is rooted in evolution.

By MediaStreet Staff Writers

A new study of dysfunctional use of smart technology finds that the most addictive smartphone functions all share a common theme: they tap into the human desire to connect with other people. The findings, published in Frontiers in Psychology, suggest that smartphone addiction could be hyper-social, not anti-social.

“There is a lot of panic surrounding this topic,” says Professor Samuel Veissière, from the Department of Psychiatry at McGill University, Canada. “We’re trying to offer some good news and show that it is our desire for human interaction that is addictive – and there are fairly simple solutions to deal with this.”

We all know people who, seemingly incapable of living without the bright screen of their phone for more than a few minutes, are constantly texting and checking out what friends are up to on social media.

These are examples of what many consider to be the antisocial behaviour brought on by smartphone addiction, a phenomenon that has garnered media attention in the past few months and led investors and consumers to demand that tech giants address this problem.

But what if we were looking at things the wrong way? Could smartphone addiction be hyper-social, not anti-social?

Professor Veissière, a cognitive anthropologist who studies the evolution of cognition and culture, explains that the desire to watch and monitor others – but also to be seen and monitored by others – runs deep in our evolutionary past. Humans evolved to be a uniquely social species and require constant input from others to seek a guide for culturally appropriate behaviour. This is also a way for them to find meaning, goals, and a sense of identity.

Together with Moriah Stendel, also from McGill’s Department of Psychiatry, Professor Veissière reviewed current literature on dysfunctional use of smart technology through an evolutionary lens. The researchers found that the most addictive smartphone functions all shared a common theme: they tap into the human desire to connect with other people.

Healthy urges can become unhealthy addictions

While smartphones harness a normal and healthy need for sociality, Professor Veissière agrees that the pace and scale of hyper-connectivity pushes the brain’s reward system to run on overdrive, which can lead to unhealthy addictions.

“In post-industrial environments where foods are abundant and readily available, our cravings for fat and sugar sculpted by distant evolutionary pressures can easily go into insatiable overdrive and lead to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The pro-social needs and rewards of smartphone use as a means to connect can similarly be hijacked to produce a manic theatre of hyper-social monitoring,” the authors write in their paper.

Turning off push notifications and setting up appropriate times to check your phone can go a long way to regain control over smartphone addiction. Research suggests that workplace policies “that prohibit evening and weekend emails” are also important.

“Rather than start regulating the tech companies or the use of these devices, we need to start having a conversation about the appropriate way to use smartphones,” concludes Professor Veissière.

 

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