Month: February 2023

iOS 16.4 Beta 2 Re-Adds Page Turning Animation to Apple Books

The second beta of iOS 16.4 that was introduced to developers today appears to have a limited number of new features, but it does have a major update for those who use Apple Books – it reintroduces an option for the page turning animation.

With iOS 16, Apple revamped the Books app and removed the traditional page turning animation in favor of a simpler slide animation, but many Apple Books users were not happy with the decision.

The iOS 16.4 beta adds a new toggle in the Themes and Settings section of the Books app that lets users choose a page turning animation. Options include Curl, Slide, and None. Slide is the ‌iOS 16‌ default, Curl is the old iOS 15 and earlier animation, and None is an even simpler animation that just shifts from page to page.Related Roundups: iOS 16, iPadOS 16

Related Forum: iOS 16

This article, “iOS 16.4 Beta 2 Re-Adds Page Turning Animation to Apple Books” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

The second beta of iOS 16.4 that was introduced to developers today appears to have a limited number of new features, but it does have a major update for those who use Apple Books – it reintroduces an option for the page turning animation.

With iOS 16, Apple revamped the Books app and removed the traditional page turning animation in favor of a simpler slide animation, but many Apple Books users were not happy with the decision.

The iOS 16.4 beta adds a new toggle in the Themes and Settings section of the Books app that lets users choose a page turning animation. Options include Curl, Slide, and None. Slide is the ‌iOS 16‌ default, Curl is the old iOS 15 and earlier animation, and None is an even simpler animation that just shifts from page to page.

Related Roundups: iOS 16, iPadOS 16
Related Forum: iOS 16

This article, “iOS 16.4 Beta 2 Re-Adds Page Turning Animation to Apple Books” first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

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Intel Releases Software Platform for Quantum Computing Developers

Intel on Tuesday released a software platform for developers to build quantum algorithms that can eventually run on a quantum computer that the chip giant is trying to build. From a report: The platform, called Intel Quantum SDK, would for now allow those algorithms to run on a simulated quantum computing system, said Anne Matsuura, Intel Labs’ head of quantum applications and architecture. Matsuura said developers can use the long-established programming language C++ to build quantum algorithms, making it more accessible for people without quantum computing expertise. “The Intel Quantum SDK helps programmers get ready for future large-scale commercial quantum computers,” Matsuura said in a statement. “It will also advance the industry by creating a community of developers that will accelerate the development of applications.”

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Intel on Tuesday released a software platform for developers to build quantum algorithms that can eventually run on a quantum computer that the chip giant is trying to build. From a report: The platform, called Intel Quantum SDK, would for now allow those algorithms to run on a simulated quantum computing system, said Anne Matsuura, Intel Labs’ head of quantum applications and architecture. Matsuura said developers can use the long-established programming language C++ to build quantum algorithms, making it more accessible for people without quantum computing expertise. “The Intel Quantum SDK helps programmers get ready for future large-scale commercial quantum computers,” Matsuura said in a statement. “It will also advance the industry by creating a community of developers that will accelerate the development of applications.”

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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LG confirms its G3 TV has next-gen OLED tech, teases Samsung-beating brightness

LG is normally coy about the technology in its OLED TVs, but it’s finally confirmed that it’s using Micro Lens Array screens.

The upcoming LG G3 OLED uses a Micro Lens Array panel in order to boost brightness, the company has confirmed to TechRadar. It’s rare for LG Electronics to ever confirm what sort of OLED panel it’s using, and it had been extremely cagey about what was in the G3, but the company explained that some sizes (explained below) of the G3 will use so-called ‘3rd-gen OLED’ panels from LG Display – the latter is the part of LG that actually makes OLED screens (its panels are used in almost all the best OLED TVs), and operates separately to LG Electronics, which makes the TVs.

LG has been showing the G3 off at recent events, and the headline news is that the TV looks set to match or even exceed the (perhaps briefly) world’s-best brightness of the Samsung S95C, which we measured during the testing time of our early hands-on Samsung S95C review

The 55, 65, and 77-inch versions of the G3 appear to use a Micro Lens Array panel (though not the 83-incher) – these are the only sizes of 4K screen that LG Display produces with the technology in. LG recently shared these impressive real-world measurement figures with us for the G3:

First, a caveat: the figures above were taken by LG, not TechRadar. However, we expect the 10% and 100% figures to be close to the figures that we’ll get when we test the set, because that’s the kind of test we run.

That HDR Vivid reading of over 2,040 nits is pretty unrealistic for real-world viewing scenarios (who is spending this much on a TV and then watching in a weird mode?), but the 1,470 nits for a 10% window in HDR Cinema  (meaning a white block takes up 10% of the screen, in a mode suitable for movie lovers) is right in line with what we measured in the same kind of tests with the Samsung S95C – we got 1,374 nits there.

These numbers, and the presence of an MLA panel ensure the G3 should be able to compete with the Philips OLED+908 and the Panasonic MZ2000 – both of which use Micro Lens Array tech.

The contrast on the LG G3 is next-level stuff – we’ve seen it in person. (Image credit: Future)

Micro machines

If you’ve not heard of Micro Lens Array before, it’s a new technology that’s set to radically boost the brightness of OLED TVs. MLA uses billions (yes, with a b) of minuscule convex lenses that are placed over the pixels of an OLED panel to boost brightness up to 150% over traditional OLED screens. 

The LG G3 OLED uses Brightness Booster Max tech coupled with ‘META’: a software brightness-boosting algorithm. This is absolutely latest-gen stuff, never-before-seen in TVs until now, and the LG G3 will be the first on the market with it this year. (Sadly, the LG C3 won’t get this technology.)

The presence of Micro Lens Array isn’t the G3’s only noteworthy new feature, though. Processing improvements include AI Super Upscaling to reduce noise when upscaling content; an improved Tone Mapping Pro feature that now analyzes the picture in 20,000 different zones to improve contrast handling; and an HDR Expression Enhancer that adjusts contrast differently depending on whether the part being processed is in the background or foreground of a picture. 

The screen of the G3 OLED gets a further boost with the addition of Super Anti Reflective coating, which LG claims reduces reflections around 25% compared to last year’s LG C2 OLED. This is likely the same technology that impressed us so much in the Philips OLED+908, because it’s part of the OLED panel – you may see it referred to as ‘Vanta Black’ elsewhere.

There are also improvements on the audio front. The G3’s sound calibration is now optimised to the specific content you’re watching, with its speakers sporting 9.1.2 virtual sound thanks to AI Sound Pro, and then adjusting depending on whether it’s an action movie, quiet drama, and so on. There’s also an Auto Balance Control feature that balances high and low sounds to better fit the TV’s speakers. 

As with other new LG TVs in 2023, the G3 OLED will partly support Disney Plus’ IMAX Enhanced Audio format, as well as support for DTS/DTS: X, though it will only pass these through to one of the best soundbars – it can’t handle these formats itself.

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The Absolute Best Sci-Fi Movies on HBO Max – CNET

Looking for a sci-fi flick this evening? HBO Max is sci-fi movie central.

Looking for a sci-fi flick this evening? HBO Max is sci-fi movie central.

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Rachel Weisz plays twin doctors in first look at ‘Dead Ringers’

What’s better than one Rachel Weisz performance? Two Rachel Weisz performances! And that’s what the teaser for Prime Video’s upcoming psychological thriller Dead Ringers promises us.
Dead Ringers is a modern take on David Cronenberg’s 1988 film of the same name. Weisz plays twin doctors Elliot and Beverly Mantle, whose tendency to share everything from lovers to drugs takes them down a strange path. The same can be said of their willingness to push the boundaries of medical ethics. As one of the Mantles says forebodingly in the trailer, “Radicalism always begins with something small.”
All six episodes of Dead Ringers premiere on Prime Video April 21.

What’s better than one Rachel Weisz performance? Two Rachel Weisz performances! And that’s what the teaser for Prime Video’s upcoming psychological thriller Dead Ringers promises us.

Dead Ringers is a modern take on David Cronenberg’s 1988 film of the same name. Weisz plays twin doctors Elliot and Beverly Mantle, whose tendency to share everything from lovers to drugs takes them down a strange path. The same can be said of their willingness to push the boundaries of medical ethics. As one of the Mantles says forebodingly in the trailer, “Radicalism always begins with something small.”

All six episodes of Dead Ringers premiere on Prime Video April 21.

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Deals: M2 Mac Mini Drops to New Best-Ever Prices With $50 Discounts at B&H Photo

B&H Photo today has a few deals on Apple’s M2 Mac mini, marking some of the first notable discounts on the device since it launched in January 2023. Both deals are only available on B&H Photo as of writing, and the retailer offers free expedited shipping in the contiguous United States.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with B&H Photo. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Starting with the 256GB M2 Mac mini, this model is on sale for $549.00, down from $599.00. This beats the sale price found at retailers like Amazon by about $30 and is now the lowest price we’ve ever tracked on this version of the M2 Mac mini.

$50 OFFM2 Mac mini (256GB) for $549.00

Moving to the 512GB M2 Mac mini, B&H Photo has this model for $749.00, down from $799.00. Similar to the 256GB option, the 512GB M2 Mac mini’s price tag is the best we’ve seen to date at any retailer.

$50 OFFM2 Mac mini (512GB) for $749.00

Keep up with all of this week’s best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup.Related Roundup: Apple Deals

This article, “Deals: M2 Mac Mini Drops to New Best-Ever Prices With $50 Discounts at B&H Photo” first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

B&H Photo today has a few deals on Apple’s M2 Mac mini, marking some of the first notable discounts on the device since it launched in January 2023. Both deals are only available on B&H Photo as of writing, and the retailer offers free expedited shipping in the contiguous United States.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with B&H Photo. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Starting with the 256GB M2 Mac mini, this model is on sale for $549.00, down from $599.00. This beats the sale price found at retailers like Amazon by about $30 and is now the lowest price we’ve ever tracked on this version of the M2 Mac mini.

Moving to the 512GB M2 Mac mini, B&H Photo has this model for $749.00, down from $799.00. Similar to the 256GB option, the 512GB M2 Mac mini’s price tag is the best we’ve seen to date at any retailer.

Keep up with all of this week’s best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup.

Related Roundup: Apple Deals

This article, “Deals: M2 Mac Mini Drops to New Best-Ever Prices With $50 Discounts at B&H Photo” first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

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How to set up two-factor authentication on your online services

Illustration by Samar Haddad / The Verge

Recently, it was announced that Twitter would only offer SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA) to its Twitter Blue members (those who are willing to pay $8 a month on Android or $11 a month on iOS). To tell you the truth, my first reaction was: just as well. If you want to use 2FA to secure your social media or another account, using text messaging is not the way to go. You’re much better off using either a third-party authenticator app or a hardware security key.
What are security keys?
Security keys, such as the ones sold by Yubico, are the safest method to use. They can connect to your system using USB-A, USB-C, Lightning, or NFC, and they’re small enough to be carried on a keychain (with the exception of Yubico’s YubiKey 5C Nano, which is so small that it’s safest when kept in your computer’s USB port). They use a variety of authentication standards: FIDO2, U2F, smart card, OTP, and OpenPGP 3.
When you insert a security key into your computer or connect one wirelessly, your browser issues a challenge to the key, which includes the domain name of the specific site you are trying to access (which prevents you from accidentally logging in to a phishing site). The key then cryptographically signs and allows the challenge, logging you in to the service.
Many sites support U2F security keys, including Twitter, Facebook, Google, Instagram, and others. The best thing to do is check the website of your security key of choice and see which services are supported — for example, here’s a link to the apps supported by YubiKeys.
What are authenticator apps?
But while physical security keys are the safest method, they are not the most convenient. If you don’t want to carry around (and possibly lose) a physical key, using an authentication app on your phone is the best way to go.
Authentication apps generate one-time numerical passcodes that change approximately every minute. When you log in to your service or app, it will ask for your authenticator code; you just open up the app to find the randomly generated code required to get past security.
Popular options include Authy, Google Authenticator, and Microsoft Authenticator. These apps mostly follow the same procedure when you’re adding a new account: you scan a QR code associated with your account, and it is saved in the app. The next time you log in to your service or app, it will ask for a numerical code; just open up the authenticator app to find the randomly generated code required to get past security.
Here is how to set up 2FA on some of the more popular online accounts. Not all of them allow for authenticator apps; in that case, we list what is available. (If you’re just interested in using an authenticator app for your Twitter account, you can go directly to this article, which gives you all the steps needed — however, just to be convenient, we’ve included Twitter with the others here.)
Note: most of the following directions are for websites; if you can use a mobile app, directions will be given for that as well.

Amazon

Log in to your Amazon account.
Hover over Accounts & Lists (in the upper-right corner) and go to Account > Login & security. (You can also simply follow this link.)
Scroll down to 2-step verification and click the Edit button. (You may be asked to reenter your password.)
Click Get Started, and Amazon will walk you through the process of registering your preferred authenticator app by syncing it through a QR code.

If you wish, you can also register a phone number to use as a backup text 2FA. Amazon also lets you opt out of 2FA for any specific devices.

Amazon lets you register your phone number for a backup text 2FA.

You can also activate 2FA on the Android and iOS Amazon apps.

Tap the person icon on the bottom (second from left).
Go to Your Account > Login & security.
The same 2-step verification selection, with the same Edit button, should be available.

Apple iOS / macOS
If you use any Apple devices, you turn on 2FA through your Apple ID — you can do it either on your mobile device or on the web. You also receive any verification codes via Apple’s system; there are no third-party authentication apps here.
A few other things to note (as detailed on Apple’s support page): if you turn on 2FA, you have two weeks to change your mind, and after that, it’s a done deal — you can’t turn it off. Once 2FA is established, then every time you sign in using your Apple ID on a new device, you’ll get a notification on a trusted device, and you’ll have to okay the sign-in. And finally, once you sign in to a device with the verification code, it will be considered a trusted device, and you won’t have to use a code again (unless you sign out, change your password, or erase the device). Finally, you’ll need a trusted phone number to establish 2FA.
iOS

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security.
Select Turn On Two-Factor Authentication, and follow the instructions.

macOS
From your Apple menu (the Apple icon in the upper-left corner), go to System Settings (or, for older macOS versions, System Preferences), then click your name (or Apple ID).

If you turned on 2FA over two weeks ago, you don’t have the option of turning it off.

Select Password & Security.
Look for Two-Factor Authentication. Select Turn On, and follow the instructions.

Dropbox

From your Dropbox homepage on the web, click your profile avatar and select Settings.
Click on the Security tab.
Find Two-Step Verification, toggle to turn the feature on, and select Get Started.

You can choose to receive 2FA through a text or your authenticator app; obviously, we recommend the latter.

Dropbox also lets you use a text or authenticator app.

Facebook
The way to access Facebook’s 2FA settings is a bit different depending on whether you’re using the mobile app or the web app (and Facebook tends to update both layouts often).
On the mobile app

Access your privacy settings by tapping your personal icon on the upper-right corner (Android) or the lower-right corner (iOS).
Scroll down to the bottom to find the Settings & privacy menu. Tap Settings > Security and login, and select Set up two-factor authentication.

You can opt for a text message, an authenticator app, or a security key; you can also use one of these as a backup method.
On the web

Click your personal icon in the upper-right corner.
Select Settings & Privacy > Settings > Security and login.

Facebook lets you use a text message, an authenticator app, or a security key.

Under the Recommended heading, you will find Set up two-factor authentication. On the next page, click the Setup button next to Authentication app to start the process.
Note: if you scroll down in the Security and login page, you’ll find a section dedicated to two-factor authentication. It offers Use two-factor authentication (which leads to the same setup page as mentioned above) but also lets you establish Authorized logins, a list of devices where you don’t have to deal with 2FA.
Google
You can easily turn 2FA on across your Google accounts (e.g., Gmail, YouTube, or Google Maps).
On the web

Head over to your Google account page.
Click on Security > 2-Step Verification, and follow the directions.

After that, Google will first send prompts to your phone that allow you to select “Yes” or “No” when a login attempt occurs. If that doesn’t work, it will call or send a text message.
Like Apple, Google has its own 2FA system — but unlike Apple, you can use an authenticator app as a backup, alongside text, backup codes, or a security key (either a physical key or your phone). If you have an iPhone, you’ll need to install the Google Smart Lock app.

You can choose a variety of backup security methods for your Google accounts.

You can also generate backup codes for offline access. Google generates 10 codes at a time, and they’re designed to be single-use, so once you’ve successfully used one, cross it out (assuming you’ve printed them), as it will no longer work.
Instagram
Instagram added 2FA to its mobile app in 2017, but you can also activate it through the web.
On the mobile app

Tap on your profile icon in the lower-right corner and select the hamburger menu in the upper-right corner.
Select Settings > Security.
Choose the menu item for Two-factor Authentication.
Tap on the Get started button. You can toggle on one of three types: an authentication app (Instagram will either choose one that is already installed or recommend one to download); use WhatsApp to generate a login code; or use a text message.

On the web

Click on your profile icon in the upper-right corner.
Select the settings cog from the drop-down menu.

As with most other apps, Instagram lets you use either an authentication app or text messaging.

Select Privacy and Security, and scroll down to Two-Factor Authentication. You can choose either an authentication app or a text message as your 2FA method (but WhatsApp is not available on the web).
Mastodon

Mastodon doesn’t mess around with SMS; you can use an authenticator app or a security key.

If you’re a Twitter user who has moved to Mastodon — or if you’re an original Mastodon user — you can enable 2FA from the standard Mastodon web app. (Note: because the features of Mastodon can vary depending on which instance you are using, there is a possibility 2FA may not be available. Also, it will probably not be available in a mobile app, although again, that may vary.)

Access your Preferences, either by clicking the three dots opposite your personal icon or by clicking on Preferences at the bottom of the right-hand main menu.
In the left-hand menu, click on Account > Two-factor Auth.

You can enable an authenticator app or a security key. You can also generate recovery codes to hold on to in case you lose your phone.
Microsoft Windows
Log in to your Microsoft account and find the Security menu. (There are several ways to get there; click on this link for the easiest.)

You’ll find the link to establish 2FA for your Microsoft account at the top of the Security page.

You should see Two-step verification in the main header to the right of Security and Change password. If it’s not there, scroll down to the Additional security section. Look for Two-step verification, and click on the setup link.
You’ll be walked through the steps needed to use either the Microsoft Authenticator app or a different authentication app. You’ll also be able to create passwords for apps that don’t accept 2FA.
In the Additional security section, you can also make your account passwordless; in other words, you would sign in with an authentication app, Windows Hello, a security key, or SMS codes.

Nest
Current Nest users will have signed in to the app via their Google accounts and will be using Google’s 2FA feature (see above).
If you’ve resisted migrating your existing Nest account to your Google account, you are required to use 2FA — and, in fact, you were probably emailed about it as of May 2020. In the unlikely possibility that you still haven’t switched:

From the homescreen, go to Settings > Account > Manage account > Account security.
Select two-step verification, and toggle the switch on.
A series of prompts will ask for your password, phone number, and the verification code that will be sent to your phone.

Keep in mind that all of your devices will be automatically signed out, so you’ll have to sign in again using two-step verification.
If all your family members don’t have their own logins and have been using yours, it’s a good idea to set them up with separate logins using Family Accounts. Otherwise, when they try to log on using two-step verification, the necessary code will be sent to your phone, not theirs.
PayPal

On the main Summary page, click the gear icon and select the Security tab.
Look for the section called 2-step verification, and click on the Set Up link.

You’ll be able to choose whether to have a code texted to you, use an authenticator app, or use a security key. (PayPal also offers to find an authenticator app if you want one.)

PayPal offers to find you an authorization app if you don’t have one.

If you lose your phone, change numbers, or decide to revoke authorization rights, come back to this menu to make adjustments.
Ring
Ring has made 2FA mandatory. If you haven’t activated it yet (or if, for some reason, you were not asked to do so when you first installed the software), then once you’ve made sure your Ring app is up to date:

Go to your app’s Dashboard and tap on the hamburger icon (the three lines) at the top left.
Go to Control Center > Account Verification.

You can use either a text message or authentication app for your required 2FA.

You can choose to use an authenticator app or text messaging. Select the one you want to use (as always, we suggest the former), and follow the directions.
Once you use 2FA to log in, you won’t have to do so again unless you haven’t logged in for over 30 days, logged out, or deleted all your authorized devices. (Note: previously, you could also opt to have the codes sent to your email address; that is no longer available.)
Slack
To enable 2FA, you’ll first need to find the Account Settings page. There are several ways to access this:

You can click on your username or profile picture in the Slack app to open a drop-down menu, and then select Profile. Your account information will now display on the right side of the chat window.
Or, under your avatar next to the View as button, click the three-dot icon and select Account settings.
You can also head straight to my.slack.com/account/settings.
However you get there, you should immediately see the selection for Two-Factor Authentication.
Select Expand on Two-Factor Authentication and hit the Set Up Two-Factor Authentication button to verify your information via an SMS text message or authenticator app.

Like most other apps, Slack lets you use either SMS or an authentication app.

If you can’t find the option for 2FA, check whether you have a work account. Some employers may use single sign-on services that bypass the need for 2FA, which would remove this option from Slack’s account settings page.
Snapchat
From the app’s main camera screen, tap your profile icon and find the gear icon to access your settings. Select Two-Factor Authentication, and then tap Continue.

If you select Two-Factor Authentication, you’ll first get an explanation of what it is.

You can find an installed app automatically, choose one manually, or download a new one.

Choose whether to use SMS verification or an authenticator app. If you choose the latter, you can either have the app automatically hook up to an already installed authenticator app, set one up manually, or find an app.
TikTok

To set up 2FA on TikTok (in this case, we’re assuming a mobile device), tap your profile icon on the lower right, then click the three lines in the upper right of the screen.
Go to Settings and privacy > Security and look for 2-step verification.

Unfortunately, TikTok only offers to send a verification code via a text message or email.
Twitter
Using the mobile app

Tap your personal icon at the top left of the screen and select Settings & Support > Settings and privacy > Security and account access > Security.
Tap Two-factor authentication. You have the choice of using a text message, authentication key, or security key; you can also get a single-use backup code just in case.

Using the web app

Click on More in the left-hand menu.
Just as in the mobile app, go to Settings & Support > Settings and privacy > Security and account access > Security. (You can also just follow this link.)
Click on Two-factor authentication. You will get the same choices as in the mobile app.

Twitter lets you use a text message, an app, or a security key for authentication.

As with other services mentioned above, you can generate a backup code to use when you’re traveling and will be without internet or cell service. You may also see an option to create a temporary app password that you can use to log in from other devices. This can be used to log in to third-party apps if you have them linked to your Twitter account. Note that the temporary password expires one hour after being generated.
WhatsApp

Open WhatsApp and find the Settings menu under the upper-right dots icon.
Look under Account > Two-step verification > Turn on.
The app will ask you to enter a six-digit PIN to use as verification; after that, it will request it the next time you register your phone number and also every once in a while (so you don’t want to forget it). You can optionally add an email address in case you forget your PIN.

Having an email associated with your WhatsApp account is important — if you don’t have one and forget your PIN, you’ll have to wait seven days before you can reset it. In the same vein, be cautious of emails encouraging you to turn off 2FA if you didn’t request it yourself.
Did we miss your favorite apps?
For more information, check out the 2FA Directory, which categorizes and lists companies that support 2FA and gives you the option to message a company on Twitter, Facebook, or email to request that 2FA be added.
A final note: while adding 2FA is great for an extra layer of security on all your accounts, remember that you should be changing and updating your passwords regularly even with 2FA enabled just to stay in tip-top shape. If that’s not your style, you can also use a password manager to automatically take care of it for you.

Illustration by Samar Haddad / The Verge

Recently, it was announced that Twitter would only offer SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA) to its Twitter Blue members (those who are willing to pay $8 a month on Android or $11 a month on iOS). To tell you the truth, my first reaction was: just as well. If you want to use 2FA to secure your social media or another account, using text messaging is not the way to go. You’re much better off using either a third-party authenticator app or a hardware security key.

What are security keys?

Security keys, such as the ones sold by Yubico, are the safest method to use. They can connect to your system using USB-A, USB-C, Lightning, or NFC, and they’re small enough to be carried on a keychain (with the exception of Yubico’s YubiKey 5C Nano, which is so small that it’s safest when kept in your computer’s USB port). They use a variety of authentication standards: FIDO2, U2F, smart card, OTP, and OpenPGP 3.

When you insert a security key into your computer or connect one wirelessly, your browser issues a challenge to the key, which includes the domain name of the specific site you are trying to access (which prevents you from accidentally logging in to a phishing site). The key then cryptographically signs and allows the challenge, logging you in to the service.

Many sites support U2F security keys, including Twitter, Facebook, Google, Instagram, and others. The best thing to do is check the website of your security key of choice and see which services are supported — for example, here’s a link to the apps supported by YubiKeys.

What are authenticator apps?

But while physical security keys are the safest method, they are not the most convenient. If you don’t want to carry around (and possibly lose) a physical key, using an authentication app on your phone is the best way to go.

Authentication apps generate one-time numerical passcodes that change approximately every minute. When you log in to your service or app, it will ask for your authenticator code; you just open up the app to find the randomly generated code required to get past security.

Popular options include Authy, Google Authenticator, and Microsoft Authenticator. These apps mostly follow the same procedure when you’re adding a new account: you scan a QR code associated with your account, and it is saved in the app. The next time you log in to your service or app, it will ask for a numerical code; just open up the authenticator app to find the randomly generated code required to get past security.

Here is how to set up 2FA on some of the more popular online accounts. Not all of them allow for authenticator apps; in that case, we list what is available. (If you’re just interested in using an authenticator app for your Twitter account, you can go directly to this article, which gives you all the steps needed — however, just to be convenient, we’ve included Twitter with the others here.)

Note: most of the following directions are for websites; if you can use a mobile app, directions will be given for that as well.

Amazon

Log in to your Amazon account.
Hover over Accounts & Lists (in the upper-right corner) and go to Account > Login & security. (You can also simply follow this link.)
Scroll down to 2-step verification and click the Edit button. (You may be asked to reenter your password.)
Click Get Started, and Amazon will walk you through the process of registering your preferred authenticator app by syncing it through a QR code.

If you wish, you can also register a phone number to use as a backup text 2FA. Amazon also lets you opt out of 2FA for any specific devices.

Amazon lets you register your phone number for a backup text 2FA.

You can also activate 2FA on the Android and iOS Amazon apps.

Tap the person icon on the bottom (second from left).
Go to Your Account > Login & security.
The same 2-step verification selection, with the same Edit button, should be available.

Apple iOS / macOS

If you use any Apple devices, you turn on 2FA through your Apple ID — you can do it either on your mobile device or on the web. You also receive any verification codes via Apple’s system; there are no third-party authentication apps here.

A few other things to note (as detailed on Apple’s support page): if you turn on 2FA, you have two weeks to change your mind, and after that, it’s a done deal — you can’t turn it off. Once 2FA is established, then every time you sign in using your Apple ID on a new device, you’ll get a notification on a trusted device, and you’ll have to okay the sign-in. And finally, once you sign in to a device with the verification code, it will be considered a trusted device, and you won’t have to use a code again (unless you sign out, change your password, or erase the device). Finally, you’ll need a trusted phone number to establish 2FA.

iOS

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security.
Select Turn On Two-Factor Authentication, and follow the instructions.

macOS

From your Apple menu (the Apple icon in the upper-left corner), go to System Settings (or, for older macOS versions, System Preferences), then click your name (or Apple ID).

If you turned on 2FA over two weeks ago, you don’t have the option of turning it off.

Select Password & Security.
Look for Two-Factor Authentication. Select Turn On, and follow the instructions.

Dropbox

From your Dropbox homepage on the web, click your profile avatar and select Settings.
Click on the Security tab.
Find Two-Step Verification, toggle to turn the feature on, and select Get Started.

You can choose to receive 2FA through a text or your authenticator app; obviously, we recommend the latter.

Dropbox also lets you use a text or authenticator app.

Facebook

The way to access Facebook’s 2FA settings is a bit different depending on whether you’re using the mobile app or the web app (and Facebook tends to update both layouts often).

On the mobile app

Access your privacy settings by tapping your personal icon on the upper-right corner (Android) or the lower-right corner (iOS).
Scroll down to the bottom to find the Settings & privacy menu. Tap Settings > Security and login, and select Set up two-factor authentication.

You can opt for a text message, an authenticator app, or a security key; you can also use one of these as a backup method.

On the web

Click your personal icon in the upper-right corner.
Select Settings & Privacy > Settings > Security and login.

Facebook lets you use a text message, an authenticator app, or a security key.

Under the Recommended heading, you will find Set up two-factor authentication. On the next page, click the Setup button next to Authentication app to start the process.

Note: if you scroll down in the Security and login page, you’ll find a section dedicated to two-factor authentication. It offers Use two-factor authentication (which leads to the same setup page as mentioned above) but also lets you establish Authorized logins, a list of devices where you don’t have to deal with 2FA.

Google

You can easily turn 2FA on across your Google accounts (e.g., Gmail, YouTube, or Google Maps).

On the web

Head over to your Google account page.
Click on Security > 2-Step Verification, and follow the directions.

After that, Google will first send prompts to your phone that allow you to select “Yes” or “No” when a login attempt occurs. If that doesn’t work, it will call or send a text message.

Like Apple, Google has its own 2FA system — but unlike Apple, you can use an authenticator app as a backup, alongside text, backup codes, or a security key (either a physical key or your phone). If you have an iPhone, you’ll need to install the Google Smart Lock app.

You can choose a variety of backup security methods for your Google accounts.

You can also generate backup codes for offline access. Google generates 10 codes at a time, and they’re designed to be single-use, so once you’ve successfully used one, cross it out (assuming you’ve printed them), as it will no longer work.

Instagram

Instagram added 2FA to its mobile app in 2017, but you can also activate it through the web.

On the mobile app

Tap on your profile icon in the lower-right corner and select the hamburger menu in the upper-right corner.
Select Settings > Security.
Choose the menu item for Two-factor Authentication.
Tap on the Get started button. You can toggle on one of three types: an authentication app (Instagram will either choose one that is already installed or recommend one to download); use WhatsApp to generate a login code; or use a text message.

On the web

Click on your profile icon in the upper-right corner.
Select the settings cog from the drop-down menu.

As with most other apps, Instagram lets you use either an authentication app or text messaging.

Select Privacy and Security, and scroll down to Two-Factor Authentication. You can choose either an authentication app or a text message as your 2FA method (but WhatsApp is not available on the web).

Mastodon

Mastodon doesn’t mess around with SMS; you can use an authenticator app or a security key.

If you’re a Twitter user who has moved to Mastodon — or if you’re an original Mastodon user — you can enable 2FA from the standard Mastodon web app. (Note: because the features of Mastodon can vary depending on which instance you are using, there is a possibility 2FA may not be available. Also, it will probably not be available in a mobile app, although again, that may vary.)

Access your Preferences, either by clicking the three dots opposite your personal icon or by clicking on Preferences at the bottom of the right-hand main menu.
In the left-hand menu, click on Account > Two-factor Auth.

You can enable an authenticator app or a security key. You can also generate recovery codes to hold on to in case you lose your phone.

Microsoft Windows

Log in to your Microsoft account and find the Security menu. (There are several ways to get there; click on this link for the easiest.)

You’ll find the link to establish 2FA for your Microsoft account at the top of the Security page.

You should see Two-step verification in the main header to the right of Security and Change password. If it’s not there, scroll down to the Additional security section. Look for Two-step verification, and click on the setup link.
You’ll be walked through the steps needed to use either the Microsoft Authenticator app or a different authentication app. You’ll also be able to create passwords for apps that don’t accept 2FA.
In the Additional security section, you can also make your account passwordless; in other words, you would sign in with an authentication app, Windows Hello, a security key, or SMS codes.

Nest

Current Nest users will have signed in to the app via their Google accounts and will be using Google’s 2FA feature (see above).

If you’ve resisted migrating your existing Nest account to your Google account, you are required to use 2FA — and, in fact, you were probably emailed about it as of May 2020. In the unlikely possibility that you still haven’t switched:

From the homescreen, go to Settings > Account > Manage account > Account security.
Select two-step verification, and toggle the switch on.
A series of prompts will ask for your password, phone number, and the verification code that will be sent to your phone.

Keep in mind that all of your devices will be automatically signed out, so you’ll have to sign in again using two-step verification.

If all your family members don’t have their own logins and have been using yours, it’s a good idea to set them up with separate logins using Family Accounts. Otherwise, when they try to log on using two-step verification, the necessary code will be sent to your phone, not theirs.

PayPal

On the main Summary page, click the gear icon and select the Security tab.
Look for the section called 2-step verification, and click on the Set Up link.

You’ll be able to choose whether to have a code texted to you, use an authenticator app, or use a security key. (PayPal also offers to find an authenticator app if you want one.)

PayPal offers to find you an authorization app if you don’t have one.

If you lose your phone, change numbers, or decide to revoke authorization rights, come back to this menu to make adjustments.

Ring

Ring has made 2FA mandatory. If you haven’t activated it yet (or if, for some reason, you were not asked to do so when you first installed the software), then once you’ve made sure your Ring app is up to date:

Go to your app’s Dashboard and tap on the hamburger icon (the three lines) at the top left.
Go to Control Center > Account Verification.

You can use either a text message or authentication app for your required 2FA.

You can choose to use an authenticator app or text messaging. Select the one you want to use (as always, we suggest the former), and follow the directions.

Once you use 2FA to log in, you won’t have to do so again unless you haven’t logged in for over 30 days, logged out, or deleted all your authorized devices. (Note: previously, you could also opt to have the codes sent to your email address; that is no longer available.)

Slack

To enable 2FA, you’ll first need to find the Account Settings page. There are several ways to access this:

You can click on your username or profile picture in the Slack app to open a drop-down menu, and then select Profile. Your account information will now display on the right side of the chat window.
Or, under your avatar next to the View as button, click the three-dot icon and select Account settings.
You can also head straight to my.slack.com/account/settings.
However you get there, you should immediately see the selection for Two-Factor Authentication.
Select Expand on Two-Factor Authentication and hit the Set Up Two-Factor Authentication button to verify your information via an SMS text message or authenticator app.

Like most other apps, Slack lets you use either SMS or an authentication app.

If you can’t find the option for 2FA, check whether you have a work account. Some employers may use single sign-on services that bypass the need for 2FA, which would remove this option from Slack’s account settings page.

Snapchat

From the app’s main camera screen, tap your profile icon and find the gear icon to access your settings. Select Two-Factor Authentication, and then tap Continue.

If you select Two-Factor Authentication, you’ll first get an explanation of what it is.

You can find an installed app automatically, choose one manually, or download a new one.

Choose whether to use SMS verification or an authenticator app. If you choose the latter, you can either have the app automatically hook up to an already installed authenticator app, set one up manually, or find an app.

TikTok

To set up 2FA on TikTok (in this case, we’re assuming a mobile device), tap your profile icon on the lower right, then click the three lines in the upper right of the screen.
Go to Settings and privacy > Security and look for 2-step verification.

Unfortunately, TikTok only offers to send a verification code via a text message or email.

Twitter

Using the mobile app

Tap your personal icon at the top left of the screen and select Settings & Support > Settings and privacy > Security and account access > Security.
Tap Two-factor authentication. You have the choice of using a text message, authentication key, or security key; you can also get a single-use backup code just in case.

Using the web app

Click on More in the left-hand menu.
Just as in the mobile app, go to Settings & Support > Settings and privacy > Security and account access > Security. (You can also just follow this link.)
Click on Two-factor authentication. You will get the same choices as in the mobile app.

Twitter lets you use a text message, an app, or a security key for authentication.

As with other services mentioned above, you can generate a backup code to use when you’re traveling and will be without internet or cell service. You may also see an option to create a temporary app password that you can use to log in from other devices. This can be used to log in to third-party apps if you have them linked to your Twitter account. Note that the temporary password expires one hour after being generated.

WhatsApp

Open WhatsApp and find the Settings menu under the upper-right dots icon.
Look under Account > Two-step verification > Turn on.
The app will ask you to enter a six-digit PIN to use as verification; after that, it will request it the next time you register your phone number and also every once in a while (so you don’t want to forget it). You can optionally add an email address in case you forget your PIN.

Having an email associated with your WhatsApp account is important — if you don’t have one and forget your PIN, you’ll have to wait seven days before you can reset it. In the same vein, be cautious of emails encouraging you to turn off 2FA if you didn’t request it yourself.

Did we miss your favorite apps?

For more information, check out the 2FA Directory, which categorizes and lists companies that support 2FA and gives you the option to message a company on Twitter, Facebook, or email to request that 2FA be added.

A final note: while adding 2FA is great for an extra layer of security on all your accounts, remember that you should be changing and updating your passwords regularly even with 2FA enabled just to stay in tip-top shape. If that’s not your style, you can also use a password manager to automatically take care of it for you.

Read More 

Ford F-150 Lightning fire wasn’t related to a design flaw, says battery supplier

A Ford F-150 Lightning caught fire in a holding lot near the automaker’s Michigan factory. | Photo: DR/SP/Andia/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The Ford F-150 Lightning fire that broke out at a Michigan factory in early February wasn’t caused by a battery defect, according to a report from Bloomberg. In a statement to the outlet, Ford’s South Korean battery supplier SK On calls the incident a “rare” occurrence and says it’s working on a fix.
Ford abruptly halted production of its flagship electric pickup on February 4th after one of the trucks caught fire in a holding lot affiliated with its Dearborn, Michigan, factory and spread to two other vehicles. Both Ford and SK have been investigating the issue for weeks and still haven’t resumed F-150 Lightning production. SK has once again started to build batteries in its Georgia factory, however.

“We believe this was a rare occurrence, not a fundamental issue with the technology of the battery cells or our overall manufacturing systems,” SK says in a statement to Bloomberg. “Working with Ford, SK On identified the root cause of the issue and implemented measures of improvement in our processes to address the issue.”
Details about what really went wrong here are still slim. At the time of the incident, Ford spokesperson Emma Bergg told The Verge that the company doesn’t “believe F-150 Lightnings already in customers’ hands are affected by this issue.” The battery fire has only directed more criticism toward the potential quality issues at Ford, which issued more recalls than any other carmaker in America last year.

A Ford F-150 Lightning caught fire in a holding lot near the automaker’s Michigan factory. | Photo: DR/SP/Andia/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The Ford F-150 Lightning fire that broke out at a Michigan factory in early February wasn’t caused by a battery defect, according to a report from Bloomberg. In a statement to the outlet, Ford’s South Korean battery supplier SK On calls the incident a “rare” occurrence and says it’s working on a fix.

Ford abruptly halted production of its flagship electric pickup on February 4th after one of the trucks caught fire in a holding lot affiliated with its Dearborn, Michigan, factory and spread to two other vehicles. Both Ford and SK have been investigating the issue for weeks and still haven’t resumed F-150 Lightning production. SK has once again started to build batteries in its Georgia factory, however.

“We believe this was a rare occurrence, not a fundamental issue with the technology of the battery cells or our overall manufacturing systems,” SK says in a statement to Bloomberg. “Working with Ford, SK On identified the root cause of the issue and implemented measures of improvement in our processes to address the issue.”

Details about what really went wrong here are still slim. At the time of the incident, Ford spokesperson Emma Bergg told The Verge that the company doesn’t “believe F-150 Lightnings already in customers’ hands are affected by this issue.” The battery fire has only directed more criticism toward the potential quality issues at Ford, which issued more recalls than any other carmaker in America last year.

Read More 

Dealmaster: Best tablet deals for Samsung Galaxy Tab

Savings on Samsung’s slates for both new and refurbished models.

If you’re looking for a premium Android tablet, Samsung’s Galaxy Tabs are terrific options. Not only do the latest Galaxy Tab S8 models compete head to head with the rival iPad in terms of design and build quality, but Samsung’s slate also comes with a few features not available on Apple’s tablet, including a desktop DeX mode, various screen sizes and resolutions, and integration into the Samsung and Windows ecosystems.

Here are some of the best deals we’ve found for Samsung’s slate if you’re in the market for a premium, high-end Android tablet:

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra for $969 ($1,100) at AmazonThe Ultra version of Samsung’s current Galaxy Tab S8 series, with its 14.6-inch display, is one of the largest consumer tablets on the market today. While the large size may make the slate feel unwieldy to use hand-held as a tablet, it’s great for content consumption and makes photos and videos shine. And the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra isn’t just all play and no work, as the large screen makes this a perfect laptop replacement, especially when paired with the keyboard folio, to create and edit documents and spreadsheets, manipulate photos, and do Internet research. Turn on DeX desktop mode and you’ll even have moveable and resizeable desktop windows, similar to macOS and Windows. The slate comes with 128GB of storage and 8GB of memory.

Read 10 remaining paragraphs | Comments

Read More 

Just Absolutely Shocking That an Erratic Tyrant Will Fire Sycophants Too

Rebecca Bellan, reporting for TechCrunch:

Twitter has laid off more than 200 employees, according to a
report from The New York Times, Platformer and posts on
social media from former workers.

And apparently not even Elon Musk loyalist Esther Crawford, the
chief executive of Twitter payments who oversaw the company’s
Twitter Blue verification subscription, was spared, according to
Platformer’s Zoë Schiffer. Alex Heath of The Verge also
confirmed that Crawford and most of the remaining product
team were laid off this weekend, leading many to speculate that
Musk is cleaning house to redecorate with a new regime.

Recall that Crawford had been swept up by Musk’s hardcore
takeover of Twitter last year, even boasting on the
platform about sleeping at the office to handle round-the-clock
demands from her new boss.

Kudos to Crawford for not (yet?) deleting this put-it-in-the-dictionary-next-to-the-entry-for-“brown-nose” tweet.

Things are going just great for Twitter.

 ★ 

Rebecca Bellan, reporting for TechCrunch:

Twitter has laid off more than 200 employees, according to a
report from The New York Times, Platformer and posts on
social media from former workers.

And apparently not even Elon Musk loyalist Esther Crawford, the
chief executive of Twitter payments who oversaw the company’s
Twitter Blue verification subscription, was spared, according to
Platformer’s Zoë Schiffer. Alex Heath of The Verge also
confirmed
that Crawford and most of the remaining product
team were laid off this weekend, leading many to speculate that
Musk is cleaning house to redecorate with a new regime.

Recall that Crawford had been swept up by Musk’s hardcore
takeover of Twitter last year, even boasting on the
platform about sleeping at the office to handle round-the-clock
demands from her new boss.

Kudos to Crawford for not (yet?) deleting this put-it-in-the-dictionary-next-to-the-entry-for-“brown-nose” tweet.

Things are going just great for Twitter.

Read More 

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