Eliana Willis

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  • 238 Shares119 Views

    in Information Technology

    How I use this hidden Android security feature to easily turn off sensors – and where to enable it

    Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETWant to follow my work? Add ZDNET as a trusted source on Google.ZDNET’s key takeawaysIf you need a security boost on Android, add this hidden feature.Sensors Off makes it easy to shut off the camera, mic, and GPS.This feature is available for all modern Android phones.When using your Android phone, have you ever had a moment when you thought, “I could seriously use some more privacy and security?” I have. Often. You might think a VPN is enough for better security, but what if I told you that the sensors on your phone could lead to security issues? Would you still think that VPN is sufficient? Also: The best Android phones to buy in 2025Your phone sensors include the camera, microphone, and GPS, each of which can be used against you. Granted, it would require the installation of malicious software to do so, but it is possible. At the same time, when visiting websites on your phone, if those sites have permission to use any of those sensors, your privacy and security could be at stake.That’s why I’ve enabled this hidden feature on my Pixel 9 Pro. This feature is a Quick Settings tile that you can add, which, with a single tap, disables all three sensors. Prior to doing anything that needs heightened security, tap that tile and you’re good to go. When you’re done, tap the tile again, and the sensors are back on.Enable developer optionsThe first step is to enable developer options on your phone. Don’t worry, the feature is built in; it’s just hidden from view.  More

  • 175 Shares112 Views

    in Information Technology

    In the age of AI, trust has never been more important – here’s why

    Getty Images/Andriy Onufriyenko Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways AI is transforming the way humans interact with the world.  Synthetic media is eroding human trust.  Humans need to trust themselves in order to coexist with AI. This month marks exactly three years since ChatGPT was launched, and in that time, […] More

  • 175 Shares68 Views

    in Robotics

    Need to share your Wi-Fi password? Do it instantly with this simple phone trick

    If you already have an iPhone or iPad with access to the Wi-Fi network, you can connect another iPhone or iPad. To do this, make sure both devices are near each other. On the new device, head to Settings, select Wi-Fi, and then tap the name of the network to which you want to connect.The device that already has access should get a prompt asking if you want to share the password. Tap the Share Password button to send it to the other device. The new device will receive the password and automatically use it to connect to the network.Also: How to clear your iPhone cache (and fix slow performance for good)This also works with a Mac. You can use a Mac that’s already connected to Wi-Fi and share the password with an iPhone, an iPad, or another Mac. Similarly, you can share a password from an iPhone or iPad with a Mac that needs access to the network.The main limitation here is that the owners of the two devices need to be in each other’s Contacts app. Also, this option won’t work if you want to share a password from an Apple device with an Android device, or vice versa. Thankfully, there is a fairly straightforward method available to cover these other scenarios. More

  • 225 Shares81 Views

    in Robotics

    My favorite electric screwdriver of all time just got a worthy successor – and it’s already on sale

    Hoto PixelDrive cordless electric screwdriver <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways A well-built, powerful, ergonomic cordless screwdriver designed for big and small jobs The smart display is a nice touch and takes the guesswork out of knowing the torque settings and charge levels Priced at $60, it’s a fantastic tool for the price. –> Follow ZDNET: Add […] More