Networking

Kerry Wan/ZDNETApple is one step closer to making messaging via satellite a reality.The tech giant confirmed earlier this week that the ability to send messages via satellite is coming to iOS 18. The feature will allow users to send messages, emojis, and rich content like photos and videos, even when they don’t have access to a Wi-Fi or wireless network. Apple said that satellite messaging will also work with Tapbacks and all content shared via satellite will come with end-to-end encryption.Also: Every iPhone model that can be updated to Apple’s iOS 18 (and which ones can’t)However, not everyone will be able to take advantage of satellite messaging when iOS 18 launches. In a footnote on its iOS 18 page, Apple confirmed that the feature is only available to iPhone 14 models or later, so those users with older iPhones won’t be able to use satellite messaging at all.Apple has been offering emergency SOS features via satellite since the iPhone 14 launched in 2022. Users can call and message other users in an emergency situation.  Monday’s move means Apple is expanding the ability to message via satellite regardless of whether users are in an emergency situation. More

Getty Images/SOPA Images/Contributor When you think of email service providers, Gmail and Outlook likely come to mind first, as the glory days of AOL and Yahoo are long gone. However, Yahoo Mail is alive, freshly redesigned, and still kicking.  On Tuesday, Yahoo Mail rolled out a redesign dubbed “one of the most significant updates to […] More

Thanasis/Getty Images I often have to find the IP address of a machine I’m working on (or need to work on). Sometimes, I need to unblock an IP address of a machine on my network, so the machine can reach a network share I’ve created (or get past SSH firewall rules). Or maybe I need […] More

Apple Apple is one step closer to making messaging via satellite a reality. The tech giant confirmed on Monday that the ability to send messages via satellite is coming to iOS 18. The feature will allow users to send messages, emojis, and rich content like photos and videos, even when they don’t have access to a Wi-Fi […] More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETApple appears to be future-proofing its new iPads and Macs: Many — but not necessarily all — devices launched since September 2023 have Thread radios built in. Apple hasn’t confirmed this or added the information to the devices’ specifications, but FCC reports confirm the presence of these smart home radios in several iPads and Macs.The catch? Apple hasn’t made official announcements about it, and it doesn’t appear that these devices can function as Thread border routers yet. However, the fact that the capability is there indicates that Apple could enable these radios in future updates, making iPads and Macs ready to function as Thread border routers.Also: 10 iPad tips and settings every Apple newbie and pro needs to knowWhen Apple launched the iPhone 15 lineup last fall, it announced that the 15 Pro and 15 Pro models have a Thread radio. Aside from the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, here’s a list of the Apple devices with Thread radios launched as of September 2023:iPads with a Thread radio:Macs with a Thread radio:If and when Apple enables these radios in iPads and Macs, these devices could use the Thread protocol to connect smart home devices as well as peripherals with low-power and low-latency connection requirements, like the Apple Watch, AirTags, keyboards, and mice.  More

nensuria/Getty Images The DNS, or Domain Name System, acts as a phone book for the internet to convert between IP address and domain name. By default, your Windows computer uses whatever DNS server is set up by your internet provider. But you don’t have to stick with that server.  Why would you want to change […] More

Jack Wallen/ZDNETVPNs are all about security. They protect your privacy online and mask your IP address. For example, when your phone is connected to a public network, such as in a coffee shop, and you need to log in to your bank account or some other service that carries sensitive data, you’ll want as much privacy and security as possible. That’s where a VPN comes in.One thing to keep in mind, however, is that a VPN is not a guaranteed way of protecting your privacy. Even though your real IP address is spoofed, there are other ways of tracking you, such as web browser fingerprinting. Any tracking service that doesn’t rely on location can still track you.The best VPN services (and how to choose the right one for you)However, and this is the important part, most good VPNs encrypt your network traffic, making it harder for ne’er do wells to read your data. If you transmit unencrypted data, anyone with the right skills can intercept that information without jumping through many hoops. The ‘hoops’ put up by a VPN are crucial for your data privacy and security. More

Anadolu/Getty Images Have you ever wanted to save an image from a webpage, only to find that the format it suggests is one you’ve never heard of? While JPG, GIF, and PNG are all standard and simple-to-use formats, Google has shifted the Chrome browser to save image files in the WebP format.  Also: The best […] More