Robotics

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What is Advanced Protection on Android? Advanced Protection in Android 16 combines multiple security settings across six categories into one switch. Turning it on will lock certain features so they can’t be disabled individually, and it activates more protections.Also: I unlocked hidden menus on my iPhone and Android with 14 secret codesHere’s what it does, specifically, on your device, according to Google: AppsDevice safetyMessagesNetwork2G network protection: Prevents your phone from connecting to insecure 2G networks (on supported devices).PhoneWebSafe browsing: Blocks phishing and malicious websites.Chrome HTTPS enforcement: Forces HTTPS whenever possible.JavaScript protections: Disables Chrome’s JavaScript optimizer to reduce attack risks. Why isn’t Advanced Protection enabled by default? Some aspects, such as blocking sideloaded apps or automatically screening calls, may cause issues for certain users. So, it’s optional, even though it offers stronger security. Does Advanced Protection block sideloaded apps? Yes. It blocks installations from unknown sources — so you can’t sideload apps outside the Play Store while it’s enabled. Will Advanced Protection slow down my phone or make it harder to use? You won’t notice much difference. The biggest trade-offs are losing the ability to sideload apps and occasional issues with spam and call screening. What exactly happens if my phone is stolen? If your phone is stolen, Advanced Protection is helpful. It includes Theft Detection Lock, which automatically locks your phone if it’s grabbed from your hand or moved suddenly. It also has Offline Device Lock, which locks the device when it loses connection, and Inactivity Reboot, which forces a reboot if the phone stays locked for 72 hours. Do I need Google Account Advanced Protection? Separate from the device toggle, Google Account Advanced Protection secures your online account (Gmail, Drive, Docs, and more).Also: The best secure browsers for privacy in 2025: Expert testedIt’s an opt-in program that requires stronger sign-in methods, such as passkeys or physical security keys, and limits third-party access to your data. Unlike Android’s Advanced Protection, which focuses on your phone and local data, this program protects your online account and data in the cloud. For the highest level of security, especially if you’re at high risk, both are worth enabling. More

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<!–> –> When is Black Friday?  This year, Black Friday falls on Friday, Nov. 28. Cyber Monday follows shortly after on Monday, Dec. 1.  Are deals really cheaper during Black Friday?  The holiday season, including Black Friday, is generally a great time to scoop up deals on a multitude of products, including flagship tech. While […] More

Kevin Jordan/Photodisc/Getty Images Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways  AI is transforming customer experience across the enterprise. CX excellence requires seamless coordination across operations. The workforce includes agentic AIs that augment human capabilities. Last week, I spent several days in Vienna, Austria, attending the NiCE Analyst Summit 2025. The summit […] More

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Magic Leap Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Magic Leap extended its partnership with Google.  The companies showed a prototype of AR/AI smart glasses.  The collaboration merges strong features from each company. Magic Leap plans to bring its over 15 years of experience in the AR space to the booming AI […] More