Latest news with #ParentalControls
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
This Microsoft app thinks Google Chrome is NSFW (Not Safe For Windows)
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Microsoft has a long and underhanded history of trying to gently subvert users away from Google Chrome on Windows. In an effort to push the Edge web browser and its Bing search engine to Google's userbase (with all the tact of a used-car salesman), Microsoft has injected pop-up ads, tricked users with a fake Google Search page, flagged other browsers as errors that need to be fixed, and potentially broken a Chrome feature by blocking it through a system update. Oopsie. However, after years of "coincidental" issues, "unintended" behaviors, and "accidental" bugs, Microsoft may have found a way to at least cut off the youth from being indoctrinated by Google's superior search and browser... By accidentally flagging it as unsuitable using Windows 11's Family Safety feature. In yet another unlikely turn of events that seems to benefit Microsoft's Edge browser and penalize Google's Chrome, Windows 11's Family Safety feature has been effectively blocking the world's most popular browser from opening for the better part of a month under the guise of a parental control measure. The issue was first reported on June 3 to the r/Chrome subreddit by user Witty-Discount-2906, who claimed that following a crash, Chrome now "Just flashes quickly, unable to open with no error message." Some time later, another Redditor suggested it was related to Windows' Parental Controls, stating, "I've had 9 students come see the IT Desk in the last hour saying Chrome won't open." The issue was seemingly confirmed by Chrome support manager Ellen T, replying to a related post to the Google Chrome Help Community message board, stated: "Our team has investigated these reports and determined the cause of this behavior. For some users, Chrome is unable to run when Microsoft Family Safety is enabled." According to a follow-up post, Microsoft advises that parents (or IT admins in the case of our previous Reddit sleuth) seeking a solution can use the Family Safety web portal or mobile app to select their Child's (or user's) account and choose to disable "Filter inappropriate websites" under the Edge tab. However, while this will open up access to Chrome once more, it'll also open up access to all of the parts of the internet most parental controls seek to keep restricted. Alternatively, admins or parents can navigate to Windows > Apps & Games, and unblock Chrome from there. If this is a bug, it's an incredible on-brand one, and a genuine blessing. Typically, Microsoft would have to set aside engineers for weeks to plot and scheme ways to attempt to topple Chrome's popularity. This one would then have fallen into its lap for free. According to Chromium's bug tracker, the problem persists for some, though reports have slowed. One team member shares: "We've not heard anything from MSFT about a fix being rolled out. They have provided guidance to users who contact them about how to get Chrome working again, but I wouldn't think that would have a large effect." Narrowing down potentially affected users, the Chromium team member shares: "The set of Chrome users who are affected are those who turned on Web Safety under the Edge tab of the parental controls between roughly Nov 2024 and June 3rd." Whether this is a fault with Chromium or with Windows 11's Family Safety feature remains to be seen. However, Microsoft will likely not see a situation that causes Edge to appear more attractive than the competition as a high-priority issue. So while we wait for a potential fix, I wouldn't blame Microsoft for dragging its heels. Google's latest Gemini 2.5 models are its biggest response to ChatGPT yet — and they're already live My favorite AI tool just hit Google Search, and it's actually useful — try it yourself Banking Trojans have hit millions of Android devices in 2025 — here are the biggest threats and how to protect yourself
Geeky Gadgets
11-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
iPadOS 18.5 Secrets Revealed: What Apple Didn't Tell You
Apple has officially released the Release Candidate (RC) for iPadOS 18.5, marking the final stage before the public rollout. This update introduces a variety of new features, bug fixes, and performance optimizations, making it a significant upgrade for iPad users. If your device is compatible with iPadOS 18, this release is worth exploring for its enhancements and refinements. Below is a detailed breakdown of what this update brings to the table in a new video from Zollotech. Watch this video on YouTube. Key Features and Enhancements The iPadOS 18.5 RC focuses on improving usability, security, and functionality, addressing user feedback while refining the overall experience. Here are the standout updates included in this release: Screen Time Alerts: Parents now receive notifications if children attempt to bypass their Screen Time passcode. This enhancement strengthens parental controls and ensures better monitoring of device usage. Parents now receive notifications if children attempt to bypass their Screen Time passcode. This enhancement strengthens parental controls and ensures better monitoring of device usage. Cross-Device Purchase Confirmation: Users can now approve purchases on third-party devices through the TV app, streamlining transactions across Apple's ecosystem and enhancing convenience. Users can now approve purchases on third-party devices through the TV app, streamlining transactions across Apple's ecosystem and enhancing convenience. Cellular Technology Updates: The update introduces several advancements in cellular connectivity: RCS messaging support for Geo users in India, improving communication options. 5G standalone support for Airtel users, allowing faster and more reliable network performance. Emergency SOS via satellite for users in the UK, enhancing safety features in critical situations. The update introduces several advancements in cellular connectivity: Animated Pride Wallpaper: A new animated wallpaper celebrates inclusivity and diversity, aligning with Apple's ongoing commitment to social responsibility. A new animated wallpaper celebrates inclusivity and diversity, aligning with Apple's ongoing commitment to social responsibility. Mail App Enhancements: The Mail app now includes priority settings and contact photo options, along with improved category views for easier navigation and organization. The Mail app now includes priority settings and contact photo options, along with improved category views for easier navigation and organization. Settings Improvements: Warranty details are now accessible under the 'About' section, simplifying the process of tracking device coverage and support options. Warranty details are now accessible under the 'About' section, simplifying the process of tracking device coverage and support options. News App Update: A new recipe catalog splash screen offers a fresh and engaging way to explore content within the app. A new recipe catalog splash screen offers a fresh and engaging way to explore content within the app. Music App Upgrade: A Shazam-powered viral music chart highlights trending tracks, updated daily to keep users informed of the latest hits. Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements Apple has addressed several issues in this release, making sure a smoother and more reliable user experience. The following fixes and improvements are included: Apple Vision Pro Compatibility: Improved compatibility with Apple Vision Pro apps ensures seamless integration with Apple's expanding ecosystem. Improved compatibility with Apple Vision Pro apps ensures seamless integration with Apple's expanding ecosystem. Siri and Story Kit Enhancements: Siri responsiveness has been enhanced, and Story Kit functionality has been refined for better performance. Siri responsiveness has been enhanced, and Story Kit functionality has been refined for better performance. HVF-Related Fixes: Resolutions to HVF-related issues contribute to improved system stability and reliability. Although Apple has not yet disclosed specific security updates, the company continues to prioritize user safety and data protection. Performance benchmarks indicate consistent results, with no significant changes in speed or heat management, making sure a stable experience. Battery Life and Performance Metrics Battery performance remains a critical focus in iPadOS 18.5, with testing revealing consistent and reliable results. Key metrics include: Battery Health: Devices show a battery health of 98% after 154 charge cycles, reflecting minimal degradation over time. Devices show a battery health of 98% after 154 charge cycles, reflecting minimal degradation over time. Screen-On Time: An average screen-on time of approximately six hours under typical usage conditions ensures dependable performance for daily tasks. An average screen-on time of approximately six hours under typical usage conditions ensures dependable performance for daily tasks. Benchmark Scores: Devices achieve scores of 3,711 (single-core) and 14,463 (multi-core), consistent with previous updates and indicative of stable performance. These metrics demonstrate that the update maintains a balance between power efficiency and performance, making sure reliability for both casual and intensive usage scenarios. What's Next? The iPadOS 18.5 RC sets the stage for future updates, with several developments anticipated in the near future. Here's what users can expect: Accessibility Features: Apple is expected to announce new accessibility tools on May 15, 2025, furthering its commitment to inclusivity and user-friendly design. Apple is expected to announce new accessibility tools on May 15, 2025, furthering its commitment to inclusivity and user-friendly design. iPadOS 18.6 Beta: The next beta version is likely to follow shortly after the public release of iPadOS 18.5, offering additional refinements and features. The next beta version is likely to follow shortly after the public release of iPadOS 18.5, offering additional refinements and features. iPadOS 19 Preview: The next major update is expected to debut at WWDC 2025 in June, promising more substantial innovations and enhancements. The iPadOS 18.5 RC represents a thoughtful blend of new features, refinements, and fixes, enhancing the overall user experience. From improved parental controls to advanced cellular technology, this update reflects Apple's dedication to continuous improvement and user satisfaction. As the public release approaches, users can look forward to a stable and feature-rich operating system designed to meet their evolving needs. Here are more guides from our previous articles and guides related to iPadOS 18.5 Release Candidate that you may find helpful. Source & Image Credit: zollotech Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPad, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
