D&D Direct 2022: All the news from Dungeons & Dragons’ live event
Wizards of the Coast holds its first D&D Direct, a digital presentation illuminating all things coming to Dungeons & Dragons in 2022 and beyond, on Thursday. The publisher of the original role-playing game promises exclusive reveals, not just about the core tabletop role-playing game, but media-wide: books, film and television, video games, and beyond.
If you can’t watch live, keep up with the latest news from D&D Direct 2022 in Polygon’s StoryStream below. You can also watch a replay of the event, via YouTube, when it concludes.
Research shows how some apps keep tracking users despite new iOS privacy features
Since App Tracking Transparency was introduced last year with iOS 14. 5, every iPhone and iPad app now has to ask users whether they want to be tracked or not. However, some developers have figured out new ways to keep tracking iOS users even when they opt out of being tracked by third-party apps.
A new independent research (via Ars Technica) has revealed how these developers have been bypassing the new iOS privacy features to identify and track users even when they don’t want to. App Tracking Transparency, or ATT, is a good idea. However there are loopholes in it that allow apps to silently gather data about the device.
The researchers analyzed nine iOS apps that use server-side code to generate a user identifier even when App Tracking is disabled. This code appears to have been provided by Alibaba’s subsidiary, which can track it across all apps. Advertising companies can still target specific users with this code.
In total, the research compared 1,759 apps before and after ATT was released for iOS users. Although a quarter of these apps claim that they do not collect any user data, 80% of them still contain at least one tracking library.
Our findings show that even larger tracking companies have the ability to track their users in secret, particularly if they have access to large amounts of first-party data. They can do this through a range of methods, including using IP addresses to link installation-specific IDs across apps and through the sign-in functionality provided by individual apps (e.g. Google or Facebook sign-in, or email address).
9to5Mac’s Take
Despite all the evidence, App Tracking Transparency does not disappear. The changes in Apple’s privacy policies have in fact made it more difficult for developers to track users, and they can no longer get the same amount of data as they could before ATT even by using workarounds.
ATT remains one of the best features ever introduced to iOS, and Apple will surely make it even better every year.
Read also:
Number of users opting in to App Tracking on iOS grows significantly since last year
Why doesn’t Apple Music on iOS have crossfade, but the Android app does?
Some of Apple’s services are available on other platforms such as Windows and Android, but usually the company keeps some features restricted to its own devices. However, when it comes to Apple Music, it’s quite the opposite. The Android version seems to have more features than on iOS. Why doesn’t Apple Music on iOS have crossfade, but the Android app does?
To put some context into this article, I recently decided to give the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 a try after years of using iPhone. But since I’m not replacing the iPhone as my primary phone, I still subscribe to Apple One, which means Apple Music is still my primary music streaming service.
I was a bit afraid about what to expect from the Apple Music experience on Android – after all, we all know that using Apple Music on Windows is a nightmare. Luckily, everything works quite well. I haven’t had any issues other than those I also have using Apple Music on iOS – like having to constantly confirm that I allow explicit songs on my device.
But here’s where things start to get interesting. In some cases, it seems that the Apple Music app for Android has more features than the iOS app, which is a native app with access to all of the iOS private APIs.
One thing I immediately noticed is that Apple Music on Android comes with crossfade enabled by default. For those unfamiliar, crossfade enables a smooth transition between one song and another, which creates an effect similar to that used by DJs to always have something playing, avoiding silence when a song ends.
Personally, I really enjoyed listening to songs with crossfade enabled, so I looked for this option in iOS. It turns out that it doesn’t exist there.
There’s more missing in Apple Music on iOS
However, this is only one of the features missing from Apple Music on iOS when compared to the Android app. As 9to5Mac‘s Chance Miller wrote earlier this month, Apple Music on Android was updated in 2020 with “gapless playback,” which is also a technique for eliminating silence between tracks – but without the crossfade effect. Guess what? That feature was never added to iOS.
As I looked deeper into the Apple Music app settings on Android, I also found an option to force the app to update album and playlist artworks, as well as easy access to content restriction options. None of this is available on iOS.
It’s great to see an Apple app like Apple Music on other platforms. But in what world does adding exclusive features to competing platforms make any sense? Why are these features not available for iOS users?
And last but not least, I still insist that Apple should provide standalone updates for native iOS apps. iPhone and iPad users have to wait a whole year until the next major iOS release to get some new features in apps like Apple Music, while Android apps (including native ones) can be updated at any time.
Come on, Apple. You can do better than that.
Read also:
Hands-on: This is what it’s like using Apple Music on Samsung’s Galaxy S21+
Apple strikes a deal with BOE for iPhone 14 screens
Apple struck a deal with Chinese display maker BOE, industry insiders revealed. The contract is worth CNY50 million and is for 25% of OLED displays, designated for the vanilla iPhone 14 smartphone. BOE will provide only 6.1” panels, meaning the bigger iPhone 14 Max and the iPhone Pro duo will still exclusively use screens, manufactured by LG and Samsung.
This is the first time BOE will be providing panels for current-generation iPhones, Chinese media sources pointed out. The display maker has been manufacturing replacement versions, as well as panels for previous-gen iPhones.
This information comes only weeks after reports from South Korea that BOE is also preparing to supply OLED panels for future iPads and Macbooks. In order to meet Apple’s needs for future contracts, BOE will expand its B16 plant in Sichuan and will equip it with the appropriate power, needed to yield the required number of OLEDs panels.
The report also reminded BOE had its best year since it started working on such panels. Annual results revealed BOE pushed nearly 60 million OLEDs, which is a 60% increase, boosting the company to the top spot in China, and second in the world after the undisputed leader Samsung.
Digimon Survive will finally see the light of day this summer. The tactical RPG based off the nostalgic digital monster franchise popularized in the ’90s and early 2000s is scheduled to be released July 29 after several delays over the years. Kazumasa habu, the game producer, provided the video upgrade . This updated date was made public.
An RPG strategy game developed by Witchcraft and published by Bandai Namco, Digimon Survive, will feature turn-based strategic combat inbetween story beats. It features anime-inspired sequences, and familiar monsters such as Agumon return. (You know, that orange dinosaur-looking guy!)
Digimon Survive has been a long time coming. The game was first announced to celebrate the franchise’s 20th anniversary in 2018. Back then, it was expected to be release sometime in 2019. However, in the following year the game was delayed to 2020 and then thrice delayed to 2021. As you might have noticed, it’s 2022 now (it got delayed for a fourth time), so it sure did take its sweet time coming out. But hey, better late than never!
But even with an official release date, poor Agumon can’t seem to catch a break. As it turns out, Nintendo pushed up the release of its next big RPG, Xenoblade Chronicles 3,to July 29 and it just so happens to be the same day as Digimon Survive.
Ongoing Apple Pay outage affects Mastercard credit and debit card users [U: Fixed]
Outages in Apple’s online services are not unusual, but this one is rather peculiar. Some users may not be able to add their Mastercard credit and debit cards to Apple Pay on Wednesday, according to Apple. The company says there’s an ongoing outage in its payment system, but it seems to only affect Mastercard users.
Update: Apple says all issues have now been fixed and users should be able to add their cards to Apple Pay. You can read the original article below.
The outage was confirmed by Apple on the company’s System Status webpage, where users can find details about all of Apple’s online services. There, Apple says that the outage on the Apple Pay platform began around 3:54 a.m. PT. The situation was briefly fixed at 1:23 p.m. PT, but the outage again affected Apple Pay users at 2:10 p.m. PT.
Apple clarifies that only some users have been affected by the outage – more specifically, Mastercard credit and debit card holders.
Some users are affected. Mastercard card holders may not be able to add cards in Apple Pay.
Interestingly, the outage comes on the day Apple is rolling out Enhanced Fraud Prevention for Visa credit and debit cards on Apple Pay.
Despite what Apple says, it’s unclear whether today’s outage is also affecting other parts of Apple Pay, such as NFC and online payments. Let us know in the comments below if Apple Pay is working as expected for you today.
Read also:
iOS 15.5 beta 2 hints at Apple Pay support for Bancomat and Bancontact networks
Apple to rebrand iTunes Pass in Wallet app with iOS 15.5
Duracell Power Banks look like bigger than usual battery cells
Battery capacities of smartphones and other mobile devices may be getting bigger, but there are times when they are not enough. Low battery levels are often caused by long usage hours and the many apps that run in the background. There are many ways to improve battery life, or you can simply charge it.
Duracell is a brand known for disposable batteries. The company is now expanding its product range to include rechargeable power packs (or power banks). Although power banks may not be obsolete, we know that people use them less now because of quick charging.
Duracell has tapped Studio Volpi to work on design options for power packs. Because there’s still demand, Duracell is one of the leading manufacturers of disposable batteries. The people at Duracell already know battery technology, but they know others can do it better when it comes to product design. So studio Volpi has been tasked to design the product so it won’t look like the usual power banks available in the market.
Studio Volpi was given the freedom to develop Duracell power banks and explore many possible designs. The brand’s history is still defined by the three final designs. Duracell and Studio Volpi are deviating from the usual look of power banks. Common power banks are primarily sleek and shiny, but the Duracell Powerbanks are different. There are four products available: the Duracell Powerbank 3350 mAh, Duracell Powerbank 6700 mAh, Duracell Powerbank 10050 mAh, and the Duracell Powerbank 20100 mAh.
The powerbanks have different capacities and charge power. The smallest model can charge a phone once, while the 6700mAH version can charge a regular smartphone twice. You can use the 10050mAh to fully charge a smartphone up to three times. The biggest model can offer up to six times charging on average.
Their sizes differ with the smallest capacity, reminding you of a AAA Duracell battery. The next size looks like a 9V battery with a rectangular shape. The other two look almost the same but appear longer.
All power banks offer fast charging and universal compatibility. Pre-charged, they are ready for use right out of the package. Duracell Powerbanks will suffice. Dual Charge technology allows you to charge both the phone and your power bank at once. In addition, the LED lights can tell you the status or energy level of the power bank.
The best Xbox and PC games in Microsoft’s Spring Sale
Throughout April, Microsoft’s Spring Sale has offered a slew of discounts on games for Windows PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and Xbox 360. Now that the sale is ending later today, we’re doing one last roundup of some of our favorite titles across every Microsoft platform.
The phenomenal metroidvania Ori and the Will of the Wispsis steeply discounted; The Witcher 3: Wild Huntis a borderline steal; there’s even a bundle with Resident Evil 7: Biohazardand last year’s excellent Resident Evil Villagecoming in at 35% off. We’ve selected our top picks from hundreds of listings across all platforms.
If you missed the sale, or aren’t able to find the right game for your needs, there’s a rotating selection of top games available on Microsoft’s Game Pass.
OlliOlli World(Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — $23. 99, (Windows PC) — $9. 89
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard/Resident Evil Villagebundle (Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — $51. 99
Marvel‘s Guardians of the Galaxy(Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Windows PC) — $29. 99
Control: Ultimate Edition (Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — $11. 99
Remnant: From the Ashes — Complete Edition (Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Windows PC) — $24. 99
Dishonored & Prey: The Arkane Collection (Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — $39. 99
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt(Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — $7. 99
Batman: Arkham Collection(Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — $8. 99
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night(Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — $15. 99
Dead by Daylight: Ultimate Edition (Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — $48. 99
Desperados 3 Deluxe Edition (Xbox One, Xbox Series X) — $24. 49
Forza Horizon 5(Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Windows PC) — $50. 99
Life Is Strange: True Colors(Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Windows PC) — $29. 99
Psychonauts 2(Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Windows PC) — $35. 99
Scarlet Nexus(Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Windows PC) — $29. 99
Yakuza: Like a Dragon(Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Windows PC) — $29. 99
Apple MagSafe Battery Pack can now charge your iPhone faster – Here’s how to update
Apple released a new version 2.7 firmware update for its MagSafe Battery Pack that will charge your iPhone faster. It now offers 7.5W charging on the go, compared to only 5W before the update.
In order to get 7.5W charging on the go, update your MagSafe Battery Pack to the latest firmware. The firmware update begins automatically after you attach your battery pack to your iPhone. The firmware update can take about one week.
While taking a week to update is quite long, there is a faster way to update.
To update the firmware using a Mac or iPad, plug one end of a Lightning to USB cable into the Lightning connector on your battery pack, and the other end into your Mac or iPad. The firmware update will take about 5 minutes.
The MagSafe Battery Pack is compatible with the iPhone 12 and 13 lineups. Released in July of 2021, it hasn’t been one of Apple’s most well-liked accessories. With its thick size, iPhone users were disappointed it could only charge at 5W. However, it’s been a bit popular with iPhone 12 Mini users as the biggest complaint about that device was its short battery life. Overall, it’s still faster to charge using the good ‘ole 20W power adapter, but the MagSafe Battery Pack a nice choice for users on the go.
You can find your current firmware version by going to your iPhone Settings, then General, About, MagSafe Battery Pack.
Apple details how Google Workspace will integrate with Apple Business Manager
A few weeks ago, Apple announced it would integrate Apple Business Essentials with Google Workspace. Now, the Cupertino company has offered new details into how the Google Workspace integration will work within Apple Business Manager.
Apple Business Essentials was launched in November last year. It is a subscription-based service that serves small business owners in the US. The service combines device management, 24/7 support from Apple, iCloud storage, and even AppleCare+. It’s a simpler way for businesses to manage all their Apple devices.
Employees sign in using an Apple ID Managed to access their work account. After they have signed in they’ll be able to access everything that they require to work, such as the Apple Business Essentials app where they can get their favorite apps.
The Google Workspace integration will make cloud identity management easier for organisations without an IT department. Although the process was tedious in the past it is now much simpler.
Managed Apple IDs can be created by federating with Microsoft Azure Active Directory and, coming later this spring, with Google Workspace identity services, allowing employees to log in to their device with a single business username and password. Apple Business Essentials works with company-provided and personally owned devices, and with Apple’s User Enrollment feature, employees’ personal information stays private and cryptographically separated from work data
How to configure the authentication process
The Administrator or People Manager must first sign in to Apple Business Manager. Next to the name of account holder, click Preferences and then Accounts. Next to Federation, click Edit, Google Workspace, then Connect. After entering your Google Workspace administrator details, click “Sign In with Google”.
How to turn on federated authentication
Federated authentication must be turned on before synching with Google Workspace. Sign in as Administrator or People Manager and click the accountholder’s name. Click Preferences, Accounts and then Edit in the Domains section. Turn on federated authentication for each domain successfully added to the organization’s Apple Business Manager.
According to Apple it might take some time for each account to be updated. Additional details about the Google Workspace integration can be found on Apple’s Support site ..
