How to Secure Your Smartphone's App Permissions: Tips and Tricks

Smartphones have become an essential part of our daily lives. We use them for communication, entertainment, online shopping, and even for conducting business. With the increasing usage of smartphones, the security of personal data and information has become a major concern. One of the ways to ensure the security of personal data is by securing app permissions on smartphones. In this article, we will discuss some tips and tricks to secure your smartphone's app permissions.

What are App Permissions?

App permissions are the access requests made by applications installed on your smartphone to access certain features, data or functions of your phone, such as your camera, microphone, contacts, location, and more. App permissions are usually granted when you install an app, and the app prompts you to give permission to access certain features. By giving app permissions, you are allowing the app to access your personal data and information. While some apps require access to certain features to function properly, others may use the data for malicious purposes.

Why is it important to secure App Permissions?

Securing app permissions is important to protect your personal data and information from being misused. By granting permissions to an app, you are giving access to your phone's data and features, which can be used to track your location, record your conversations, or access your contacts, among others. If this data falls into the wrong hands, it can be used for identity theft, fraud, or other criminal activities. Hence, it is essential to secure app permissions to ensure the safety and security of your personal data.

Tips and Tricks to Secure Your Smartphone's App Permissions

1. Check App Permissions

One of the best ways to secure app permissions is by checking the permissions of the apps installed on your smartphone. You can do this by going to your phone's settings and then to the App Manager or Application Manager. Here, you will find a list of all the apps installed on your phone along with their permissions. Check which apps have access to sensitive data, such as your location, camera, or microphone, and revoke the permissions of apps that do not require such access.

2. Install Apps from Trusted Sources

Another way to ensure the security of app permissions is by downloading apps only from trusted sources, such as the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. These stores have strict policies for app developers, and they ensure that the apps are safe and secure. On the other hand, downloading apps from unknown sources can be risky, as they may contain malware or spyware that can harm your phone and steal your personal data.

3. Keep Your Phone Updated

Keeping your phone's operating system updated is another way to secure app permissions. Software updates usually come with security patches that fix known vulnerabilities and bugs that can be exploited by hackers to gain unauthorized access to your phone's data. Hence, it is important to regularly update your phone's operating system to ensure the security of your personal data.

4. Use App Permissions Managers

App permissions managers are third-party apps that can help you manage and secure app permissions. These apps can provide you with a detailed list of the permissions granted to each app and allow you to revoke permissions that you don't want to grant. Some popular app permissions managers include App Ops, Permission Manager, and Bouncer.

5. Be Cautious While Granting Permissions

When installing an app, it is essential to read the permission requests carefully before granting them. If an app requests permission to access features that are not required for its functionality, it is better to deny those permissions. For instance, a flashlight app should not require access to your contacts or messages, so it is better to avoid granting such permissions.

6. Use VPN

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can also help you secure app permissions. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, making it difficult for hackers to access your personal data. By using a VPN, you can also bypass location-based restrictions and access restricted content on the internet.

Conclusion

Securing app permissions on your smartphone is essential to protect your personal data and information from being misused. By following the tips and tricks discussed in this article, you can ensure the security of your personal data and enjoy a safe and secure smartphone experience. Remember to regularly check app permissions, install apps from trusted sources, keep your phone updated, use app permissions managers, be cautious while granting permissions, and use a VPN for added security.

References:

• Techlicious
• Verizon
• Kaspersky

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purposes only. The actual images used may differ from the ones shown.

Microsoft Surface Duo 2 runs Windows 11 thanks to the efforts of a talented developer

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Qualcomm has been designing laptop processors for always-on Windows on Arm ultraportables for quite some time. But we had no idea that some third-party developers would be one step ahead of Microsoft in reaping the benefits of Windows on Arm-powered devices. For example, Gustave Monce aka XDA Senior Member gus33000 previously coaxed Windows 11 to run on the original Surface Duo, but now he has ported Microsoft's latest operating system to the Surface Duo 2.

Related: Microsoft Debuts 5G Duo Android Phone

Monce demonstrated Windows 11 booted to the desktop and partially working on a Microsoft Surface Duo 2 in a series of tweets and replies. It should be noted, however, that the majority of the device's core components are inoperable. While the display panel is operational, the OS currently recognizes only one of the eight cores of the underlying Snapdragon 888 SoC.

This is Windows on Surface Duo 2 as it currently stands. (Snapdragon 888 device). Windows sort of boots up, with only one cpu core. UFS works and can display something on the left. This is really it for now. And there are still a ton of issues to tackle. pic.twitter.com/WfDwPs7RHI

— Gustave Monce (@gus33000) October 9, 2022

Gustave and other WOA Project contributors added preliminary support for the device in the open source Windows UEFI firmware bootstrapper project SurfaceDuoPkg back in August, laying the groundwork for booting an alternative OS on the second-generation Surface Duo. While Monce did not reveal any details about the installation process, the prospect of a full-fledged instance of Windows running on a Microsoft smartphone is enticing for anyone who is interested in either Android smartphones or Windows, or both.

If you're feeling brave, you can install this port after unlocking the bootloader on both the European and US variants of the Microsoft Surface Duo 2. Keep in mind that the kernel in Windows 11 will attempt to read an unsupported register on this device during bootup, so it is best to wait for the additional patches before attempting to install it on your own to avoid unforeseen errors. This, of course, comes with the risk of bricking your phone or worse.

It's always entertaining to see operating systems running on devices they weren't designed for. Some may find it almost poetic that Microsoft is struggling to release Android 12L for the Surface Duo family — a task that will take more than seven months to complete at this point.

Reference: SurfaceDuoPkg GitHub Repo, Gustave Monce on Twitter

Microsoft Debuts 5G Duo Android Phone

With a new design, an external display, and a triple camera module, the Microsoft Surface Duo 2 fixes issues from the first iteration.

Microsoft will unveil its second-generation Surface Duo smartphone today at the Surface hardware event. Microsoft appears to have addressed many of the issues with the original Surface Duo from a year ago with the Surface Duo 2, including the addition of 5G connectivity. In fact, it gives the first smartphone the appearance of a prototype.

When the first Surface Duo was released, there was a unified opinion about the device. The hardware design and construction were stunning, but there were obvious compromises. The camera, large bezels, and some software quirks that did not feel ready were all issues that were difficult to overlook.

As a result, the Surface Duo was most likely not a smartphone for the average user. Microsoft's new Surface Duo 2 addresses the majority, if not all, of the issues. Before we get into those changes, it's worth noting that the Duo is still running on Android and connects to Windows 11 via the Your Phone app.

Improvements

It's probably best to start with the design to see what's different here. Because this was one of the original Surface Duo's selling points, Microsoft has opted for more subtle changes. With rounded corners and glass finishes, the design is softer and more subtle. Unlike the Surface Duo 2, which was only available in grey a year ago, the Surface Duo 2 will be available in black as well.

On the outside, Microsoft has focused on one vexing aspect of the Surface Duo's user experience: the lack of an outside screen. Because Samsung's Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 devices have outside screens, it's clear that people who own folding phones want information on an outside display rather than having to open their phone every time.

Microsoft isn't entirely sold on the idea, but the Duo 2 makes some inroads. The Surface Duo Glance bar, which sits on the outside of the hinge, was designed by the company. While it is not a notification hub, it does display the number of calls and messages you have received, as well as the time and battery life.

I'm not sure why this couldn't be a full notification ticker, and perhaps it will be in the future. For the time being, it is a small step in the right direction... and it does appear to be very cool. In terms of the hinge, it has been improved this year, so the Duo will once again have the best hinge mechanism in the tech world.

Camera

On to the camera, which was easily one of the most problematic aspects of the original Duo. It simply felt like an afterthought, a single primary lens that wasn't up to the Duo's flagship standards. Microsoft addresses this with the Surface Duo 2, which includes a trip camera module with a wide-angle lens, an ultra-wide lens, and a telephoto lens.

I doubt the Duo 2 will become the best smartphone photography experience overnight, but it is a significant improvement.

There are still bezels around the two 4-inch screens on the inside, but they have been reduced. Microsoft has also curved the screen near the hinge, giving the impression that the two screens are connected. The Surface Duo display stretched to 8.2-inches when both 90Hz screens were used.

While I will need to get my hands on it to be certain, there are signs that Microsoft may also resolve some software issues. The Surface Duo 2 should run smoothly thanks to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 CPU, avoiding the slow app transitions between screens that plagued the first device.

As far as second-generation upgrades go, the Surface Duo 2 is quite impressive. The Duo 2, like all new Surface devices announced today, will be available on October 5 alongside Windows 11.

The Best Smartphones for Video Editing: A Comparison

In today's world, smartphones have become a crucial tool in our daily lives. We use them for communication, entertainment, social networking, and even for creating and editing videos. With the increasing popularity of platforms such as TikTok and Instagram Reels, the demand for smartphones that are optimized for video editing has also risen.

Not all smartphones are created equal when it comes to video editing capabilities. Some devices have better cameras, while others have powerful processors and software that allow for advanced editing features. In this article, we will compare some of the best smartphones for video editing in 2023, based on their camera quality, processing power, and editing software.

1. iPhone 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 13 Pro Max is one of the most popular smartphones for video editing, and for good reason. It has a 6.7-inch OLED display that provides excellent color accuracy and contrast, making it easier to edit footage on the go. The camera system on the iPhone 13 Pro Max is also impressive, with a triple-lens setup that includes a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 12MP wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens. The device is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, which provides lightning-fast processing speeds and allows for seamless multitasking.

The iPhone 13 Pro Max also features Apple's advanced video editing software, which includes features such as cinematic mode, ProRes video recording, and Dolby Vision HDR. These features allow for professional-level video editing capabilities, making the iPhone 13 Pro Max an ideal choice for content creators, filmmakers, and videographers.

2. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is another smartphone that is known for its excellent video editing capabilities. It features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display that provides vivid colors and excellent viewing angles. The camera system on the Galaxy S21 Ultra is also impressive, with a quad-lens setup that includes a 108MP wide lens, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 10MP periscope telephoto lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens. The device is powered by the Exynos 2100 processor, which provides fast processing speeds and efficient battery life.

The Galaxy S21 Ultra also features Samsung's advanced video editing software, which includes features such as Director's View, Single Take, and Super Slow-mo. These features allow for advanced video editing capabilities, making the Galaxy S21 Ultra an ideal choice for videographers, YouTubers, and social media content creators.

3. Google Pixel 6 Pro

The Google Pixel 6 Pro is a relatively new addition to the smartphone market, but it has quickly gained popularity among content creators and video editors. It features a 6.7-inch OLED display that provides excellent color accuracy and sharpness. The camera system on the Pixel 6 Pro is also impressive, with a dual-lens setup that includes a 50MP wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. The device is powered by the Google Tensor chip, which provides fast processing speeds and efficient battery life.

The Pixel 6 Pro also features Google's advanced video editing software, which includes features such as Magic Eraser, Motion Mode, and Live Translate. These features allow for advanced video editing capabilities, making the Pixel 6 Pro an ideal choice for vloggers, social media content creators, and amateur filmmakers.

4. Sony Xperia 1 III

The Sony Xperia 1 III is a high-end smartphone that is designed for multimedia enthusiasts and professionals. It features a 6.5-inch 4K OLED display that provides excellent color accuracy and sharpness, making it easier to edit footage on the go. The camera system on the Xperia 1 III is also impressive, with a triple-lens setup that includes a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 12MP wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens. The device is powered by the Snapdragon 888 processor, which provides fast processing speeds and efficient battery life.

The Xperia 1 III also features Sony's advanced video editing software, which includes features such as Cinema Pro, Slow-motion video, and 4K HDR recording. These features allow for professional-level video editing capabilities, making the Xperia 1 III an ideal choice for filmmakers, videographers, and content creators.

5. OnePlus 9 Pro

The OnePlus 9 Pro is a flagship smartphone that offers excellent video editing capabilities. It features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display that provides excellent color accuracy and brightness. The camera system on the OnePlus 9 Pro is also impressive, with a quad-lens setup that includes a 48MP wide lens, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, an 8MP telephoto lens, and a 2MP monochrome lens. The device is powered by the Snapdragon 888 processor, which provides fast processing speeds and efficient battery life.

The OnePlus 9 Pro also features advanced video editing software, which includes features such as Nightscape Video, UltraShot HDR, and Super Stable Video. These features allow for advanced video editing capabilities, making the OnePlus 9 Pro an ideal choice for content creators, vloggers, and social media influencers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the iPhone 13 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Google Pixel 6 Pro, Sony Xperia 1 III, and OnePlus 9 Pro are some of the best smartphones for video editing in 2023. Each of these devices offers excellent camera quality, processing power, and advanced video editing software. Depending on your budget and specific needs, any of these smartphones can be a great choice for video editing on-the-go. It's important to consider factors such as display quality, camera performance, and software capabilities when choosing a smartphone for video editing. By choosing one of these smartphones, you can create professional-quality videos without the need for expensive equipment or software.

Reference:

• Apple. (2022). iPhone 13 Pro Max. https://www.apple.com/iphone-13-pro/
• Samsung. (2022). Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-s21-ultra-5g/
• Google. (2022). Pixel 6 Pro. https://store.google.com/us/product/pixel_6_pro
• Sony. (2022). Xperia 1 III. https://www.sony.com/electronics/smartphones/xperia-1m3
• OnePlus. (2022). OnePlus 9 Pro. https://www.oneplus.com/9-pro

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purposes only. The sources of the images are search engines and the URLs are valid as of the knowledge cutoff date of September 2021.